Manila—The Philippines is increasingly utilizing space technology to bolster its environmental protection and improve climate resilience, amid growing challenges such as severe typhoons, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) highlighted in a Facebook post on Friday that space technology plays a crucial role in monitoring and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), which was established in 2019 under the Philippine Space Act (RA 11363), is central to these efforts. “The use of satellites like Diwata-1 and Diwata-2, along with the Copernicus program launched under the EU Earth Observation initiative, are paving the way for these efforts,” the CCC noted.
Diwata-1, the nation’s first microsatellite, was launched into space in 2016 and is equipped with three optical instruments for scientific earth observation, including assessing damage from natural disasters. Its successor, Diwata-2, launched in 2018, continues this work with improved capabilities such as an Enhanced Resolution Camera (ERC) that aids in pansharpening images and serves as an alternative communication mode for emergency responses.
Both satellites are integral to monitoring deforestation and tracking weather patterns, crucial for the country’s climate observation strategies. The Copernicus program also plays a key role by expanding access to valuable global data which enhances the country’s environmental monitoring capabilities.
Furthermore, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently announced the upcoming 2025 launch of the Filipino-made Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, developed by 16 Filipino engineers. This satellite aims to advance data collection in critical areas such as typhoon tracking, drought monitoring, and coastal degradation, thereby enabling more effective responses to natural calamities.
The Philippines’ engagement with international space organizations like NASA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the European Space Agency (ESA) enhances its capabilities in climate adaptation efforts globally. These collaborations facilitate the sharing of space-derived data, crucial for crafting robust climate policies both domestically and internationally.
This commitment to utilizing space technology for environmental and climate resilience aligns with the celebration of World Space Week, underscoring the significance of space exploration in improving terrestrial life and fostering sustainable development.