Key Takeaways
- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced collaboration with JAXA to leverage space technology for national benefits.
- Ongoing initiatives include disaster management, education programs, and strengthening the local space industry.
- The Philippines will host significant space events, including APRSAF-31, to promote regional cooperation.
Collaboration with JAXA for National Progress
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently engaged with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) at Expo 2025 Osaka, emphasizing the value of using space technology to enhance the lives of Filipinos. With JAXA President Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa andPhilippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Deputy Director General Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez present, Marcos highlighted the potential of improved satellite capabilities in disaster response and agricultural planning.
The partnership between the Philippines and Japan dates back to 2006 and has gained momentum since the establishment of PhilSA in 2019. A memorandum of cooperation signed in 2021 further solidified their collaboration in satellite development, research, and capacity building.
Current Initiatives and Future Prospects
PhilSA actively participates in the Sentinel Asia initiative, which employs space technology for disaster risk reduction in the Asia-Pacific region. Since 2023, PhilSA has committed to providing crucial satellite imagery data for disaster management using the Diwata-2 and NovaSAR-1 satellites.
Additionally, PhilSA leads educational outreach efforts through JAXA’s Kibo Asian Beneficial Collaboration (Kibo-ABC), enabling Filipino researchers and students to conduct experiments aboard the International Space Station. This includes initiatives such as the Asian Try Zero-G and the Kibo Robot Programming Challenge.
Looking forward, the Philippines and Japan aim to engage the private sector to enhance satellite manufacturing and support the domestic space industry, focusing on business-to-business collaborations.
Upcoming Events to Foster Collaboration
The Philippines is set to host the 31st Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) in Cebu this November, co-organized by PhilSA and JAXA. Featuring a portfolio of PhilSA’s leadership in regional space initiatives, the forum will be a platform for showcasing successful partnerships with Japan.
Ahead of the forum, PhilSA will also initiate the Japan-Philippines Space Economy Co-Creation Event in Manila. This event aims to unite space agencies, startups, investors, and researchers from both countries to explore cooperation in satellite applications and emerging space technologies.
Dr. Perez noted the importance of encouraging Japanese companies to partner with Philippine firms to diversify the satellite manufacturing chain. This collaboration is essential for fostering a robust domestic space industry and participating in the expanding space economy.
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