Representatives from the European Union (EU), led by EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro, visited the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) for an update on the progress of the National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines (CopPhil).
CopPhil, launched in April 2023 under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, helps countries use satellite data for disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and environmental protection. It is part of the wider EU Copernicus Programme, which offers free and open access to Earth observation data.
“CopPhil is a clear example of how the EU Global Gateway strategy drives long-term international collaboration centred on sustainable development, facilitating the joint development of tailor-made long-lasting space-based solutions which address countries’ needs,” said Santoro.
The EU delegation, including members of the Council of Asia-Pacific Working Party (COASI), met with PhilSA officials to review the implementation of CopPhil. The program is managed by the EU Delegation to the Philippines and implemented by the European Space Agency, PhilSA, and the Department of Science and Technology.
Three key components
CopPhil has three main parts, including the Copernicus Data Centre, which opened in October 2024, and is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. It improves the country’s access to satellite data for use in agriculture, environment, and disaster response. Next is the Earth Observation Pilot Services use space-based tools for specific needs like mapping crops, monitoring land changes, and assessing marine ecosystems. And the Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer program offers training, workshops, and scholarships to help Filipinos build expertise in space technology.
Space data for development
PhilSA leads the country’s efforts to apply space science and technology to national goals. It uses programs like CopPhil to make better decisions in areas such as climate resilience, biodiversity, and hazard management.
“This collaborative effort with the EU is fundamental to increasing our country’s capacity to foster innovation using space-based data, and to position the Philippines as a central hub for Earth Observation in Southeast Asia,” said Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., director general of PhilSA.