PH AMBASSADOR JOSE MANUEL ROMUALDEZ VISITS ASTRANIS IN SAN FRANCISCO
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez (center), Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer (left), and Mr. John Gedmark (right) with the Philippines’ Agila satellite. The satellite, named “Agila,” reflects the nation’s commitment to embracing digital innovation and connectivity. It symbolizes the country’s aspirations and the satellite’s mission to unite communities and pave the way for a digitally empowered Philippines. (Photo courtesy of Astranis)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA –Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez visited Astranis Space Technology Corporation, a pioneering American geostationary communications satellite operator and manufacturer, on October 10, 2024.
The visit was particularly timely, as Ambassador Romualdez had the opportunity to see the Philippines’ inaugural dedicated national satellite, named Agila, before its launch in the next two months via SpaceX Falcon Rocket.
During the visit, the Ambassador met with Astranis CEO Mr. John Gedmark, Vice President Christian Keil, and Director Robert Mann.
Joining Ambassador Romualdez were Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Trade Commissioner Kristine Umali, Ms. Rosalie Say, and Mr. Noel Nufable. The team was given an exclusive tour of Astranis’ high-tech, next-generation spacecraft for geostationary orbit at their historic facility in Pier 70, San Francisco.
Astranis has partnered with Orbits Corporation, a cutting-edge broadband satellite services provider, to launch the Philippines’ first dedicated national satellite in 2024.
Under a visionary $400 million investment spread over eight years by the Philippines’ Orbits in partnership with Astranis, this ambitious project aims to accelerate the country’s digital transformation. It will bring reliable internet access to millions of Filipinos, with a focus on unserved and underserved areas of the Philippines. The initiative is set to provide internet services to an estimated 30,000-plus barangays, with an installation target between 3,000 to 6,000 sites.
“I am pleased to witness the Agila satellite ahead of its launch. It will be launched in a few weeks, which is exactly a year after the President witnessed the MOU signing between Astranis and Orbits Corporation,” said Ambassador Romualdez. “The Agila satellite will be a game changer, delivering reliable and affordable internet connectivity across the Philippines. It will make a huge difference in the lives of Filipinos, both at home and abroad, bridging the digital divide and enhancing opportunities for all.”
Mr. John Gedmark, CEO of Astranis, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch of the Agila satellite, stating, “We are honored to help bring the Philippines this critically-needed service — and their first-ever dedicated satellite. Affordable connectivity changes lives, which is why our engineers have dedicated so much time and hard work to ensuring the success of this program.”
Astranis executives underscored the importance of the partnership with the Philippines, emphasizing that their small, low-cost, innovative telecommunications satellite will provide reliable and affordable internet access at a fraction of the cost compared to legacy providers. This initiative is expected to transform lives and empower underserved communities across the Philippines.
During the visit, Ambassador Romualdez, together with Consul General Ferrer also took time to meet and greet Filipino employees working at Astranis, many of whom expressed pride in being part of such a groundbreaking project.
Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer added, “San Francisco stands as a global hub for tech innovation, where cutting-edge ideas take shape. The city is also home to a vibrant Filipino diaspora, whose contributions continue to drive technological advancements and entrepreneurial growth. Together, we’re shaping a future that bridges cultures and transforms industries.”
The Ambassador’s visit to Astranis was facilitated by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley with the assistance of Director Rob Mann, Astranis’ Head of International Relations. END
Photo courtesy of Astranis
Meet and greet with Filipino employees at Astranis:
The Filipino employees at Astranis expressed their pride in being part of a trailblazing initiative that will significantly impact the country’s future. (Photo courtesy of Astranis)