The Senate approved on Monday, May 20, on the third and final reading the bill creating the Philippine Space Agency.
With 18 ayes and no nayes, Senate passed House Bill no. 1983, an Act Establishing the Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy and Creating the Philippine Space Agency.
The author and sponsor of the measure, Senator Bam Aquino said, “the launch of a space program in the Philippines would give Filipinos a new perspective and valuable insights that could help solve some of the country’s biggest problem.”
“Satellites can improve disaster management, from providing accurate information that allow early warnings and predicting of disasters to reliable and quick communication during relief and recovery operations,” he added.
Under this measure, the agency will initially be funded with 1 billion pesos from the Office of the President. Additional funding of 10 billion pesos will be sourced from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) whereby 2 billion pesos shall be released annually to Philippine Space Agency.