Scientist Gay Jane Perez named PhilSA officer-in-charge

The Office of the President has appointed Dr. Gay Jane Perez as the officer-in-charge of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).

According to a PhilSA statement, Perez has served as PhilSA deputy director general for space science and technology since 2021.

She earned her doctorate in physics from the University of the Philippines Diliman and then conducted her postdoctoral research at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, where she specialized in remote sensing and satellite data applications.  

Perez was recognized as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service in 2019 and received the National Academy of Science and Technology Outstanding Young Scientist in 2021.

She became the first Filipino recipient of the ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women for her groundbreaking research using satellite data to forecast droughts and improve agricultural productivity.

The Senate honored her achievements in 2018 through Senate Resolution No. 923.

Perez also led the team that developed Diwata-1 and Diwata-2, the country’s first microsatellites.

“Under her leadership, PhilSA reaffirms its commitment to harness Yamang Kalawakan – the emerging domestic space ecosystem – for sustainable development and nation-building,” PhilSA said.

Perez replaced former PhilSA director general Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., who stepped down in September after leading the country’s national space program for five years.

PhilSA expressed its deep appreciation to Marciano as the agency’s founding director general and his “pioneering leadership in establishing the agency, building its institutional framework, and advancing the Philippines’ role in the global space community.”

“His vision and dedication laid the groundwork for a strong and enduring national space program,” PhilSA added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News