Satellite technology to enhance irrigation planning and water resource management — PhilSA, NIA

• 3D render of the MULA satellite. Image courtesy of SSTL, from the STAMINA4Space Program website

The Philippine Space Agency and the National Irrigation Administration are set to use satellite technology to enhance irrigation planning and water resource management, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening data-driven systems in agriculture.

The agreement enables the use of satellite data and analytics to support the planning, development, and monitoring of irrigation systems, including real-time and proactive management of water resources across the country .

PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez and NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen led the signing, marking a step toward integrating space-based insights into irrigation management and water distribution strategies.

Under the partnership, both agencies will collaborate on research and development, satellite data utilization, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen technical capabilities within NIA. They are also set to develop space-enabled tools designed to support faster and more accurate decision-making in irrigation management .

The agreement will serve as a foundation for a future memorandum of agreement that will outline specific projects and implementation strategies. It will be in effect for three years, with an option for extension .

The initiative highlights the growing role of satellite technology in addressing national priorities, particularly in improving food security, water sustainability, and climate resilience through more efficient and data-driven systems .