Philippines Senate approves creation of space agency

Manila: The Senate of the Philippines has approved the creation of a space agency in the country, state media reported.

The senate unanimously passed Bill 1983, which aims to establish a space development policy and create the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).

Senator Benigno Aquino IV, author and sponsor of the measure, said the launch of a space program in the Philippines would give Filipinos a new perspective and valuable insights that could help solve some of the country's biggest problems.

"Satellites can improve disaster management, from providing accurate information that allow early warnings and predicting of disasters to reliable and quick communication during relief and recovery operations," Aquino said.

He said space technology could also enhance production and profitability of agribusinesses due to soil and weather monitoring and assessment.

It could help conserve and preserve the environment, improve urban planning, transportation and communication networks.

Aquino expressed hope that the proposed legislation would propel the Philippines to be space-capable in the next decade.

If enacted into law, the space policy, as stated in the bill, would serve as the country's strategic roadmap for space development.

Under the bill, initial funding for the space program will be taken from the current fiscal year's appropriation of the Office of the President.

The amount for the subsequent operation and maintenance of the PhilSA will be included in the General Appropriations Act.

According to the bill, the PhilSA office and its research facilities will be housed in at least 30 hectares of land under the administration of the BCDA within the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga and Tarlac.

Additional areas for research and launch sites will also be developed in the future.