The Philippine Space Agency conducted the PINAS (PhilSA Integrated Network for Space-enabled Actions toward Sustainability) Workshop in Ilocos from 23 to 24 November 2022 at the Teatro Ilocandia, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. Participants from local government units (LGUs), regional government agencies, and MMSU joined the two-day workshop that included lectures on space data and its applications, value creation in space, remote sensing, mission design and overview of satellite development, and the importance of field data. During the workshop, participants were tasked to map and examine the environmental challenges. A hands-on session on field data collection using the Open Data Kit (ODK) application was conducted to capacitate the participants to collect and upload field data through their mobile devices for validation of satellite data.

Batac City Mayor Albert D. Chua, during his welcome remarks, highlighted how space data can assist with decision-making, policy formulation, disaster response and mitigation, and local development. Dr. Shirley A. Agrupis, MMSU President, recognized the importance of the workshop as part of their continuing commitment to secure a sustainable future through utilizing space data, complemented with on-ground data for intelligent decision-making. Ilocos is seen to immensely benefit from space data to aid in agriculture as it is primarily an agricultural region, Atty. Pancho Jose, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor, Province of Ilocos Norte said as he discussed the issues and challenges faced by the region.

Officially launched on 06 October 2022, the PINAS Project aims to be an active network of institutions and individuals collaborating toward sustainability using space data. It also envisions a network empowered through space data mobilization, utilizing the full value chain of space data. The project has conducted workshops in Iloilo City, Iloilo, and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. 

Learn more about PINAS  here https://philsa.gov.ph/pinas/ and #JoinTheMission here https://bit.ly/joinpinas. 

Check out the highlights below: 

Participants of the PINAS Workshop in Ilocos

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) President, Dr. Shirley A. Agrupis, welcomed the participants and recognized the importance of the PINAS Project in helping their continued commitment to a sustainable future.\

Hon. Albert D. Chua, Mayor of the City of Batac, highlighted the importance of the PINAS Workshop in Ilocos as it can assist with decision-making, policy formulation, disaster response and mitigation, and local development.

Atty. Pancho Jose, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor, Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, talked about the challenges and issues faced by the region, and how space data can be mobilized to address these, especially in the agriculture sector.

[L-R] PINAS Project Leader Ms. Jamaica Pangasinan, PhilSA Director Ariel C. Blanco, PhilSA Deputy Director General Gay Jane P. Perez, Hon. Albert D Chua, Dr. Shirley A. Agrupis, Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyong of MMSU, and Atty. Pancho Jose

DDG Gay Jane P Perez introduced PhilSA and its role as the central government agency addressing all national issues and activities related to space science and technology applications.

PINAS Project Leader Ms. Jamaica Pangasinan discussed the objectives of the PINAS Project and how it aims to help LGUs, national government agencies, research and development institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the academe.

During the first day of the workshop, participants identified the problems and challenges in their area, the efforts and plans to address these, sites of interest, and opportunities for capacity building and networking.

PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr. opened Day 2 of the PINAS Workshop with a presentation on the value creation in space.

Hands-on session using the Open Data Kit (ODK) application. Through ODK, anyone can collect and upload field data via their mobile devices for validation of satellite data.