The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), together with the Permanent Mission of the Philippines in Vienna, participated in the 62nd Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) held in Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria, from 03 to 14 February 2025.
PhilSA Space Science Missions Bureau Director Dr. Reinabelle C. Reyes and PhilSA Space International Cooperation Division Chief Mr. Kritzman G. Caballero delivered national statements during the STSC UN COPUOS session.
62ND SESSION OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON THE PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE
PHILIPPINE STATEMENT
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3 “GENERAL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS AND INTRODUCTION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED ON NATIONAL ACTIVITIES”
delivered by
DR. REINABELLE C. REYES
DIRECTOR IV
SPACE SCIENCE MISSIONS BUREAU
PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PhilSA)
Thank you, Madam Chair.
On behalf of the Philippine delegation, we would like to commend and express our appreciation for your continued leadership, Madame Chair Ulpia-Elena Botezatu of Romania, on this year’s 62nd session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC), truly your indispensable guidance brought success on the previous session. We also would like to express our appreciation to Director Aarti Holla-Maini for her excellent leadership. Rest assured that we are in full support of the current session’s conduct. We welcome Latvia and Djibouti as new additions to the growing members of the Committee.
Madam Chair,
The Philippines remains steadfast in adhering to the rules, regulations, and commitments enshrined in the UN Outer Space treaties. We welcome the inclusion of Action 56 in the Pact for the Future that promises to strengthen international cooperation in outer space. The Philippines will continue to contribute to further advancement of space science and technology applications along with the collective effort to establish an efficient global space governance.
During the 61st session of the STSC, the delegation of Romania proposed for the establishment of a consultative mechanism to collectively address the increasing interest on lunar and cislunar activities in the future. Madam Chair, we wish to assure you of the Philippine’s readiness to contribute to the work of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation (ATLAC). We have already identified four (4) representatives to impart their expertise in the work of the Action Team. We wish to congratulate Romania and Pakistan for their nomination as Co-chairs of the Action Team.
The Philippines continues to pursue the advancement of our local space sector through research and development, and international cooperation. As a nascent spacefaring nation, we are optimistic with the trajectory of our space ecosystem and development. We highlight the potential in realizing the space value chain to create socio-economic benefits.
We would like to share that we have unveiled the Copernicus Mirror Site and conducted a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue for the regionalization of Copernicus, and Copernicus for Business in October 2024 as part of the National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines (CopPhil).
The Philippines commits to continue its participation in the international space activities. We would like to share the successful convening of the Space Law Technical
Advisory Mission (TAM) in the Philippines in November last year led by UNOOSA, which featured expert-led lectures and scenario-based exercises designed to enhance capacity in space law and policy, as well as in national legislation supporting outer space activities. We extend our appreciation to UNOOSA and to the Government of Japan for their full support.
Madam Chair,
The Philippines also shares that it recently has inked partnerships with the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) and the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) in 2024 signifying strong bilateral relations and mutual interests in the promotion of peaceful uses of outer space.
In May 2024, the United States and the Philippines held the inaugural bilateral space dialogue in Washington D.C., to strengthen cooperation and advance exchanges in civil space matters, including the use of space for maritime domain awareness and space situational awareness. It represents an expansion of U.S.-Philippines cooperation into outer space, including the use of space-based Earth observation satellite data for a wide variety of socio-economic applications. As a key outcome of the dialogue, we are co-organizing the Land Cover and Land Use Changes (LCLUC) in Southeast Asia-Regional Environmental Impacts and Synthesis Meeting with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) next week in Iloilo City, Philippines.
We look forward to expanding international cooperation as we sustain the momentum and strengthen our position as a reliable partner and a key player in the Southeast Asian region.
We strongly believe that we should continue to look at regional and international cooperation as a platform in achieving the vision of the global space community. We are pleased to announce that we are hosting the 31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) that will be held on November 2025, in Cebu, Philippines.
We look forward to the discussions on the proposed United Nations Conference on Peaceful Exploration of Outer Space (UNISPACE IV). The objectives and agenda of UNISPACE IV should be inclusive and results-oriented, taking into account the interests and concerns of developing countries.
In closing, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment and adherence to the LTS Guidelines. We will actively continue activities on enhancing policy and regulatory frameworks, ensure safety of space operations, maximize international cooperation benefits, promote intensive capacity development to reinforce our domestic space workforce, and fortify our space research and development.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
62ND SESSION OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON THE PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE
PHILIPPINE STATEMENT
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4 “SPACE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: TECHNOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME ON SPACE APPLICATIONS”
delivered by
DR. REINABELLE C. REYES
DIRECTOR IV
SPACE SCIENCE MISSIONS BUREAU
PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PhilSA)
Thank you, Chair.
The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) requires a holistic multi-stakeholder approach that harnesses the transformative power of technology. Space applications – such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Earth observation– are increasingly recognized as critical enablers of sustainable development, offering innovative solutions to global challenges.
