Duterte names head of PH Space Agency

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has named Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr. as the head of the newly-created Philippine Space Agency.

Duterte signed Marciano’s appointment paper on Dec. 5, 2019, which was only released to the media on Tuesday.

Prior to his appointment, Marciano served as acting director of the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute.

The DOST-ASTI is focused on programs such as technology transfer and space technology.

The Philippine Space Act was created when Duterte signed Republic Act 11363 or the Philippine Space Act on August 8, 2019.

The President likewise appointed Eduardo del Rosario as the ad interim Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

Duterte also renewed the appointment of businessman and The Manila Times chairman Dante Ang as his special envoy for international public relations.