House approves the creation of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, has approved a bill that will create the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) that will support the development of space technology and applications.

House Bill No. 8541, also known as the Philippine Space Development Act, aims to support the development of space technology and applications for the country’s national security and for the benefit of Filipinos. It will also create a coherent and unified strategy for space development and utilization in order to keep abreast with trends in space science and technology.

The bill will also create The Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy which will serve as the country’s primary strategic roadmap for space development and shall embody the country’s central goal of becoming a space-capable and space-faring nation within the next decade.

It will also focus on Space Science and Technology Application (SSTA) which refers to the scientific principles and their applications to space science, engineering, and other allied fields.

The Philippine Space Policy will also focus on National Security and Development, Hazard Management and Climate Studies, Space Research and Development, Space Industry Capacity Building, Space Education and Awareness, and International Cooperation.

PhilSA will also exercise its powers when it comes to the creation of space policies, management and implementation of space programs and projects, as well as provide appropriate and accurate advice to the President of the Philippines and other government agencies on space-related issues and concerns.

The Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga and Tarlac shall be allocated as the official site of PhilSA.

source: Congress.gov.ph
via: PTVNews.ph