DOST-ASTI shows support for PhilSA’s SIKAP+ 2nd Training Session
Mandaluyong, PH – The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) recently conducted the Satellite Data Processing Training Session (SDPTS) as part of its Space Information, Know-How, and Applications Acceleration through Promotion and Training (SIKAP+) Project training series last 9-11 May 2023.
Held at the Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, the three-day hybrid training session was conducted in-person and virtually via Zoom, and was joined by participants from various academic institutions, local government agencies and offices, and representatives from foreign organizations.
Following the success of the first training session under SIKAP+ Project on ground and amateur radio operation for satellite communication, SDPTS was organized to further advance the participants’ knowledge and skills on earth observations datasets, resources, and techniques in remote sensing through a series of lectures, practical exercises, as well as assessments.
Researchers from the ASTI-Automated Labeling Machine (ASTI-ALaM) Project of the agency also participated in the training session. In relation to the topics covered during the training session, the ASTI-ALaM Project uses traditional remote sensing in mapping and computer vision tasks.
PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr. emphasized in his keynote speech the importance of space data value chain in the country. “The most crucial part of the value chain is the impetus to act on the insights, intelligence, and information obtained from the [space and satellite] data. Only when these insights, information and intelligence are used, can we create value and benefit. Whether it is intended for agriculture, disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, resources assessment, maritime domain awareness, somebody who needs to be at the end of the chain, utilizing this data, making decisions out of it and implementing the corresponding action – that is the mission of the space agency in the Philippines,” he explained.
DOST-ASTI Director Dr. Franz de Leon, through a recorded video message, expressed his support to SIKAP+ citing the significance of conducting capacity-building activities such as trainings, seminars, and workshops on peaceful uses of space science and technology applications in initiating collaborations and partnerships.
“SDPTS is an opportunity for the participants to network and establish relationships with other professionals in the industry from different regions in Asia. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from our experts, engage in discussions, and establish networks as research breakthroughs are result from inter-collaborations,” he elaborated.
SIKAP+ Project Leader Engr. Keziah Bartilad gave an overview of PhilSA’s mandate and an introduction to the SIKAP+ Project. She mentioned the role of PREGINET during the training session, citing that the activities of SIKAP+ Project are designed to complement and utilize PREGINET’s domestic and international network. The training session was implemented through a Learning Management System (LMS) which was hosted under the country’s national Research and Education Network, or DOST-ASTI’s Philippine Research, Education, and Government Information Network (PREGINET).
ABOUT SIKAP+
Officially launched last year, SIKAP+ Project aims to expand and strengthen space science research and cooperation in Asia through the exchange of expertise and best practices among various stakeholders, including satellite ground receiving station and amateur radio satellite operators, Earth observation and remote sensing practitioners, and emerging entities in the space community.
The project is co-implemented by the DOST-ASTI and UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (UP EEEI) along with the Asian Microsatellite Consortium (AMC) and the Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite (BIRDS) as affiliates.
The SIKAP+ training series is made possible by the funding received from the AsiaConnect Project co-funded by the European Union and other partners, and managed by the Trans-Eurasia Information Network (TEIN)*Cooperation Center.