Marcos: Space science crucial to advancing climate resilience

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the vital role of space science and technology in advancing climate resilience, disaster response, and sustainable development as he addressed the 31st Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu.

“Space must serve the people,” Marcos told delegates, urging them to share expertise, engage in meaningful dialogue, and implement responsible space strategies that benefit the Asia-Pacific region. 

He emphasized that space exploration directly affects and transforms the lives of people, reinforcing the need for collaboration across nations.

Marking the Philippines’ second time hosting APRSAF after 2016, Marcos said the forum demonstrates the country’s growing role and commitment to regional space development.

Under the theme, “Empowering the Region through Space Ecosystem in Action,” APRSAF-31 focuses on discussions about capability enhancement, space exploration, and industry growth.

“By expanding space science and technology and ensuring that outer space remains a domain of responsible stewardship, we translate our shared commitment into action,” the President said.

Highlighting the region’s vulnerability, Marcos noted that the Philippines lies along the Pacific typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire, enduring an average of 19 to 20 tropical cyclones and roughly 20 recorded earthquakes each year. He stressed that space science can help improve governance, protect the environment, and promote inclusive development.

Marcos acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in organizing the event.

He praised PhilSA’s six-year track record in disaster risk mitigation, noting its role in providing satellite data to national and local governments, researchers, and the private sector.

The President expressed excitement over the near completion of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, which will be the Philippines’ largest earth observation satellite. 

He also highlighted the Copernicus Data Centre, launched last year in partnership with the European Commission, as the first Copernicus Earth Observation data storage and processing facility in Asia.

“Through its pilot services, we bring data into the hands of Filipino experts and decision-makers,” Marcos said, noting its importance in supporting disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

The four-day forum, held from 18 to 21 November, brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from over 40 countries to discuss space-driven solutions and strengthen regional cooperation. 

Established in 1993, APRSAF is the largest space-related conference in the Asia-Pacific, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and collaborative space activities that benefit communities across the region.