(From center) Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Dr. Marco Gemmer, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D., and PhilSA Deputy Director General for Space Operations, Infrastructure, and Industry Denis F. Villorente are joined by members of the steering committee during the first Project Steering Committee Meeting of the EU-Philippines Digital Economy Package, which focuses on advancing digital infrastructure, cybersecurity capacity, and data-driven governance initiatives in the country.
The European Union and Philippine implementing partners have convened the first Project Steering Committee Meeting for the €20 million EU-Philippines Digital Economy Package, marking a key step in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure, data systems, and emerging technology capabilities.
The initiative aims to position the Philippines as a regional digital hub by improving connectivity, enhancing access to Copernicus Earth observation data, and building workforce capacity in 5G, cybersecurity, and data-driven governance. The program also supports disaster risk reduction and climate action through expanded use of satellite data and digital decision-support systems.
The project complements the National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme (CopPhil), which focuses on strengthening the country’s ability to use geospatial and Earth observation technologies for socio-economic planning, emergency response, and environmental monitoring.
Funded by the European Union with additional contributions from Finland (€2 million) and France (€600,000), the Digital Economy Package is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes secure and sustainable digital, energy, and transport connectivity worldwide.
Key implementing agencies include the Philippine Space Agency, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Department of National Defense – Office of Civil Defense, in collaboration with European partners such as Expertise France and institutions from Finland and France.
Officials said the program is designed to strengthen digital governance by integrating satellite intelligence, cybersecurity readiness, and advanced connectivity solutions into national planning systems.
The EU Delegation to the Philippines and Finance authorities formalized the partnership in 2025, underscoring long-term cooperation in building resilient, data-driven public systems aligned with global digital transformation priorities.
