This property will be developed into the official headquarters of the country’s space agency.
PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr. and BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang led the ceremonial contract signing held at the BCDA office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on Aug. 29.
"This milestone is about growth and collaboration. As we continue to build on PhilSA’s progress over the past five years, we are strengthening not just the space agency but also the domestic space ecosystem, our ‘#YamangKalawakan.’ We are pleased to be building in New Clark City with BCDA as we seize opportunities in the global space economy together," said Marciano.
Enhancing capabilities in space science, technology
The lease of a one-hectare property in New Clark City is part of the at about 30 hectares of land in the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga and Tarlac allocated for PhilSA, as mandated in Section 17 of Republic Act No. 11363 or the Philippine Space Act.
The establishment of the PhilSA headquarters in New Clark City will house about 350 personnel in the near term, including space scientists, engineers, and researchers.
The facilities to be put up are aimed at enhancing the country's capabilities in space science, technology, and applications (SSTA) by enabling tighter industry, academe and government engagement, and creating opportunities for highly technical jobs, products and services.
Modern space center
“Once built, we are confident that the Philippines will have one of the most modern space centers in Southeast Asia; and what better place for this to happen than in New Clark City, the first smart and disaster-resilient city in the Philippines,” said Bingcang.
The lease contract involves the first phase of PhilSA’s official site development, which includes its headquarters and facilities at the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City.
Second phase for expansion
The second phase is intended for further expansion of space research and development, and operations infrastructure of the agency.
Currently, PhilSA holds office in Quezon City, and operates ground station facilities in the University of the Philippines Diliman and in Davao city.
