(from GMA News) Lawmakers file bills creating PHL Space Agency http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/586604/scitech/science/lawmakers-file-bills-creating-phl-space-agency



(from Rappler) Senate, House bills seek to establish PH space program

In the Philippines, at least 4 agencies are handling functions that are usually done by a space agency. The proposed PhilSA will be an attached agency of the Office of the President.



http://www.rappler.com/science-nature/earth-space/150517-senate-house-bills-philippine-space-program



Full text of House Bill 3637: http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB03637.pdf



Full text of Senate Bill 1211: http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/2503221557!.pdf



"Rocket ships, astronauts, and scenes from outer space are what often come to mind at the mention of Space Science, but there are much more practical technological applications to this discipline that can benefit countries like the Philippines. In fact, both developed and developing countries alike, including our ASEAN neighbors, have respective aeronautics and space agencies to build their own spaceships

and join the ranks of space-faring nations.



Little known to many Filipinos is that our country has a number of existing programs related to space science including PAGASA, which has astronomical science programs; the National Mapping & Resource Information Agency (NAMRIA), which requires gathering satellite information; and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), which handles disaster risk management. Other applications of space science and technology crucial to our country's welfare are protection of national territory, natural resources accounting, and capacity building for telecommunications.



This bill seeks the creation of a Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), which shall be responsible for creating and enacting our nation's roadmap toward becoming fully participative in global space activity. The PhilSA would be responsible for developing space science technology policies, implementing research and education programs, and establishing industry linkages between private and public sector stakeholders. Lastly, the PhilSA would be our country's representation for international space agreements and arbitrations.



A Philippine Space Agency, with its consolidated programs and strategies for space science and technology, will pave the way for future Filipino astronomers, space scientists, and astronauts by laying down a strong foundation in space science education and research. In view of the foregoing, the passing of this bill is earnestly sought. "



(by Sen. Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV, from SB 1211 introduction)



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"A space program can help us tackle some of our most urgent problems. For example, our efforts in disaster risk reduction and management will greatly benefit from a space program. Having our own satellite will make it easier for us to take high-resolution images; these images, in turn, can help us plan for and manage the effects of natural disasters. Imagine the number of lives that can be saved.



Having our own space program will let us benefit more from the programs of our neighbors. If we want to gain from what the Vietnamese or Indonesians are learning, we need to have technologies and infrastructures similar to theirs.



A cohesive space program has the potential to start a positive ripple effect. Aside from hiring engineers and scientists, a space program will also need lawyers, accountants, and a host of other professionals. Studies done in other countries show that for every space program job created, nearly a dozen support jobs emerge."



(by Pecier Decierdo, from http://thestandard.com.ph/opinion/columns/everyman/217044/why-a-space-program-might-be-good-for-the-philippines.html





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"The initial efforts should be tied with arming the general populace with basic scientific concepts and principles aimed at improving public awareness of events such as natural disasters, so as to improve their reaction and coping levels to such calamities that constantly plague our country. Hand in hand with this effort is the hope that the public realizes the value of science, and thus become the first steps towards freeing their minds of mysticism and backward traditionalist thinking that is ungrounded and unscientific.



I believe with space sciences as the beacon, the men and women of science in this country will be armed, equipped and inspired to carry the flame of reason and freethinking across our country."



(by Rodion Herrera, from https://www.facebook.com/notes/rodion-m-herrera/why-we-need-a-national-space-agency/10153903392645108