To boost the country's efforts to raise awareness and understanding of space science, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) for international cooperation.
PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano said that 2021 will be the Year for International Cooperation for the agency, as the Philippines becomes more active in the international space community.
'The MoU is an important step for the country as we continue to build the local space ecosystem and cascade the benefits of space science, technology, and applications to society. It signifies our desire to be an active participant and contributor within the community of nations committed to the peaceful uses of outer space,' Marciano said.
The virtual signing ceremony was held on Friday, June 4, as part of the 60th Session of the Legal Subcommittee (LSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS).
PhilSA Director for Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau Noriz Castillo explained that the MoU will be effective for five years, and can be renewed.
'This is an important vehicle for us to be more active in the international community in the discussion, application, and development of space policy as it applies to UN [partner-countries],' Castillo said.
Marciano did not discount the possibility of sending Filipino scientists and engineers to space as the country builds partnerships with international agencies in developing technologies.
'That's always on the cards. There is nothing more inspiring than [sending] Filipinos to space, but as I always add, we need to support our Filipino man-space program with meaningful science,' he said.
PhilSA is also eyeing signing an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to cooperate in space projects by utilizing technological resources such as using data from their satellites and launching Philippine satellites.
PhilSA continues to communicate to Filipinos the importance of utilizing space technology and use data and technology in their daily lives. It is also considering integrating space technology in the basic education curriculum.
'We are embarking on programs that would encourage involvement of students across levels, so starting from [Science, Technology, and Mathematics students], basic education. We are now starting our talks with [the Department of Education], so this is just starting, maybe we can formalize this soon and we are looking at reviewing the curriculum with DepEd, in integrating space science in the basic education curriculum,' said PhilSA Deputy Director General Gay Perez.
She added that they are also looking at reviving out-of-school space awareness activities such as workshops and camps, and the celebration of World Space Week.
PhilSA is also working with the Department of Science and Technology Science Education Institute to identify target priority areas or courses relevant to space science and technology.