Members of the Filipino community in Prague (seated Left to Right) Philippine Space Agency Deputy Director General for Space Science and Technology Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D., NASA-Earth Sciences Division Senior Scientist Josefino C. Comiso, Ph.D., and Chargé d’affaires Indhira C. Bañares−PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY
CZECH REPUBLIC
An Afternoon introducing the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in Prague Text by Rebecca Urbančík Garcia
I
had the pleasure of attending an introductory town hall meeting to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), hosted by the Philippine Embassy at Kavarna U Zvonu of the Stone Bell House in Prague on 18 September 2022. Members of the Filipino community in Prague warmly welcomed Deputy Director General for Space Science and Technology, Gay Jane P. Perez and Roots&Wings
NASA-Earth Sciences Division Senior Scientist Josefino C. Comiso, Ph.D., expressing their interest and support of PhilSA’s programs and activities. Dr. Perez was in Prague to attend the First Joint Council and Presidents’ Meeting of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. The two-day meeting took place at the Czech Technical University (CTU).
So what is PhilSA? The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is the central government agency addressing all national issues and activities related to space and technology applications. It was created under Republic Act. No. 11363 or the Philippine Space Act. PhilSA is an attached agency of the Office of the President, for policy and program coordination - ensuring alignment in national policies and priorities. During the town hall meeting, Dr. Perez presented the structure and mission of PhilSA as well as the developments in the agency’s space science and technology applications. Some of the key development areas include: National Security & Development and Hazard Management & Climate Studies through Space Data Mobilization - Using space technologies, PhilSA contributes to the surveillance, assessment, and monitoring of national security areas. PhilSA also monitors natural resources, air and water quality through integrated satellite-derived and ground-based data. Space Research & Development and Space Industry & Capacity Building through the B3iS (Build, Build, Build in Space) Program B3iS supports PhilSA’s mandate on space research and development and space industry capacity building, such as satellite development, missions, and the introduc-
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