14 June 2024 – QUEZON CITY. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) collaborated through a workshop on agriculture and fisheries data collection methods.

The workshop aimed to orient PSA and PhilSA officials and personnel on various activities related to data collection and the use of satellite images in the agriculture and fisheries sector, and to explore possible collaboration on the use of space data and other related resources for effective data validation, ensuring its reliability and integrity.

In his opening message, Undersecretary Denis F. Villorente of the PhilSA was excited to see the realization of the future collaborations, as both agencies are eager to explore new opportunities and to address challenges together, with the goal of making meaningful impacts in agriculture and related fields. Likewise, Deputy National Statistician Divina Gracia L. del Prado, PhD of the PSA highlighted the importance of satellite-based information and Earth Observation data in improving the accuracy and reliability of agriculture and fisheries statistics.

Furthermore, PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, PhD emphasized that PSA plans to expand its scope by utilizing satellite images and other related methodologies for agriculture and fisheries censuses and surveys. He envisioned that for the 2032 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries, more satellite data will be used and there will be less reliance on survey data.

The Chief Statistical Specialists from the concerned divisions of the PSA shared comprehensive overview of their existing survey methodologies, available data on agriculture and fisheries, initiatives on the use of Geographic Information System technology for data collection, and the application of remote sensing in the recently concluded 2022 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries. Officials and participants from PhilSA explored available survey data that they can use to validate their satellite-based data.

Meanwhile, the PhilSA team provided an extensive presentation on its on-going projects in the agricultural sector such as mangrove mapping, disaster and risk mapping, crop mapping for corn, onion, and banana. They also presented an overview of satellite imagery and various analysis techniques using remote sensing.  This gave the PSA participants a better grasp on how space data can complement data collected through survey.

For the next steps, PSA and PhilSA will formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Agreement, which will include capacity building and data sharing between the two agencies. The agreement aims to revolutionize data management in agriculture and fisheries by integrating space-based technologies and statistical methodologies. This initiative signifies a resolute commitment by both agencies to leverage advanced space technology, pioneering innovative solutions to enhance agriculture and fisheries sector, thereby providing our stakeholders with more reliable statistics for evidence-based decision-making.

- Economic Sector Statistics Service, Sectoral Statistics Office