PhilSA, NIA partner to use space data for irrigation and water management

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to apply space technology in improving irrigation systems and water resource management across the Philippines.

The agreement, signed by PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez and NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen, sets the stage for using satellite data and analytics to support planning, development, and monitoring of irrigation systems, for proactive and real-time management of water resources across the country. Under the partnership, the two agencies will collaborate on research, development, and utilization of satellite data, and training to strengthen technical capacity within NIA.

They will also develop space-enabled tools to support faster, data-driven decision-making in irrigation management. PhilSA’s programs will be tapped to enhance NIA’s capabilities and promote sustainable agriculture.

Following the signing of the MOU, PhilSA and NIA are set to further advance their collaboration through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which will outline specific projects and implementation details of the partnership.

The MOU will be in effect for three years, with an option for extension.

The collaboration highlights the growing role of space technology in addressing national priorities, particularly food security, water sustainability, and climate resilience.