The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) conducted the PhilSA Integrated Network for Space-Enabled Actions towards Sustainability, or the PINAS Workshop, in Davao City from 21 to 22 November 2023 in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
This 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.
Honorable Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte of Davao City, in his message of support delivered by PhilSA Director Ariel C. Blanco, recognized that space data will aid the development of effective policies and action plans for a well-rounded and sustainable development.
MinDA Assistant Secretary Romero Montenegro, during his welcome remarks and keynote message, presented the ongoing initiatives and programs for Mindanao and highlighted the potential of space-enabled solutions in facilitating the planning and implementation of measurable and scalable programs across various sectors.
PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Ph.D. presented “Yamang Kalawakan,” or the available space capabilities, resources, and infrastructure accessible for utilization and benefit of the FIlipino people. He also highlighted PhilSA’s mission to create value in space for Filipinos and underscored the role of the PINAS Project in providing space data to communities during his keynote presentation.
[L-R MinDA Director Joey E. Recimilla, PhilSA Director Ariel C. Blanco, PhilSA Director General Marciano, and MinDA Asec Montenegro]MinDA and PhilSA officials led the signing of the statement of support to establish PINAS Mindanao
PhilSA and MinDA officials with the representatives of various agencies and offices during the signing of the statement of support
A statement of support signed by the PINAS Workshop participants representing various regional government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the academe was enacted to signify commitment to establish PINAS Mindanao, an active network committed to the accelerated and socioeconomic development of the region through space data and information.
During the two-day workshop, technical presentations covered applications of space data, the PhilSA DATOS Project, the PhilSA Space Data Dashboard, the value of field data, and drone applications and image processing.
Participants were tasked to map and examine the challenges encountered in their areas, along with identifying the corresponding actions needed to address them. Afterward, a hands-on session on field data collection using the Open Data Kit (ODK) was conducted to capacitate the participants to collect and upload field data through their mobile devices for validation of satellite data.
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, and Mindoro. Interested individuals and organizations may #JoinTheMission of PINAS here.
PhilSA Space Information Infrastructure Bureau Director Ariel C. Blanco delivers a presentation on utilizing images from space to provide actionable information.
Project Leader, Ms. Princess Angela Young presents the PINAS Project.
MinDA Director Joey E. Recimilla of the Policy Formulation, Planning and Project Development Office, presented the use cases of satellite data in Mindanao.
Participants map existing challenges faced by their communities during the workshop.