MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the "Philippine Space Act," creating the Philippine Space Agency to address all national concerns related to space science and technology.

Under Republic Act No. 11363, the Philippine Space Agency, or PhilSA, will be the central government agency addressing all national issues and activities related to space science and technology applications.

The PhilSA is tasked to assist the country in the creation, development, and implementation of national and international space policies, among other directives.

It is also tasked to plan, direct, manage, and implement programs relating to scientific space research and development, and the application of space technology in the country.

PhilSA will cooperate with space-related agencies of other countries, like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States in the peaceful use and development of space.

The space agency will also represent the country in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space and other similar space-related forums, assemblies, and other organizations. - With a report from Joyce Balancio, ABS-CBN News