Malacañang declares Aug. 8-14 as PH Space Week

The annual celebration will coincide with the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11363 or the Philippine Space Act on Aug. 8, 2019. (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared August 8 to 14 of every year as “Philippine Space Week” to promote space awareness among Filipinos.

Proclamation 302, signed on Tuesday and made public on Saturday, states that the annual observance of the Philippine Space Week, upon the recommendation of the Philippine Space Council, would highlight the substantial influence of space science and technology applications on the socio-economic development of the country.

“There is a need to promote space awareness, celebrate the significant contributions of Filipinos worldwide in the field of space science, and espouse the value, benefits and impacts of space science and technology applications on the lives of Filipinos,” Proclamation 302 read.

“For this purpose, the Philippine Space Agency (PhiSA) is directed to promote the observance of the Philippine Space Week, and identify the programs, projects and activities for the yearly celebration thereof,” it added.

Under the proclamation, all government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are enjoined to participate in the Philippine Space Week.

The active participation of the local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector is also encouraged.

The annual celebration will coincide with the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11363 or the Philippine Space Act on Aug. 8, 2019.

RA 11363 declares it a state policy to support and commit to the development, application, and utilization of science and technology that will foster patriotism and nationalism, and accelerate social progress, such as the development of space technology and applications for its security, for the benefit of its citizens.