GOVPH

SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENT OF THE FIRST PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY-BUILT SATELLITES “MAYA-3” AND “MAYA-4”

(L-R) JAXA Vice President TERADA Koji, Minister and Consul Leah Victoria C. Rodriguez, Minister Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V, JAXA Astronaut KANAI Norishige, and JAXA Vice President SASAKI Hiroshi

The Philippines’ first university-built satellites “Maya-3” and “Maya-4” was successfully released into orbit from the International Space Station on 06 October 2021 at 6:15 pm (Japan Time). Prior to the deployment, both CubeSats were launched to the International Space Station on 29 August 2021 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket’s Dragon 208.

Witnessing the event at JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V remarked that “We have long recognized the different applications of space technologies in contributing towards the nation’s sustainable development, such as providing access to telecommunications and to vital data for food security, health improvements, disaster risk reduction, prevention of humanitarian crises, poverty reduction, and monitoring natural resources.”

“I congratulate the Department of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Kyushu Institute of Technology for this milestone event”, Ambassador Laurel further stated.

The CubeSats Maya-3 and Maya-4 are designed and developed by the first batch of scholars supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with scholarship grants from its Science Education Institute (SEI).  They trained under the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation, and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program: Project 3 - Space Science and Technology Proliferation through University Partnerships (STeP-UP). 

Maya-3 and Maya-4 CubeSats are 1.1-kilogram microsatellites that feature two (2) 5MP visual cameras to capture images of the Philippines and for general visual assessment of landmass and bodies of water. 

Secretary of Science and Technology Fortunato T. de la Peña provided the Go/No Go Call via Zoom at the deployment event.

The bilateral space cooperation program of the Philippines and Japan aims to cultivate STEM talent, advance technology cooperation, expand data applications, deepen space policy dialogues, and nurture the growth of the space industry in the Philippines.

The deployment event may be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDnhIniV1FU.

Photo by: Stamina4Space

Top (L-R): Renzo Wee, Christy Raterta, Lorilyn Daquioag, Derick Canceran Bottom (L-R): Judiel Reyes, Gladys Bajaro, Marielle Magbanua-Gregorio, Bryan Custodio

THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN TOKYO HOLDS AN ONLINE LECTURE ON THE BLUE ECONOMY TO CELEBRATE THE MARITIME AND ARCHIPLEAGIC NATION AWARENESS MONTH (MANA MO)

29 September 2021 – The blue economy, its basic concepts, evolution, trends and challenges of sustainability, was the focus of an online lecture organized by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo in collaboration with the Ocean Policy Research Institute, Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s Senior Research Fellow Professor KOBAYASHI Masanori.  Entitled “Understanding the Blue Economy”, discussions revolved around the basic elements of and the interconnections among sectors of the blue economy. 

Professor Kobayashi scanned the current work around SDG 14, its importance to other SDGs, individual and global efforts to promote the sustainable use of the ocean and country-specific cases on blue economy concerns and approaches,.  He spoke of interlocking measures of governments and the private sector, of the marine ecosystem and the ocean industry, frameworks of cooperation, local efforts that support global norms and international instruments, and the need to look into the nexus of policy, science and innovation. 

He spoke of the experience of Japan in fisheries, energy, marine protection, tourism, grassroots action and policy making.  He presented case studies on coastal management, financing and energy from third countries.

Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of the oceans surrounding the Philippine archipelago, how it provides not only livelihood for Filipinos, but also connectivity that undergirds prosperity for all. 

Professor Masanori Kobayashi of the Ocean Policy Research Institute, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, presents a lecture on the “Blue Economy”, 29 September 2021

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo organized the webinar as one of its commemorative activities for the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month or MANA Mo, observed every September to strengthen public awareness of the importance of the Philippine maritime heritage. The Philippines and Japan, both maritime nations, recognize the need for the sustainable use of the ocean and marine resources.

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo Observes National Peace Consciousness Month and International Peace Day

21 September 2021 – In collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo observed the National Peace Consciousness Month and International Peace Day with a lecture on the subject “Bangsamoro and National Development”. The lecture was presented by OPAPP Spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Wilben M. Mayor.

Aiming to present the approaches of and current developments in the peace process and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the lecture provided insight into the complex dimensions and tracks pursued to attain sustainable peace and development in the Philippines, and underlined the importance of multiple stakeholder involvement. Assistant Secretary Mayor also highlighted the role that Japan plays in supporting the Mindanao Peace Process. This year, the Philippines and Japan are celebrating the 65th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, and the 10th year of the bilateral Strategic Partnership.

OPAPP Assistant Secretary Wilben M. Mayor delivers his lecture on the “Bangsamoro and National Development”, 21 September 2021.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V underscored the importance of peace in achieving a more secure and economically progressive country. He cited the example of Japan, who, after the war, provided prosperity and quality of life to its citizens. “Like Japan post World War II, the Philippines, and in this instance BARMM, is on the path to consolidate peace and development”, Ambassador Laurel added.

Every September of each year, the Philippine Government celebrates the National Peace Consciousness Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 675 of 2004. The Proclamation encourages all government agencies and instrumentalities to initiate and participate in relevant and meaningful activities in celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month, “to instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino people of the comprehensive peace process and the Culture of Peace agenda”