Intl space satellites helped monitor Taal
THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) lauded the European Union’s Copernicus Space Program for providing rapid and accurate information during Taal Volcano’s unrest in January.
DoST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum said data from the Copernicus helped them in drawing a conceptual framework on what was happening below the volcano.
“[O]ur conceptual framework model is firmed up by the combination of ground-based observation. Once you have a very good conceptual model, you have a very good way of anticipating what can happen,” Solidum said.
The EU and DoST held the second National Conference on Copernicus Space Program on Thursday in Makati City to highlight the function of the program during natural and man- made disasters.
The event highlighted the prominent aspects for science, innovation and technology to support sustainable development, and discussed the importance of satellite imaging for disaster management.
European Commission Directorate for Cooperation and Development Philippe Brunet said the technology was also tapped during the Habagat flooding in 2012 and Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: “Haiyan”) in 2013, among others.
He said Copernicus has provided Earth observation data and information which support evidence-based policy and to contribute to better disaster risk management and emergency response.
“Not all countries are able to develop and put in place a comprehensive space infrastructure. Hence, the widespread and free availability of European space data open to all nations is of fundamental importance,” Brunet added.
“Through Copernicus, the EU provides full access not only to data which can be obtained as raw material for further processing but also to added value services [like] already processed data targeting specific users,” he said.
Brunet likewise urged other nations to partner with them to strengthen implementation of risk reduction at the local level.
He emphasized that nations are not in competition on who has the best and unique satellites.
“Because the earth is round, evolving and you are never sure that your satellite is passing by at the right moment which is very important to collaborate with other systems and nations,” Brunet said.
Meanwhile, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña vowed his full commitment in building satellites.
He said the enactment of Republic Act 11363, or the “Philippine Space Act,” establishing the Philippine Space Agency would open wider opportunities to develop the country’s space technology.
“Our efforts in furthering space technology is still in its infancy, but we are determined to continue building what we started for future generations,” de la Peña said.