Quezon City, Ph -- The Synthetic Aperture Radar and Automatic Identification System for Innovative Terrestrial Monitoring and Maritime Surveillance (SARwAIS) Project conducted the first iteration of their webinar series today. 

Titled SARwAIS Webinar Series Part I: Partner SUCs and HEIs, the event was attended by students, professors, educators, as well as representatives from DOST regional offices across the country. The webinar series provided a platform for SARwAIS Project’s partner universities to share how the NovaSAR data can aid in these academic institutions’ research and development activities and initiatives. 

In its year 5, the SARwIS team conducted a series of capacity-building and technology-proliferation activities as part of its people services. Divided into clusters and covering all the major islands of the Philippines, the team was able to train students and faculty from a total of 17 SUCs/HEIs. 

For this webinar, the team invited representatives from the host Universities: 

• Prof. Angelo Benedict Ragunjan - Mariano Marcos State University 
• Engr. Jovel Young - Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas 
• Prof. Dante Dinawanao - Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology 
• Dr. Jaevier Villanueva - Rizal Technological University 
• Prof. Wilfredo Pardorla, Jr. - Indiana Aerospace University; and 
• Dr. Dymphna Javier - University of the Philippines Baguio (MULAT BLISTT) 

The representatives and coordinators were the chairs and leaders of various departments and projects within their respective Universities. Dr. Dymphna Javier is the current Dean of the University of the Philippines Baguio’s College of Science. 

During the event, they shared their experiences regarding the Basic Artificial Intelligence and Radar Remote Sensing Training Series;  and how space technology offers countless opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty. 

“By providing a real-world context for abstract space S&T concepts, as well as showcasing cutting-edge technological innovation, space technology now inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians,” said DOST-ASTI Director Franz De Leon in his welcome remarks. 

He added that the space industry offers a wide array of exciting career opportunities for students as well as for professionals alike.  

“Space S&T is now branching out, touching base with roles in research, engineering, data analysis, high-performance computing, and mission control. By exposing students to space technology and its potential applications, educators can inspire them to pursue further education and careers in these fields,” he ended. 

In his closing remarks, Engr. Alvin Retamar shared that the SARwAIS Project is extended for another year. 

“As we end our fifth year, and as we embark on the extension period of the project, we continue to provide our stakeholders with images and data acquired from the NovaSAR-1 satellite, combined with our other space assets,” he said. 

For this extension period, the SARwAIS Project team members expressed their commitment to complement agencies and institutions in their critical decision-making as well as provide aid in disaster monitoring and resource management with the use of earth observation data. 

ABOUT THE SARWAIS PROJECT 

Housed under DOST-ASTI, the Synthetic Aperture Radar and Automatic Identification System for Innovative Terrestrial Monitoring and Maritime Surveillance (SARwAIS) Project focuses on terrestrial monitoring and maritime surveillance in high-priority areas through simultaneous radar image and automatic identification system data acquisition through the NovaSAR-1 satellite developed by UK-based company Surrey Satellite Technology, Ltd. (SSTL).