Satellite data shows NO2 concentration in Metro Manila down to pre-fire levels for two consecutive days

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has done daily monitoring of satellite data since the Navotas landfill fire reportedly broke out on 10 April 2026. Coinciding with reports on Tuesday (28 April) that significant progress has been made in suppressing the fire, satellite data shows that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration in Metro Manila has fallen below 6 April (pre-fire) levels for two consecutive days. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant produced from burning and is a component of smoke, and lower NO2 concentrations indicate a reduction in the volume of smoke emitted from the landfill fire. Observations are consistent with measurements on the ground by EMB NCR and Central Luzon that particulate matter or PM over Metro Manila has improved on Tuesday (28 April) and Wednesday (29 April). PhilSA will continue monitoring of NO2 to assist in quantifying the impact of ground interventions. Please follow local and national health agencies for the latest advisories. 

Daily monitoring of satellite data shows air quality in Metro Manila has not returned to normal levels

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has done daily monitoring of satellite data since the Navotas landfill fire reportedly broke out on 10 April 2026. As of Thursday (23 April), the Bureau of Fire Protection has reported “smoldering conditions” onsite and satellite data show that air quality in Metro Manila has not returned to normal levels. Daily monitoring of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration over Metro Manila (taken every 8:45AM), shows that levels are still higher than on 6 April, prior to the fire. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant produced from burning and is a component of smoke.

The map shows the estimated smoke extent over Metro Manila and surrounding provinces at 8:45AM on Thursday, 23 April. Colors indicate the level of concentration of NO2, with darker red colors indicating higher levels of concentration.

PhilSA, Hungarian University MATE forge partnership for agricultural research, education, and tech development

PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D. (seated left) and MATE Rector Csaba Gyuricza (seated right) sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), witnessed by PhilSA Deputy Director General for Space Science and Technology Marc Caesar R. Talampas (left-most) and Her Excellency Titanilla Tóth, Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines (right-most)

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 20 April 2026 to advance agricultural research, education, and technology development. The agreement was signed by PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez and MATE Rector Dr. Csaba Gyuricza.

PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane Perez delivers her welcome message.

Satellite data show smoke from Navotas fire reached as far as Bataan

This map shows how far smoke spread in the aftermath of the Navotas landfill fire, which broke out at approximately 8PM on April 10, 2026. The time-lapse map shows hourly snapshots from 7:45AM (featured) to 3:45PM on the following day, April 11. Darker colors indicate higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, a proxy for smoke extent, which can be measured during daytime using satellite data.

Satellite image on Thursday, 16 April, shows 28.6 hectares burned in Navotas landfill fire

This image shows the estimated burned area affected in the Navotas landfill fire, which reportedly broke out on 10 April 2026. As of Thursday (16 April, 10:33AM), six days after the fire reportedly broke out, there was an estimated 28.58 hectares (~285,800 sqm) of burned area (delineated in red). For comparison, this area is slightly larger than the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) produced this map and provided it to the NDRRMC. PhilSA’s support through images and maps provides wide-area coverage that guides NDRRMC in monitoring the situation and prioritizing areas for response. By making space data accessible to stakeholders, PhilSA enables informed decision-making and strengthens disaster response.

Framework for rocket development and test launches in PH to be established through new PhilSA agreement

[L-R] Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ferdinand Ferrer, DTI Sec. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Ascend President Ramon C. Garcia Jr., DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda, CEZA Administrator and CEO Sec. Katrina Ponce Enrile, PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez, Perigee Aerospace CEO Dong Yoon Shin, MOTIR Minister Kim Jung-kwan, and Federation of Korean Industries Chairman Jin Ryo Ryu during the MOU signing ceremony. (Photo credit: LinkedIn/Ramon Garcia Jr)

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), Ascend International Gateway, Inc., and Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Perigee Aerospace, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on a framework for rocket development training and experimental rocket launches in the Philippines. These initiatives will demonstrate the viability of the establishment and operation of a Philippine spaceport, with the goal of positioning the country as a gateway to space in the region.

Philippine Space Act Signed - Encouraging Pinoys To Reach Outer Space

For the longest time, we are one of the many countries which have not given thought or opportunity to consider space as one of the frontiers Filipinos can go to. Mainly because it is always overshadowed and deemed to be not beneficial to the public. However it obvious that many of technologies today were a precedent of innovations made during the space race. 

As OFWs already conquered the world with their exodus to almost every part of the world, it is indeed time to consider having our own astronauts or space scientists that will develop complex yet very useful data collection and convert it to tools that will help the country especially in times of disasters, calaminties, etc.

The Senate Bill No. 1211: Philippine Space Act was filed last October 16, 2018 by Sen. Bam Aquino, and now has been signed by Predident Duterte.