Cagayan Economic Zone Authority Administrator and CEO Katrina Ponce Enrile said the Philippines’ push into space technology could deliver practical benefits on the ground, helping farmers improve crop production, providing fisherfolk with more accurate weather and ocean data, and strengthening disaster response during typhoons and floods.
Her remarks came after President Bongbong Marcos announced in his State of the Nation Address that the country is preparing for its own rocket launch as part of its growing space program.
Speaking at a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Enrile said the project is designed to create a broader aerospace ecosystem covering research, manufacturing, education, logistics and private-sector investment.
“What we are building is not a single facility. We are building an ecosystem,” she said.
The initiative brings together the Office of the President, CEZA, the Philippine Space Agency, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, universities, private companies and South Korean aerospace firm Perigee Aerospace.
Perigee is set to build an assembly, integration and testing facility in Cagayan. Enrile said the investment will help bring advanced technology, equipment and technical expertise to the country while strengthening local capabilities.
She said the project’s biggest near-term impact lies in how space technology can improve everyday life and livelihoods.
“Space technology is no longer confined to space. It helps farmers improve crop management through precision agriculture. It supports our fisherfolk with better weather forecasting, ocean monitoring and maritime information,” she said.
Enrile added that satellite technology could also enhance typhoon forecasting, flood monitoring and emergency response while improving the monitoring of forests, coastlines and natural resources, strengthening communications, supporting scientific research and increasing maritime awareness.
While the Siklab launch will be the project’s most visible milestone, she said its long-term goal extends well beyond sending rockets into space.
“This initiative is not simply about reaching space. It is about using space technology to improve life here on Earth, in the Philippines,” she said.
