The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) welcomed Her Excellency Saija Sinikka Nurminen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland to the Republic of the Philippines, during a courtesy visit on 06 November 2025 at the PhilSA Conference Room in Quezon City.

The potential areas of mutual interest and collaboration between the Philippines and Finland, particularly in the field of space science and technology applications (SSTAs), including satellite data applications, capacity building, industry cooperation, and innovation were discussed during the visit. 

PhilSA Officer-in-Charge Dr. Gay Jane Perez presided over the meeting and discussed the concept of “#YamangKalawakan: Strengthening the Philippine Space Ecosystem through International Cooperation”—highlighting the country’s space programs and initiatives, including international partnerships and space infrastructure developments. 

Among the key points shared was the National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines (CopPhil) Mirror Site, which was formally turned over by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines on 08 August 2025. The site enhances local capacity for environmental monitoring and disaster management. PhilSA is preparing for the implementation of the EU-Philippines €20-million Digital Economy Package, which expands access to Copernicus satellite data, boosts secure and high-speed connectivity, and supports capacity building—further positioning the Philippines as a regional hub for digital and Earth observation services in Southeast Asian region. The discussion also referenced PhilSA’s visit to Finland in 2024, where it engaged with research institutions and commercial space companies to explore opportunities for collaboration in SSTA. 

The Philippines and Finland, both signatories to the Artemis Accords, expressed their shared commitment of promoting transparent and sustainable exploration of outer space.  

Ambassador Nurminen (right) meets with PhilSA Officer-in-Charge Perez, Ph.D. and PhilSA officials to identify some areas of common interests and possibilities for cooperation between Finland and Philippines, including space business communities.

Coinciding with the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Finland, the courtesy visit reaffirms both countries’ commitment to advancing SSTA, and to ensuring that space contributes to sustainable development and inclusive growth. 

PhilSA continues to pursue partnerships that strengthen the country’s participation in the global space community and advance the development of the local space value chain. 

Ambassador Nurminen (3rd from left) and PhilSA Officer-in-Charge Dr. Perez (center) in a photo opportunity with PhilSA officials, namely (L-R): Dr. Ariel Blanco, Space Information Infrastructure Bureau Director; Atty. Noelle Riza Castillo, Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau Director; Engr. Rolando Martinez, Space Industry and Strategic Business Development Bureau Director; Dr. Reinabelle Reyes, Space Science Missions Bureau Director; and Atty. Paul Heherson Balite, Finance and Administrative Service Director