A RESEARCH crew from UST highlighted how satellite tv for pc information can advance biodiversity research and neighborhood conservation through the Philippine Area Week 2025 celebration from Aug. 8 to 10 at Gateway Mall 2 in Quezon Metropolis.
The Initiative for Conservation, Panorama Ecology, Bioprospecting, and Biomodeling (Icolabb), a subgroup below the UST Analysis Heart for the Pure and Utilized Sciences (RCNAS), was amongst 21 collaborating establishments invited by the Philippine Area Company (PhilSA) to showcase the sensible functions of area science in on a regular basis life.
Whereas the group’s experience is rooted in biology, Icolabb has lengthy built-in satellite tv for pc information into its analysis. By analyzing photos from area, the group tracks species distribution, panorama modifications, and human-wildlife interactions.
“Often when folks take into consideration area, they consider going to the planets, seeing the celebrities,” Icolabb member Almyt Poblete mentioned. “So, our group focuses extra on the downstream information. We take [satellite images], after which use them for issues like biodiversity conservation, city administration, and planning.”
Asst. Prof. Nikki Dagamac, Icolabb’s principal investigator and a “Balik Scientist” or an abroad Filipino scientist tapped to share their experience within the nation, mentioned the group additionally applies machine studying to “snapshots of Earth” from satellites.
This allows predictive fashions on environmental change, he mentioned.
Amongst Icolabb’s most acknowledged works is the “Multidisciplinary Approaches for Tamaraw Safety In opposition to Threats” (Matapat) challenge, which mapped tamaraw populations in Mindoro.
The research uncovered key causes for the species’ decline, reminiscent of land-use conflicts and invasive grass from slash-and-burn farming, whereas additionally creating improved strategies for annual inhabitants counts.
The group has additionally expanded into public well being via Mediums or “Modeling Epidemiological Ailments Utilizing Machine Studying and Satellite tv for pc-Primarily based Knowledge”, which forecasts ailments reminiscent of tuberculosis in Cavite, and runs “Saribuhay,” an outreach program that provides workshops for college students and native stakeholders.
“Analysis shouldn’t simply sit on bookshelves,” member Leila Tomacas mentioned. “We now have a whole lot of tasks and analysis at Icolabb that immediately have an effect on the neighborhood. It provides insights to alter or enhance insurance policies.”
PhilSA Deputy Director Common Homosexual Jane Perez mentioned this yr’s Area Week carried the theme “Yamang Kalawakan para sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan,” underscoring area know-how as a useful resource for nationwide improvement.
“The Philippines is now an area actor,” Perez mentioned. “We need to enhance consciousness that we have now satellites, scientists and engineers making area sensible for agriculture, catastrophe preparedness, and nationwide safety.”
Now in its third yr since being institutionalized in 2023, Philippine Area Week featured displays, public lectures, and a nationwide telescope viewing occasion.
Jo Briones, PhilSA data officer and lead organizer, mentioned the occasion additionally sought to “attain the general public in accessible methods” and encourage younger Filipinos to pursue careers in area science. With studies from Justin Jacob S. Urag
