SEOUL, 10 November 2026–Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez welcomed Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Acting Director General Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez during a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy on 19 October 2026, reaffirming the Embassy’s continued support for Philippine–ROK cooperation in space science and technology.

Discussions highlighted the development of Philippine rocket capabilities, expanded satellite applications, and opportunities for cooperation with ROK government institutions and private sector partners.

“Satellite technology is increasingly vital to disaster preparedness and response, particularly for a country as vulnerable to natural disasters as the Philippines. Strengthening our own space capabilities will allow us to better protect our communities, safeguard livelihoods, and build national resilience,” Ambassador Fernandez said.

The Embassy also proudly welcomed the successful completion of the Sounding Rocket Know-How Transfer and Training Program by ten (10) Filipino engineers, who underwent intensive training with Perigee Aerospace in the assembly, integration, and testing of a liquid-fueled sounding rocket.

Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza represented the Embassy at the completion ceremony on 20 October 2026 at Perigee Aerospace’s Rocket Development Complex in Okcheon, ROK. The program represents an important milestone toward the Philippines’ targeted demonstration rocket launch in Cagayan in early 2027.

The presence of ROK and Philippine officials, including former ROK Ambassador to the Philippines and current Daegu International Relations Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, Korea AeroSpace Administration Director for International Cooperation Jeong-hun Kim, PhilSA founding Director General Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr., and representatives of Perigee Aerospace led by Founder and CEO Dong Yoon Shin during this milestone underscored the strong partnership supporting the Philippines’ growing space sector.

The Philippine Embassy remains committed to advancing bilateral space cooperation that develops Filipino expertise, strengthens national technological capabilities, and opens new opportunities in the space economy. END