The PhilSA Integrated Network for Space-Enabled Actions towards Sustainability (PINAS) project is envisioned to be an active network of institutions and people working together toward sustainability using space data and information. This project is implemented by the PhilSA Space Information Infrastructure Bureau (SIIB). As shown in figure 1, the network will consist of the following:

1. PINAS LGUs- Local government units
2. PINAS NGAs- National Government Agencies
3. PINAS Academe- State Universities and Colleges, Higher Education Institutions, Research and Development Institutions
4. PINAS CSOs- Civil Society Organizations
5. PINAS Enterprise- Private sector
6. PINAS Citizen Science- Individuals

The various sectors from the same provinces, regions, municipalities or cities will have their own subnetworks wherein their activities will be centralized and synchronized. PhilSA members will co-manage these provincial or regional networks with key institutions identified from the subnetwork. Common goals or shared interests like preservation of river basins, watersheds, national parks and protected landscape and seascapes can motivate the formation of these subnetworks by neighboring members.

Through this synergy, the PINAS Project aims to attain the following objectives:

1. Provide an overview of the needs and capabilities of LGUs and other institutions/organizations on Space Science, Technology, and Applications (SSTA).
2. Establish a network of networks with diverse, responsive, and cooperative members that will ensure sustained knowledge sharing throughout the country.
3. Develop, document, and disseminate data processing workflows for the commonly needed data products by LGUs, NGAs, and other institutions/organizations.
4. Capacitate the LGUs and others in collection of ground data and field measurements
5. Ensure that sufficient support is provided towards decision-making, policy formulation, and action implementation in resource management, sustainable development, and disaster response and mitigation.

Expectations from the network members

Network members, regardless of the sector and capabilities, are expected to contribute to the network in at least one of the following means:

1. Collaboration in research and development
2. Co-development and generation of space data products
3. Coordination of training and workshops in their area
4. Contribution of field data
5. Assistance in fieldworks as site experts
6. Assistance in fieldworks through provision of vehicles, boats, manpower or equipment
7. Co-development of training materials and programs
8. Formation and co-management of local network in close coordination with PINAS

Organizational or agency collaboration

Should an agency, department, organization, or institution be interested in collaborating with PhilSA for data product research and development through PINAS, discussions must be held for both parties to understand and assess the proposed collaboration. This partnership should proceed through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The MOA would entail comprehensive knowledge and resource sharing that will ensure attainment of goals for both parties.

Assessing members

Utilizing the information provided through the surveys and registration, the members will be classified into various levels depending on training needs, capabilities, and resources. Capacity building will be different for each level and will ensure improvement in relevant skills and capabilities. The PINAS team, consisting of members of the PhilSA SIIB, will be devising training programs unique for each level. These trainings can be held online, face-to-face, hybrid or through massive online open course (MOOC) platform. These will consist of theoretical and practical components. For practical trainings, the trainees’ outputs will be assessed and graded by SIIB personnel. Upon successful completion of training, certificates will be issued to qualify trainees for the next level.

Phases of the project

The first phase of the project aims to build core networks. This consists of workshops in selected provinces that aim to identify initial links and connections between LGUs and other participants. The PINAS project has conducted its initial workshops in Iloilo and Palawan. In parallel, the PINAS team is developing workflows for generation of space data derived maps and analyses for the usal and most pressing problems of the participants.

Capacity building activities will be conducted in the second phase, wherein actual theoretical and practical training will be conducted. With the PINAS team, the members will develop data products relevant to their needs. Another opportunity for collaboration with the networks and their members will be the conduct of fieldwork, wherein the members will take on roles as site experts and data contributors. The main goal of this phase is to elevate the knowledge levels of the members by providing the know-how on developing products and conducting ground measurements.

In the final phase, the utilization of the data products must be integrated into the operation of the member units, offices, or agencies. A concerted effort must be conducted to share data within the networks to support policy-making, environmental conservation, sustainable development, and disaster mitigation and response. A network manager will provide oversight and coordination in the activities of a particular network.

After review of this concept note, you can register through this link.