Satellite project initiator Prof. Takahashi (center) of Hokkaido University, Ms. Eriko Momo-ta (left) of Japan Science and Technology and Mr. Harold Bryan Paler of DOST-ASTI (2nd from left) pays a courtesy call at ISAT U Dumangas Campus during the on-site visit. Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut (back on camera), ISAT U Vice President for Research and Extension welcomes the project initiator and his team.
The Iloilo Science and Technology University will provide technical assistance and other necessary support in the operation and installation of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 3.5 meter Automatic Satellite Tracking System in the Municipality of Dumangas, Iloilo.
The ground satellite data receiving station will be used to aid as tool for the project entitled “Development of Extreme Monitoring and Information Sharing System in the Philippines.” The project is an Official Development Assisted project of the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) with Hokkaido University.
The project is also promoted by Japan International Cooperating Agency under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development Program (SATREPS) as Grant –In-Aid Project “Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms (ULAP)” which aims to improve short term weather forecast in the country.
The ground satellite will enable the download and provide wider coverage of data captured by Filipino-owned Diwata 1 and 2 and other satellite systems that DOST is subscribing to.
Dr. Enrico Paringit, Executive Director of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology, Research and Development (PCIEERD), said that a similar facility is installed outside of National Capital Region for better coverage.
The project initiator and his team survey and determine the area for the installation of the 3.5-meter satellite project .
”There has to be a significant wider coverage so that it could cover the greater part of the Philippines. So we thought it would be best to place it somewhere in the center and essentially those are the features where Dumangas is most fitting, ” said Paringit.
The DOST hopes to complete its installation, including the commissioning for a period of one year. It targets to launch the satellite data receiving station early next year.
Aside from providing technical and operational support, ISAT U will also extend the use of utilities to DOST-ASTI as project implementer. The University will also provide satellite image data from the System upon request for educational purposes.
DOST-ASTI Acting Director Joel S. Mariano, Jr., DOST Region VI Director Rowen R. Gelonga, Municipality of Dumangas Mayor Hon. Rolando Golez and ISAT U President Raul F. Muyong signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of the ground satellite data receiving station.
Dr. Raul F. Muyong said that the undertakings is a welcome development for ISAT U. The university president is looking into possibilities of opening a program on meteorology.
