JOEL JOSEPH S. MARCIANO, JR., PhD Dr. Marciano is the first and current Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). He is also a Full Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of the Philippines, where he held the Dado and Maria Banatao Professorial Chair. He obtained his PhD in Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications from the University of New South Wales in Australia, and was the Dado Banatao Fellow at the University of California Berkeley and UC San Diego. From 2014-2020, he led the development of the Philippines’ Diwata microsatellites and Maya nanosatellites, and activities in ground operations, data processing, calibration and distribution. Dr. Marciano is the recipient of several recognitions for his research, teaching and public service. In January 2023, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by Hokkaido University for distinguished contributions to advancing education and research via international exchanges. As PhilSA Director General, Dr. Marciano holds the rank of a Cabinet Secretary and serves as Presidential Adviser on Space Matters.