The Philippines is on the brink of a technological leap with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. securing a historic deal to deploy the country’s first-ever internet satellites. This collaboration, involving California-based Astranis Space Technologies and Philippine-based Orbits Corp., was announced at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco. The $400 million partnership is set to revolutionize internet access in the Philippines, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
These MicroGEO satellites, dedicated to the Philippines, promise to cover up to 10 million users and 30,000 barangay (villages). The initiative is not just a technological advancement but also a significant socio-economic move, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster digital transformation across the nation.
The project is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs, involving both direct and indirect employees and partners. Adding to its significance, the first satellite has been named “Agila,” reflecting the Philippine eagle, symbolizing the project’s commitment to empowering Filipinos by expanding access to the digital world.
In addition to this, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has signed a memorandum of understanding with ATMO Inc. to develop a high-resolution weather forecasting system using AI technology. This partnership will enhance the Philippines’ climate resilience, marking another step forward in the country’s journey towards technological innovation.
This milestone in Philippine space technology underscores the nation’s commitment to not only improving its technological capabilities but also ensuring that these advancements have a profound impact on its people’s lives.