Public-Private Drone Education and Technology Collaboration Kicks Off in Cebu, Philippines ~ Future-Oriented International Partnership Advances through Dialogue at DOST WEEK RSTW 2025 ~
In April 2025, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA), a leading non-profit organization promoting drone-related education and institutional development in Japan, officially participated in the “DOST WEEK RSTW 2025 (Regional Science and Technology Week)” held in Cebu, Philippines. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation with stakeholders in government, academia, and industry, toward building a comprehensive drone education and technology partnership. The JUIDA delegation included Executive Director Mr. Kakuya Iwata and a JUIDA staff member.
Thanks to the efforts of our MOU partner, CVISNET, a productive meeting was held with key Philippine officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) central office and DOST Region 7. The discussions centered on educational collaboration, human resource development, and practical applications of drone technology in the Philippines, resulting in a constructive dialogue.
The delegation also visited Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U), a leading regional educational institution, to build consensus on future academic collaboration. The parties discussed the co-creation of phased human resource development plans, frameworks for drone-based workforce training, and application strategies tailored to local needs.
“Drones are not only symbols of technological innovation, but also public tools that can contribute to education and solving societal challenges,” said Executive Director Iwata at RSTW 2025, emphasizing the importance of international co-creation beyond borders.
As a neutral and independent organization not aligned with any single company, JUIDA is committed to supporting the sound development of the drone industry in both Japan and the Philippines. At the same time, JUIDA aims to provide Japanese drone-related companies with new opportunities to explore and expand into emerging frontiers like the Philippines, while offering broad support through its local network and partnerships.
This project is set to evolve through a step-by-step approach based on the following three pillars:
- Establishment of drone education hubs and training of local drone instructors
- Development of locally adapted drone technology implementation models
- Support for real-world drone applications in non-military fields such as disaster response, agriculture, and logistics
Moving forward, JUIDA will continue working closely with relevant organizations across the Philippines, promoting the co-development of talent and technology while respecting local perspectives. Through these efforts, JUIDA aims to help build a sustainable drone ecosystem not only in the ASEAN region, but globally.
■For more information, please contact
JUIDA International Relations and Developmentt:ohzora@uas-japan.org
