President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) will collaborate with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to use space technology for the benefit of Filipinos.

The President met with JAXA executives as he concluded his business meetings in Osaka, Japan on Friday, June 20.

“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,” President Marcos said in a statement posted on social media.

“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.

President Marcos is on a four-day working visit to Japan from June 19 to 22.

JAXA has been a valuable partner of the Philippines in space science, technology and applications programs through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The DOST has collaborated with Japanese universities in the successful development and launch of the Philippines’ first microsatellites DIWATA-1 and DIWATA-2, nanosatellites MAYA-1 and MAYA-2, and the first Philippine university-built nanosatellites.

Founded in 2003, JAXA was formed through the merger of three institutions. It is Japan’s national space agency responsible for research, development, and the utilization of space and aeronautics.

In April 2015, JAXA became a national research and development (R&D) agency. It is engaged in various activities to promote R&D in the aerospace field, with emphasis on international cooperation, public relations, and collaboration with industries and educational institutions. | PND