Satellite tech vital in maritime security, disaster mitigation

MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Philippine Navy, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) agreed that space-based technology, such as satellites, have been vital in strengthening maritime security and disaster mitigation in the country.

The officials made the statement during the first space cooperation conference, organized by the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with the embassy of Canada in the Philippines and the Philippine Space Agency, held in Makati City last Tuesday.

In a statement of his recognition on the importance of space-based technology, Stratbase Institute president Dindo Manhit urged the government to collaborate more with like-minded nations like Canada to strengthen the Philippines’ capabilities in this field.

“This is an industry that warrants attention, especially in the wake of rapid technological advancements. It is our hope that this conference would be the start of discussions on the relevance of space science and technology applications across different sectors. By encouraging more dialogue and collaboration in these areas, we can make use of space science and technology applications to address global challenges,” Manhit said.

“We at Stratbase believe in looking beyond the present and seeing not only risks, but opportunities as well. In the sector of space, the areas for new industries, collaboration with different countries and economic potential for Philippine society at large are as vast as space itself,” he added.

Manhit said that during last week’s first space cooperation conference, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said the Dark Vessel Detection system – Canada’s satellite program that is being used in the Philippines since November last year – has helped the Navy get vital information that is crucial in safeguarding the country’s maritime domain.

Through an agreement with the Canadian government, the Philippine Navy has been using the Dark Vessel Detection System which has allowed them to track ships that are conducting illegal activities in Philippine waters even if they turn off their