DOST moves for more solar power, Phl’s own satellite

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology has revealed its plans to develop another solar power system, as well as to launch the Philippines' own satellite, possibly by July 2016.

Engineer Edilberto Paradela, DOST regional director, said that through the Community Enhancement through Science and Technology (CEST) program, they  aim to address priority development needs through projects that would help alleviate poverty in rural areas and respond to certain concerns like the lack of electricity, especially during disasters.

"We want mga rural areas ma-address ilang basic needs especially on the nutrition, health and part karon among gi-insert ang disaster resiliency kadtong medication and adaptation in the event nga magbagyo wala na kuryente so we tried to develop a system, ang solar energy na ang gamiton," Paradela said.

Paradela said that they have existing units of solar energy system in Madridejos, Cebu and would like to have another one in the town.

Further, Paradela said they have new programs, the PEDRO (Philippine Earth Data Resources and Observation Center) and DIWATA (Development of the Philippines' Earth Observation Microsatellite), which can provide advance information to the public. 

"Gusto nato ang Philippines magbutang og kaugalingon microsatellite in terms of weather information and the same time once we have this satellite we can also get information in terms of resources sa Philippines," he said. 

He said that with the help of microsatellites, the Philippines can gather needed data and not rely anymore from foreign sources.

He said that they have a P600 million budget for the two programs but they have other projects to support for disaster provision investigation.

"DIWATA and PEDRO, hopefully we can come up with an output nga maybe karon implemented but 2 to 3 years naa na ta positive results sa program", said Paradela — (FREEMAN)