The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) conducted a three-day capacity-building program for the Province of Marinduque from 02 to 04 June 2026, equipping local officials with skills to harness satellite data for planning and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). 

Personnel from provincial and municipal planning development and DRRM offices participated in the training, which covered the fundamentals of Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) applications. Participants gained hands-on experience in processing and analyzing geospatial and satellite-derived datasets that will be utilized in the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) and Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA).   

The training was conducted as the 2nd phase of the PhilSA Integrated Network for Space Enabled Actions Towards Sustainability or PINAS project following previous engagements with Marinduque PDRRMO.  

PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D. expressed her support as the Province of Marinduque integrates actionable information from space data into key planning documents related to disaster management. As a training partner, DOST MIMAROPA Regional Director, Dr. Bernardo Sepeda highlighted the significance of inter-agency collaboration to enhance local planning and disaster preparedness.    

Utilizing EO data, the training mainly focused on flood mapping applications. Participants worked with pre- and post-event satellite imagery, learning image interpretation techniques, and spectral index applications to identify and delineate flooded areas. These skills enable rapid damage assessment, improved situational awareness, and more effective disaster response planning. 

Building on this, flood impact assessment methods were also introduced. These integrated satellite-derived flood extent maps with exposure data including administrative boundaries, population distribution, infrastructure locations, and land-use information. Through practical exercises, participants were able to estimate affected areas, identify vulnerable areas, and support critical response. 

Other applications of EO data in land-use planning and local development programs were also discussed, reinforcing how space technology can strengthen evidence-based governance at the provincial and municipal levels.