25 May 2021, Calgary – The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary has connected the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) with the University of Lethbridge (uLethbridge) for potential cooperation in the field of space science.

In an introductory meeting on 18 May 2021, the officials of DOST, PhilSA, uLethbridge and the PCG met virtually to discuss opportunities for partnership and collaboration on space science, particularly on remote sensing technology. The PCG introduced uLethbridge officials with DOST and PhilSA officials, which led to their initial meeting.

Consul General Zaldy Patron learned about uLethbridge’s program on remote sensing technology and its hosting of the Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Centre (ATIC), a leading research center, during his visit to the university on 13 September 2019 where he met with uLethbridge President Michael Mahon and his officials. The university is  located in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

In March 2021, Consul General Patron encouraged uLethbridge to offer its program on remote sensing technology and ATIC’s world-class expertise in Earth observation, research, and development to DOST and PhilSA.  Officials of uLethbridge reached out to DOST and PhilSA the following month. A month later, the introductory meeting was held.

On 22 November 2018, Consul General Patron also met with DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña to inform him of the PCG’s initiatives to promote education cooperation and science & technology cooperation between the Philippines and the two Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, which are under the PCG’s consular jurisdiction.

Consul General Patron welcomed the recent statement of Secretary de la Peña that, following their 18 May 2021 meeting, the DOST, PhilSA, and uLethbridge ATIC are considering having a tripartite agreement to kickstart their collaboration. END.