As space technology evolves, its role in achieving SDG targets must be actively promoted to ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and long-term sustainability. Expanding connectivity is fundamental to fostering education, economic resilience, and disaster preparedness. Recognizing this, the Philippines is working to enhance digital access for remote and underserved communities, enabling e-learning and lifelong learning opportunities. By investing in future generations of scientists, engineers, and decision-makers, we contribute to a global space sector that is inclusive, knowledge-driven, and sustainable.
To promote space science education, we have organized Space Science Camps across multiple high schools and collaborated with the Department of Education to integrate space science into learning standards. We have also hosted the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Technical Commission V on Education and Outreach Midterm Symposium, facilitating knowledge exchange on geospatial technologies under the theme “Insights to Foresights via Geospatial Technologies.”
Madam Chair and distinguished delegates,
Recognizing the need for global talent development, we actively promote space-related scholarships, such as the Fulbright-PhilSA Program Award in Space Science, Technology, and Applications (SSTA) and the Advance Degrees for Accelerating Strategic Space R&D and Applications (AD ASTRA) Scholarship. These initiatives aim to strengthen the global pool of experts in nanosatellite technology, remote sensing, and space research.
Beyond capacity-building, space applications continue to drive sustainable solutions. In 2024 alone, we generated 13,400 maps using remote sensing to support agriculture, fisheries, water resource management, infrastructure monitoring, and air quality assessment. Through the PhilSA Integrated Network for Space-Enabled Actions towards Sustainability (PINAS) project, we provide open-access space
data to local communities, reinforcing the role of space in evidence-based policymaking and disaster risk reduction.
International collaboration remains a key pillar of our approach. We recently convened the UN/Philippines Workshop on the Applications of GNSS, in partnership with UNOOSA and the International Committee on GNSS, reinforcing our commitment to advancing global cooperation in space applications. Additionally, we have successfully completed the installation of four air pollution monitoring instruments under the Pan-Asia Partnership for Geospatial Air Pollution Information Project (PAPGAPI-PAN), supporting regional climate resilience in partnership with the Republic of Korea and UNESCAP.
The National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines (CopPhil), launched in October 2024 with support from the European Union, enhances our capabilities in satellite-based environmental monitoring. By expanding access to Sentinel satellite imagery across Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific, we contribute to regional efforts in climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable resource management.
Space data is also integral to global climate action. As part of the Space Climate Observatory (SCO), we are advancing drought early warning systems and hazard assessment tools through the DEWS-PH and NOAH projects, supporting climate adaptation strategies in vulnerable regions. The outcomes of the UN Climate Change Conference 29 (COP29) reaffirm the necessity of space technologies in climate finance and disaster response. The recent Host Country Agreement (HCA) for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FrLD) highlights the importance of geospatial data in assessing climate-induced damage and mobilizing international support.
In closing, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening international cooperation in space science, technology transfer, and data sharing. By fostering partnerships and leveraging space applications for the common good, we aim to ensure that space remains a force for sustainable development, benefiting present and future generations alike.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
PhilSA Space Science Missions Bureau Director Dr. Reinabelle C. Reyes delivering the Philippines’ Statements on Agenda
62ND SESSION OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON THE PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE
PHILIPPINE STATEMENT
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6 “SPACE-SYSTEM-BASED DISASTER MANAGEMENT SUPPORT”
delivered by
KRITZMAN G. CABALLERO
CHIEF SCIENCE RESEARCH SPECIALIST
SPACE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION DIVISION
PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PhilSA)
Thank you, Madam Chair.
The Philippines recognizes the vital role that international cooperation plays in enhancing disaster management through the use of space data— enabling informed decision-making, swift response, and successful recovery efforts. The Philippines has demonstrated firm commitment, together with our partners, through various activities in this domain.
The Philippines is committed to uphold and implement international treaty obligations, for example, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The Philippines has made significant progress in the implementation of the framework but recognizes the need to strengthen local disaster risk reduction.
The Philippines will continue to work with the international community in utilizing space application for disaster risk management. Last year, the Philippines hosted the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in October 2024 in Manila, which resulted in reaffirming ASEAN’s strong commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Sendai Framework. During the APMCDRR, we conducted the “Strengthening ASEAN Disaster Risk Management by Harnessing Copernicus Data” side event, which aimed to raise awareness on Earth observation satellite data for DRM in the Philippines.
As member of Sentinel Asia, the Philippines successfully hosted the 9th Joint Project Team Meeting (JPTM) of Sentinel Asia. This event highlighted the significance of space technology in disaster preparedness and response by bringing together various stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss innovative disaster management strategies. We express our appreciation to the government of Japan and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for its leadership in Sentinel Asia. PhilSA remains committed to contributing to this initiative, which facilitates the near-real-time sharing of disaster information across the Asia-Pacific region.
We acknowledge that the Philippines and the European Union’s convergence on several agreements have provided useful tools for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. Through initiatives like the National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines (CopPhil), methodologies can be shared, localized, and adapted across the country with the goal to expand in the ASEAN region. This kind of information exchange boosts innovation and makes space data more useful for climate adaptation initiatives.
