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PH, Japan space agencies to team up to help Filipinos — Marcos
DIWATA-1, the Philippines' first micro satellite for multi spectral high precision earth observation, is seen at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) during a media tour at JAXA Tsukuba Space Center in Tsukuba, north of Tokyo, Japan. Reuters/Yuya Shino
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are set to collaborate on initiatives that will help Filipinos in the face of climate challenges and disasters, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos said Saturday.
The President announced the development in a statement on Instagram, saying the two agencies will work to maximize space technology that would allow better tracking of weather disturbances and faster disaster response.
"We're working with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), together with our very own Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), to use space technology that helps protect and improve the lives of Filipinos," Marcos said.
"With better satellites, we can track typhoons and respond to disasters more quickly, help our farmers plan smarter, and keep our communities safer," the President added.
Marcos met with JAXA executives as he wrapped up business meetings in Osaka, Japan on Friday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
He is currently on a four-day working visit to Japan from June 19 to 22.
JAXA has been a partner of the Philippines in space science, technology and applications programs, through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The DOST, for its part, has partnered with Japanese universities in the development and launch of the Philippines' first microsatellites DIWATA-1 and DIWATA-2, nanosatellites MAYA-1 and MAYA-2, and the first nanosatellites built by Philippine universities.
Established in 2003, JAXA is Japan's national space agency responsible for research, development and the utilization of space and aeronautics.
JAXA became a national research and development (R&D) agency in April 2015. It is involved in different undertakings to promote R&D in aerospace, with a focus on international cooperation, public relations, and collaboration with industries and educational institutions. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
