The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) took the lead in initiating the inaugural Space Ecosystem Corps (SPOC), designed to be a community of practice (CoP) centered on advancing space science and technology applications (SSTA) in the Philippines.
The inauguration was held at the University of the Philippines (UP) Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute in Quezon City on Dec. 5.
In his welcome remarks, PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr. recounted the genesis of SPOC and elucidated the significance of establishing this CoP or space ecosystem.
He also emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration and communication within Space Science and Technology Applications (SSTA).
SPOC aims to facilitate regular exchanges and the dissemination of information, best practices, and feedback on SSTA programs, developments, and related matters.
This initiative transforms the gathering into a central hub for learning and skill-sharing among officials and experts in the field.
The program also featured a simultaneous guided tour of the University Laboratory for Small Satellites and Space Engineering Systems (ULyS3ES) laboratory on the 5th floor, along with an exhibit showcasing rocket debris. PhilSA researchers and engineers facilitated it.
"Among the areas featured were the Amateur Radio and Satellite Station (ARSS) or Philippine Universities Ground Archiving and Data Reception (PUGAD) ground station, clean booth, Diwata structure, Diwata table satellite, prototyping area, Helmholtz cage, and soldering station," PhilSA said in a statement.
The activity saw the participation of developers, end users, experts, and practitioners from the government, industry, diplomatic corps, and academia in the country.
The SPOC meetings are planned to occur every two months.
Moreover, various personalities, including University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez, Programme Manager Environment & Climate Change Giovanni Serritella of the European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines, Department of Finance (DOF) Assistant Secretary Glenda Rumohr, UP Diliman College of Science Dean Giovanni Tapang, and Aboitiz Data Innovation AI and Innovation Center of Excellence Head Adrienne Heinrich, demonstrated their support by participating in the inaugural SPOC session.
"Overall, the SPOC members, bound by collective action, are on the mission of building and sustaining a robust and vibrant space ecosystem and economy in the Philippines," PhilSA said.