J. Albert Gamboa l August 18, 2023 l The Manila Times
FOR the first time ever, the country celebrated “Philippine Space Week” on August 8 to 14, 2023 after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. issued Proclamation 302 promoting space awareness and highlighting the contributions of Filipinos worldwide in the field of space science.
Capping the week-long celebration was the turnover ceremony witnessed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro 2nd in which Diversified Financial Network Inc. (DFNN) donated 20 SpaceX Starlink kits to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The portable satellite communication equipment will support the emergency capability of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chaired by Teodoro.
Headed by Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno as concurrent administrator, OCD is NDRRMC’s secretariat and implementing arm. It provides communications support to disaster-stricken local government units as part of its emergency management function. Nepomuceno welcomed the donation as another boost in efforts to strengthen the capability of OCD and local governments using redundant communication systems across the archipelago.
DFNN Executive Chairman Ramon Garcia 2nd said that by providing Starlink connectivity to critical government functions, particularly in disaster risk reduction, the Philippine Stock Exchange-listed company is taking a step toward the future where communication is never compromised even in the face of nature’s most challenging moments.
Aside from the Camp Aguinaldo event, Garcia presided over another turnover ceremony at the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in Eastwood CyberOne, Quezon City together with PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano 2nd. This time it involved the donation of a learning management system platform from DFNN as well as scholarship grants for space technology students and internships with DFNN’s partner space agency facilities.
These initiatives are aimed at helping PhilSA achieve its goal to establish a pool of trained space scientists, engineers, and communicators who would eventually become instrumental to the success of the Philippines’ national space program.
UPAA honors 2023 awardees
The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) will hold its 2023 awarding ceremonies tomorrow night at Ang Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City. The UPAA awardees are outstanding individuals recognized for their leadership, service, and contributions to create positive change globally and in the country.
Leading this year’s awardees are former Vice President Maria Leonor Gerona-Robredo and Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan as Most Distinguished Alumni. Robredo graduated from the UP School of Economics (UPSE) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986, while Balisacan obtained his Master of Science degree from UPSE in 1982.
An independent award program, the annual UPAA Alumni Awards bestow honors on UP graduates with exceptional achievements in their chosen careers or vocations. The works of these outstanding alumni bring substantial benefits to society, while their efforts impact the community at the local, national, or international levels.
*** The author is the chief finance officer of Asian Center for Legal Excellence and vice-chair of the Finex Ethics Committee. The opinion expressed herein does not necessarily reflect the views of these institutions and The Manila Times. #FinexPhils www.finex.org.ph