Marcos sets August 8 to 14 every year as Philippine Space Week

In a bid to promote space awareness among Filipinos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared August 8 to 14 every year as Philippine Space Week.

This was covered by Proclamation No. 302 which was issued on July 25 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, according to a press release of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) dated Saturday.

The declaration of Philippine Space Week coincides with the enactment of the Philippine Space Act on August 8, 2019, the PCO said.

The proclamation also highlights "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,” according to the proclamation.

Marcos directed the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) to promote the observance of Philippine Space Week and identify the programs, projects, and activities for the observance.

He also ordered government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, local government units, non-government organizations and private sectors to participate actively in Philippine Space Week activities. —KG, GMA Integrated News