PHILIPPINES is gearing higher to explore what really are in space. So that whatever available resources, can be managed productively, with the creation of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) under the new law, Republic Act 11363 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 8, 2019.
The main objective of this new agency is to plan, develop and promote the national space program within the bounds of the country’s space policy. Among them is a wide-ranging space research and development for possible space industry, space education and awareness with the aid of the new technology that can be developed for the national security and climate studies.
PhilSA research facilities and main headquarters will be erected in a 30-hectare land at Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga; and new jobs will also be available for the various divisions within the agency.
Concomitant to the creation of this new government agency, another cabinet position will be opened hopefully not only to the retired AFP and PNP generals but to whoever holds ample knowledge that is competent enough to provide the expected deliverables.
The law also required the creation of Philippine Space Council (PSC), as the principal advisory body to integrate the policies, programs and resources. The members of the council include secretaries from national defense, finance, foreign affairs, agriculture, environment, trade and information.
With the creation of this new agency and its advisory council, we hope Tesda and CHEd will explore opportunities and challenge the educational institutions to offer new techvoc and engineering degrees, focused on science and technology with a specialization in space studies. Doing so, the country will not rely human resources from foreign countries to man our facilities neither to hold supervisory positions in the agency.
PhilSA is a light of hope in the Philippine skies. Its creation is well-intentioned, timely and indispensable. History told us that every new program of the government is a fresher and greener ground for corruption. May the fledgling PhilSA will not find itself as an addend in the long queue of corrupt government agencies.