Philippine Space Agency

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) physically took part in the 29th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-29) from 18 to 22 September 2023 at the BRIN Headquarters, BJ Habibie Building in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Hosted by the Republic of Indonesia, through its National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and in collaboration with the Government of Japan through the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the annual space forum welcomed space agencies, governmental bodies, private companies, industry sectors, international and regional organizations, academia, and individuals from different countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific.

As one of the largest and premier space-related conferences in the Asia-Pacific, APRSAF promotes awareness of space activities of different countries in the region and provides opportunities for knowledge sharing, expert interaction, and cooperation among current and emerging space actors. This year’s theme, “Accelerating Space Economies through Regional Partnership,” highlights the contribution of space-based technologies and space-derived products and services in fostering economic growth and the important role of regional cooperation in strengthening domestic value chain capabilities.

PhilSA participated in various initiative meetings, working groups, plenary sessions, and bilateral meetings during the conference.

During the APRSAF-29 plenary session, the APRSAF Executive Committee (ExCom) invited all participants to the next edition of the conference, APRSAF-30, which will be held in Perth, Australia in 2024. The ExCom also announced the successful bid of the Philippines as host for the 31st edition of the conference in 2025 and urged all participants to extend their support to PhilSA in staging a successful conference. As part of the announcement, a video presentation was prepared by PhilSA which was shown during the plenary session.

With the bid of PhilSA to host the 31st annual session of the APRSAF in 2025 being successful, this will be the second time the Philippines will be hosting APRSAF—the first time in 2016 through the efforts of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCIEERD). The 2025 edition will be the first time that PhilSA, as the national space agency, will be hosting the annual regional conference.

Participation of PhilSA in Working Groups

The APRSAF was organized into five working group meetings, which were held from 19-20 September 2023, namely: Space Education for All Working Group (SE4AWG), which tackles space education activities, training programs, exchange of information and best practices, and opportunities for capacity-building and collaborations among participants; Space Policy and Law Working Group (SPLWG), which facilitated discussions on current and emerging space policies and frameworks in different countries, along with common regional issues in space; Satellite Applications for Societal Benefit Working Group (SAWG), which promoted the utilization of Earth observation, positioning and navigation satellites and space infrastructure to support climate change studies and adaptation, disaster risk reduction and management, and environmental sustainability; Enhancement of Space Capability Working Group (SCWG), which covered new trends in space technology and engineering management in developing spacecraft and space operation systems; and the Space Frontier Working Group (SFWG), which delved into initiatives aimed at space exploration and space environment utilization.

Dr. Adrian Salces, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Spacecraft Payload and Communications Systems Development Division (SPCSDD), discussed his presentation on “Advancing Space Educational Opportunities and Nanosatellite R&D Capabilities in the Philippines” during the SE4AWG on 19 September 2023.
Mr. Kritzman Caballero, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Space International Cooperation Division, discussed “Debris Mitigation and Response in the Philippines” during the SPLWG on 19 September 2023.
Engr. Noel Jerome Borlongan, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Space Data Mobilization and Applications Division (SDMAD), discussed his presentation on “Oil Spill Response in Oriental Mindoro” during the SAWG on 20 September 2023.
Engr. Febbie Marylou Prado, Science Research Specialist I from the Space Mission Control and Operations Division (SMCOD), also discussed her presentation on “Diwata-2: Milestones of an Earth Observation Microsatellite After 5 Years in Orbit” during the SAWG on 20 September 2023.
Dr. Adrian Salces, Supervising Science Research Specialist of SPCSDD, both served as presenter and panelist during the SCWG on 20 September 2023, with his presentation titled “Navigating Implementation Challenges: Insights from Running a Nanosatellite Project at the Philippine Space Agency”.
Dr. Dominic Guaña, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Interdisciplinary Space Missions Development Division, presented the country report at the SFWG on 20 September 2023.
Atty. Giovani Concepcion of the Space Policy and Legal Affairs Division (SPLAD) discussed his presentation on “Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines and Governance of Outer Space Activities in the Philippines” during the SPLWG on 20 September 2023.

Participation of PhilSA in Plenary Sessions

Ms. Jezzel Jao, Planning Officer of the Planning and Project Management Division, as panelist for Plenary Session 1: Space Economy “Accelerating Space Economies through Regional Partnership” on 21 September 2023
Atty. Noelle Riza Castillo, Director of the Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau, as panelist for Plenary Session 2: Space Sustainability “Sharing the Practices for Ensuring the Sustainable Use of Outer Space” on 21 September 2023
On behalf of PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr., Atty. Giovani Concepcion of SPLAD discussed the country report by highlighting PhilSA’s different programs activities, as well as its plans and future initiatives, on 21 September 2023.
Ms. Jo Brianne Briones, Information Officer of the Public Relations and Information Division, served as one of the panelists for Plenary Session 5: Future Generation “Nurturing Future Generation for Sustainable Development of Space Activities in Asia-Pacific Region” on 22 September 2023.
During the round table discussion for leaders of the APRSAF-29 on 22 September 2023, PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr. gave a brief statement regarding the APRSAF-31 hosting of the Philippines in 2025 and then proceeded with inviting the community to participate.

Participation of PhilSA in Initiatives Meetings

As a Data Provider Node (DPN) member of Sentinel Asia, PhilSA also joined the Sentinel Asia Joint Project Team Meeting (JPTM), which was hosted by JAXA, on 17 September 2023 during the APRSAF-29.
Mr. Marco Melgar, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Space Education and Scholarships Division, presented his Philippine Report to the Kibo-ABC on 18 September 2023 with highlights on the 2022 and 2023 Asian Try Zero G.

Participation of PhilSA in Bilateral Meetings

PhilSA meets with JAXA officials
PhilSA delegates meet with Mr. Alex da Silva Curiel (second from left) of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
PhilSA delegates meet with Mr. Robert Ford (second from left) of the U.S. Department of State.
GISTDA representatives together with PhilSA delegates during the bilateral meeting
PhilSA meets with GISTDA representatives.