GOVPH

Philippine Space Agency Signs Copernicus Agreement with European Commission Directorate-General for Defense Industry and Space

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the European Commission Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) signed the Copernicus Administrative Agreement (CAA) during a hybrid signing ceremony held at the sidelines of the third Philippines-European Union Joint Committee Meeting (PH-EU JCM) on 30 June 2023.

The CAA is a non-binding instrument between PhilSA and DG DEFIS that will facilitate the access and exchange of Earth Observation satellite data between the Philippines and the EU on a reciprocity basis, based on the National Copernicus Support Action Program for the Philippines’ (CopPhil) Data Infrastructure component.

PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Marciano, Jr. in Manila and DG DEFIS Director for Outreach and Innovation Ekaterini Kavvada in Brussels signed the CAA, witnessed by DG DEFIS officials and by a delegation from the Philippines consisting of representatives from the Philippine Mission to the EU in Brussels, the PhilSA, and the Department of Finance.

UNIVERSITY OF NAMUR HOLDS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EXCHANGES BETWEEN FILIPINO AND EUROPEAN UNION-BASED SCHOLARS

The University of Namur convened the International Conference on Exchanges Between Filipino and European Union-based Scholars on 7-9 June 2023 at The Arsenal, University of Namur. The Conference is part of the Philippine Studies Program that was funded by a grant from the Philippine government through the initiative of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.

In her message that was read by Philippine Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda during the Conference, Senator Legarda emphasized the importance of studies and scholarly exchanges in the process of legislation, saying that “Without our scholars, we would not be able to draft sound, systematic, and relevant policies that would address the Filipino people’s problems.” She thanked the scholars for being part of the foundation of the Philippine legislative system.

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AMBASSADOR LEDDA MEETS WITH MAYOR JAN VERMEULEN AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF DEINZE, EAST FLANDERS

Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda met with Mayor Jan Vermeulen and members of the City Council of Deinze, East Flanders, Belgium, on 11 June 2023. The meeting coincided with the Filipino community celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood, which was held in the city.

Ambassador Ledda lauded the city of Deinze for its green initiatives, bike-friendly zones, and transport connectivity, saying that it can be a model for sustainable cities in the Philippines. He raised the possibility of launching sister-city agreements between Deinze and local government units in the Philippines. He also expressed his gratitude to Mayor Vermeulen for his support for the Filipinos in his city and for providing legal assistance to Filipino victims of human trafficking.

Mayor Vermeulen mentioned that Filipinos make up a significant portion of Deinze’s 45,000 inhabitants. He thanked Ambassador Ledda for the relationship established by the Embassy with Deinze and looked forward to more collaborative projects with the Philippines in the future.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Mayor and Alderman Bruno Dhaenens, Alderman Filip Vervaeke, Alderman Sofie D’hondt, Honorary Consul Ronny de Blaere, Madame Gina M. Ledda, and Embassy officers and staff, as well as its attached agencies.