On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the Commission on Appointments (CA) chose to delay the confirmation process for Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., the Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), due to concerns about the agency’s data sharing practices. The decision came after CA Majority Leader Rep. Elray Villafuerte voiced strong criticism against PhilSA for failing to share vital satellite data with local government units (LGUs) that are vulnerable to flooding caused by the La Niña weather pattern. Villafuerte argued that PhilSA’s inaction could indirectly lead to casualties during floods, emphasizing the need for proactive data distribution to frontline disaster response teams. In response, Marciano admitted the shortcomings and pledged to enhance the agency’s efforts in reaching out to more communities and collaborating directly with LGUs. He highlighted that PhilSA had already distributed 51,000 satellite images to various groups and stressed the importance of strengthening engagement to maximize the benefits of space technology for the public. Marciano, who has been at the helm of PhilSA since its inception under Republic Act No. 11363 in 2019, reiterated his dedication to advancing the nation’s space capabilities and ensuring that PhilSA’s initiatives contribute to national development, despite the setback in his appointment confirmation.
Philippine Space Agency Chief’s Appointment Postponed Amid Data Sharing Issues
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