THE European Union (EU) and the Philippines sealed a new cooperation agreement to accelerate the country’s digital transition and technology innovation, backed by a pound 22.6-million Digital Economy Package.
In a statement on Thursday, the DOF said the package covers 5G development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) for earth observation and digital connectivity and infrastructure.
The EU-Philippines Digital Economy Package is funded by a pound 20 million contribution from the EU, complemented by an additional pound 2 million from Finland and pound 600,000 from France.
Newly-appointed Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the project will provide the Philippines with a secure and reliable digital connectivity infrastructure by enabling high-speed and real-time access to Copernicus data.
‘This will allow the government to better prepare for natural disasters, respond faster in times of crisis, and provide immediate relief to Filipino families. And we need this now more than ever,’ Go said.
A key component of the partnership will be strengthening the ongoing EU Copernicus Philippines programme, which uses earth observation data for disaster risk reduction, environmental monitoring and private-sector productivity.
By applying AI to earth observation, the programme will help the Philippine government develop new smart solutions for food security to mapping infrastructure.
The agreement will also foster collaboration between EU and Philippine universities on science and technological research and innovation.
In addition, the digital partnership will focus on policy support for 5G rollout, enhancing local and international digital connectivity and developing innovative applications requiring ultrafast connectivity to access Copernicus data.
The Philippine Space Agency, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Office of Civil Defense will spearhead the execution of this partnership with European partners.