The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) conducted the PhilSA Integrated Network for Space-Enabled Actions towards Sustainability, or the PINAS Workshop, in Zamboanga City from 19 to 20 March 2024 in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU).
The first day of the workshop featured technical presentations on the Philippine water sector; the Mindanao Water Supply Program implemented by MinDA; water resource conservation, utilization, and management; and space data applications.
During the second day of the workshop, participants were tasked to map and examine the challenges encountered in their areas, along with identifying the corresponding actions needed to address them. A hands-on session on field data collection using the ODK Collect application was conducted to capacitate the participants to collect and upload field data through their mobile devices for validation of satellite data. Additional topics on remote sensing, the Space Data Dashboard, the value of field data, and the Mangrove Validation Map were also discussed.
The collaboration with MinDA is a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both agencies formalized last 08 August 2023. A key area of collaboration is the establishment of PINAS Mindanao to highlight the relevance of geospatial data in local government policymaking, planning, and monitoring.
Launched in October 2022, PINAS envisions an active network of institutions and individuals working together toward sustainability using space data. Workshops have been held in Iloilo City, Palawan, Ilocos Region, Aklan, Mindoro, and Davao. Interested individuals and organizations may #JoinTheMission of PINAS here.