The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the CopPhil Programme brought together representatives from 16 government agencies and organizations on 12 August, during Philippine Space Week, to strengthen collaboration between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) on Earth observation (EO).  

Held under the theme “Navigating Tomorrow,” the interagency workshop, “Strengthening EU-Philippines Earth Observation Collaboration: Lessons from CopPhil Towards PhilSA’s Co-Development Framework,” provided a platform for government users to identify their operational needs and explore how EO data, services, and technologies can support their work. 

The workshop highlighted the CopPhil Mirror Site and its EO services, including applications for ground motion, land cover, forest, crop, and benthic habitat monitoring. It also showcased opportunities for capacity-building and co-development, drawing on the experience of the EU-supported CopPhil programme. 

Casper Fibaek, CopPhil Programme Manager emphasized the importance of mainstreaming and increasing the uptake of Earth observation across government, ensuring EO data becomes a practical tool for planning, monitoring, and decision-making. 

PhilSA likewise presented its data and services, including its processes for data requests and service delivery and opportunities to co-develop specific or novel services with users. 

Participants then took part in breakout requirements-gathering sessions with CopPhil and PhilSA representatives. Organized around relevant EO themes, the discussions focused on  operational challenges, existing data sources, information requirements, and potential applications of EO to support public service delivery. 

“For Earth observation to create public value, services must be fit for purpose and aligned with the actual workflows of government agencies. This engagement allows us to define requirements with users and translate space data into operational solutions,” said Mark Edwin A. Tupas, Dr. Techn., Director IV of Space Information Infrastructure Bureau, PhilSA 

The insights gathered will contribute to PhilSA’s initiatives to develop a co-development framework for EO solutions, with user requirements helping shape the development of data, services, and applications that respond to actual needs across government. 

By bringing together international partners and Filipino EO users, the workshop strengthens the foundation for more responsive and collaborative space-enabled services, helping the Philippines make better use of Earth observation as it navigates tomorrow.