Madam Chair,
In the latter half of 2024, the Philippines experienced an unusual typhoon season, with six typhoons that affected the country within a span of 30 days. These typhoons caused widespread flooding across multiple regions, inflicted severe damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and resulted in economic losses. Extreme weather events also caused the sinking of several ships, leading to significant oil spills in Manila Bay. Through the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem and the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, we were able to access valuable satellite images and products, enabling us to provide timely information to relevant groups responding to these disasters.
Drought is a recurring issue in the Philippines, often associated with the El Niño phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). During late 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, a strong El Niño event significantly impacted the agricultural sector, leading to water shortages and reduced productivity in crop yields. In response, the Philippines implemented the B-SPARED: Drought project, focusing on anticipatory action for agricultural drought. PhilSA provided technical support to the project through generation of satellite-based agricultural drought maps, enabling assessment of drought conditions and determining the appropriate timing for activating specific anticipatory actions.
Madam Chair and distinguished delegates,
We strive to support other government agencies, as well as the private sector, in the utilization of space data and information. During the 2024 Philippine Space Week celebration, we launched the Space Data Dashboard, a platform where space data is presented through an intuitive and user-friendly interface with free download capability for hazard and climate-related outputs. We are also pleased to share that we have successfully completed the pilot implementation of our Training Course on Downstream Data Utilization designed for Filipino educators, researchers, and professionals in November 2024. This, along with other training programs conducted has totaled of 140,648 person-hours of training, strengthening capacity on digital imaging processing, spatial data models and analysis, and map validation.
In closing, as the Philippines remains one of the most at-risk and vulnerable countries to extreme natural events, we recognize the urgency of a prevention-focused, forward-looking, and multilateral approach in reducing disaster risks, and the invaluable application of space technology for disaster risk management, response, and climate action.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
62ND SESSION OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON THE PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE
PHILIPPINE STATEMENT
AGENDA ITEM NO. 10 “LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF OUTER SPACE ACTIVITIES”
delivered by
KRITZMAN G. CABALLERO
CHIEF SCIENCE RESEARCH SPECIALIST
SPACE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION DIVISION
PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY (PhilSA)
Thank you, Madame Chair.
The Philippine Space Act defines an effective national legal framework for supporting the development and implementation of safe, responsible, and sustainable national space activities for the Philippines.
In our efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability in outer space, the Philippine Space Act mandates compliance to the UN Outer Space Treaties. Our accession to the Registration Convention reinforces our stance as a responsible spacefaring nation and further develops cooperation together with and among space actors. Having concerted efforts to abide by and with the existing regimes in outer space prevents disruption and instabilities of the global space ecosystem. To date, the country has already ratified and/or acceded to the Moon Agreement and the Registration Convention, and we are working towards the ratification of the rest of the UN Outer Space treaties.
We firmly believe that becoming an official party to the Registration Convention aligns with the timely adoption of the Pact for the Future. We welcome the vision of the Pact—a bold and renewed global commitment to the UN and a modernized multilateral system that is responsive and action-driven in addressing the present and future challenges of our planet.
On governing outer space, Action 56 of the Pact underscores the need to strengthen existing framework and establish new mechanisms for space traffic, space debris, and space resources. As the Philippines advances its space capabilities, fosters space development, and seeks to create value within the space ecosystem, we recognize the importance of a global governance framework that is sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with the common good. We advocate for a system that remains relevant, transparent, and accountable to future generations, ensuring responsible and equitable use of outer space.
Madam Chair and distinguished colleagues,
At the international level, the LTS Guidelines recognizes the need to identify the general context of and modalities for states to remain committed to enforce rules for space activities, covering safe space operations, international cooperation, capacity-building and awareness, and scientific and technical research and development. While the Guidelines provide a compendium of internationally recognized measures for safe space operations, the Philippines leverages bilateral exchanges and cooperation dialogues with other states. In May 2024, the inaugural United States and Philippines Space Dialogue served as a platform to promote cooperation in civil space matters. In
particular, it focused on utilizing space for maritime domain awareness and space situational awareness.
The Philippines continues to have an active participation in regional platforms, such as the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), ASEAN Sub-Committee on Space Technology and Applications (ASEAN SCOSA), and the Regional Space Applications Programme of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). These platforms provide us with an opportunity to exchange technical, scientific, and policy know how as well as establish international cooperation. For example, in ASEAN SCOSA, we are working with Thailand and all ASEAN Member States on space situational awareness and space traffic management. We will be setting up a Steering Committee and Expert Committee and the Philippines will act as Secretariat in this regard. This initiative brings forth regional cooperation and supports the principles of the LTS Guidelines.
PhilSA also conducted book reading activities within the country and distributed copies of our children’s book on outer space treaties, “Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!” (Tala and Her Journey into Space). We are also grateful for the support from the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Manila who partnered with PhilSA for a book reading session to students. We look forward to more activities with other countries in this regard.
Madam Chair,
In closing, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment and adherence to the LTS Guidelines. We will remain to actively continue the activities on enhancing policy and regulatory framework, ensure safety of space operations, maximize international cooperation benefits, promote intensive capacity development to reinforce domestic space workforce, and fortify our space research and development.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
PhilSA Space International Cooperation Division Chief Mr. Kritzman G. Caballero delivering the Philippines’ Statements on Agenda No. 6 and Agenda No. 10