18/08/2026
Empowering Space Science and Technology: A Look Back at the
PINAS Academe Training!
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) successfully conducted the PINAS Academe for Space Science and Technology Applications (SSTA) Training on August 11–12, 2026, at the PhilSA Conference Room in Eastwood, Quezon City. The two-day event brought together academic partners and space science enthusiasts to foster cross-institutional collaboration, strengthen technical expertise, and promote data-driven solutions across the nation.
Representing the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) community, Mr. Mario S. Rodriguez, Director of the Ateneo Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Development, formally represented AdZU during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Additionally, key personnel from the Ateneo Center for Environment and Sustainability (ACES)— Director Mr. Emir V. Epino and Engr. Raymond T. Ong, Program Officer for Research and Technical Services—actively participated in the two-day intensive program.
The opening day set a strong foundation for future collaborations, starting with warm welcome remarks from Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, Ad Interim Director General of PhilSA. A major highlight of the morning was the ceremonial MOA signing between PhilSA officials and partner-university representatives, coordinated by PINAS Project Coordinator Mr. Emmanuel Q. Ganancias. Following the signing and an exchange of tokens, Dr. techn. Mark Edwin A. Tupas shared key next steps and the roadmap forward. Participants were then treated to a guided tour of the PhilSA facilities led by DATOS Project Manager Mr. Carl Jake E. Matias. The afternoon transitioned into technical sessions, beginning with an introduction to DATOS projects by Engr. Noel Jerome B. Borlongan and a deep dive into remote sensing concepts by Mr. Arlo Jayson C. Sabuito. Day 1 concluded with an engaging open discussion and Q&A session facilitated by Engr. Francesca
Deighl R. Rivera.
Day 2 kicked off with a recap of the previous day's activities before diving straight into intensive, hands-on technical parallel sessions. Participants explored specialized space-data processing applications tailored to critical sectors. One session focused on land cover and agriculture through the JuanMap and SAKA initiatives, while the parallel session tackled natural resource management and disaster response using the OPERA and DHARMA systems. These technical workshops were expert-led by Engr. Noel Jerome B. Borlongan, Mr. Reymar R. Diwa, Mr. Aeron Mark P. Hernando, and Engr. Andrei Miguel P. Piano. Following post-training evaluations and another round of facility networking, the event wrapped up with the awarding of certificates and closing remarks by Mr. Denis F. Villorente, Deputy Director General for Space Operations,
Infrastructure, and Industry.
This milestone activity would not have been possible without the joint efforts of key institutions. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) for leading and organizing this workshop, as well as the Office of the President and the Bagong Pilipinas initiative for their continuous support in advancing the country's space capabilities