For this reason, it is a great pleasure to lend my support to a dedicated and enthusiastic advocate of space research and science education, molecular biologist Dr. Custer C. Deocaris, who has ambitions to create a space life sciences research centre in Manila and to stimulate the creation of a Philippine Space Agency.
With the support of Dr. Jose Luis J Danguilan and Dr. Sergio N Andres Jr. of the Lung Center of the Philippines, the 1st National Technology Forum and Press Conference on Space Medicine and Biology took place before an audience of medical staff, students, and media representatives. It was the first occasion that lectures related to space sciences had ever taken place within the Philippines and marks an important first step in raising local awareness and interest.
Proceedings of the day were finished off with the swearing of an oath for the founding members of the Philippine Academy of Aerospace Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, of which I am proud to be an honorary member.
Long may their efforts to encourage new generations of Philippino scientists continue.