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The Philippines faces growing challenges from climate change, natural disasters, and rising demands for secure and reliable digital connectivity. As one of the most disaster‑prone countries globally, timely access to accurate data, resilient digital infrastructure, and strong institutional capacities are essential for effective preparedness, response, and sustainable development. At the same time, digital transformation presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen public services, environmental management, and economic resilience.

The EU-PH Digital Economy Package addresses these challenges through an EU-led approach that combines European expertise, Copernicus satellite data and targeted capacity development. By building on the Copernicus Programme in the Philippines, the initiative supports a secure and future‑oriented digital ecosystem that enables better public decision‑making, strengthens resilience and promotes inclusive development. Throughout the project, gender equality is mainstreamed by promoting inclusive participation, skills development and equal access to digital opportunities.

Project Duration: 2026 – 2030

Budget: € 21 M

Funder: The European Union, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the Ministry of Economics and Finance of France

Implementing Partners: HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management, Expertise France, Climate KIC

Main National Partners: Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)

Key components

1. Secure high‑speed digital connectivity

2. Improved access to and use of Copernicus data

3. Strengthened capacities in spatial data management, 5G policy and cybersecurity

Key outputs implemented by HAUS

HAUS is responsible for the implementation of Component 3 of the EU-PH Digital Economy Package. Total budget for Component 3 is € 6 M.

The component complements investments in connectivity by ensuring that public institutions have the skills, tools, and enabling environment to effectively use digital technologies, particularly Copernicus satellite data, while advancing cybersecurity and next-generation connectivity. It addresses key capacity gaps by supporting public authorities in applying satellite-based data for disaster risk management and climate adaptation, developing tailored digital services, strengthening the protection of critical systems, and enhancing policy and regulatory frameworks for 5G rollout. Through training, institutional cooperation, and pilot initiatives, it contributes to a more resilient, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystem, enabling better decision-making and improved public services for citizens across the Philippines.

The following sections outline the specific outputs associated with component 3.

Capacity of national, regional, and local authorities to use Copernicus satellite data is strengthened through targeted training programmes, thematic workshops, and collaboration with universities to develop locally relevant applications.

These activities build a sustainable pool of trained experts within institutions, enabling wider use of satellite imagery in areas such as disaster risk management, environmental monitoring, and climate adaptation. As a result, authorities are better equipped to anticipate and respond to natural hazards, while decision-making becomes more data-driven and locally responsive.

Tailored, user-driven digital services are co-created with government stakeholders through participatory design workshops and implemented via pilot projects and service procurement.

These activities lead to the development and operational rollout of applications such as early warning tools and climate information services aligned with national development priorities. By improving access to actionable and gender-responsive data, the output strengthens early warning systems, supports more inclusive decision-making, and enhances the ability of local authorities and communities to manage climate and disaster risks effectively.

Cybersecurity capacity across the public sector is enhanced through certified training programmes for senior officials and technical staff, complemented by awareness-raising campaigns and practical training on using satellite data to assess infrastructure risks.

These activities build both strategic and operational capabilities to protect critical systems and sensitive information. As a result, government institutions are better able to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats, while also improving infrastructure planning by integrating environmental risk analysis into decision-making.

Policy advisory support, technical training, and pilot initiatives are delivered to strengthen the regulatory and institutional framework for digital connectivity, including 5G rollout and cybersecurity.

Activities such as telecom infrastructure mapping, capacity building for government agencies, and the piloting of a Digital Investment Facility help identify gaps, improve regulatory practices, and attract investment. This contributes to faster, more secure, and more inclusive digital infrastructure deployment, while aligning national policies with international standards and supporting long-term digital transformation.

Get in touch with the project team

Sari Aroalho

Specialist, Project Manager (EU-PH Digital Economy Package)

+358 40 1918641

sari.aroalho@haus.fi