From the Philippines to Japan: JUIDA and CIT-U Pioneer a New Horizon in Drone Education

In early June 2025, sparked by Japan Drone 2025 in Tokyo, a groundbreaking MOU partnership commenced between JUIDA and the prestigious Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), based in Cebu, Philippines. This collaboration aims to establish the first JUIDA accredited drone school in the Philippines.
 

Cebu’s Elites Experience Japanese Drone Technology

This landmark project is spearheaded by three distinguished faculty members from CIT-U:

• Engr. Felrem G. Lor (Head of Civil Engineering Department, commonly known as “Loa-san”)
• Engr. Jefrancis M. Concepcion (Faculty, Electronics Engineering Department, commonly known as “Jeff-san”)
• Engr. Ephrem Joseph A. Catane (Operations Specialist, AI FABLAB Facility, commonly known as “EJ-san”)

 
Following their visit to Japan Drone 2025, they embarked on an intensive tour to gain firsthand experience of the current state of Japan’s drone industry. In early June, they visited various drone-related facilities in the Kanto region. This included the R&D Center of EAMS Robotics Co., Ltd. in Fujimino City, Saitama Prefecture, Blue innovation Co., Ltd., which has a branch office at Itabashi Drone Field, and the JUIDA Headquarters in Kasuga, Tokyo. These visits allowed them to deeply absorb the essential knowledge for operating a certified drone school.

Particularly impressive was their visit to a “Drone Cafe” in Ginza designed to playfully spark public interest in drones. They eagerly learned the know-how behind engaging people who previously had no exposure to drones, drawing them into the world of UAVs. Their sincere questions and diligent note-taking at each destination were highly appreciated not only by JUIDA personnel but also by the host companies and organizations. Their unique blend of humor and passion, characteristic of visitors from a warm Southeast Asian nation, fostered a welcoming atmosphere and helped forge strong bonds with Japanese drone industry stakeholders.

 

Honing Piloting Skills in the Northern Land

Subsequently, from June 10 to 13, the three journeyed all the way to Hokkaido for a four-day intensive program of JUIDA practical training and lectures on piloting skills and safe operations, aiming to become the first JUIDA-certified instructors in the Philippines. The training took place at the Niikappu Test Field in Niikappu, Hokkaido, operated by mm Guard Inc. (President: Kazukiyo Suzuki). This facility, which utilizes the former Asahi Elementary School building, received immense support from its manager, Mr. Masayuki Kato. Additionally, Madam Tobiwatari (commonly known as “Tobi-san”), who supports the Niikappu Test Site, provided heartwarming refreshments like stew, donuts, and butterbur during breaks, helping the three to recharge and focus on their training. For more practical training sessions, significant cooperation was also extended by the Niikappu Town Office and the Hokkaido Ultralight Flying Club.

 
Their instructor was Mr. Hideki Yamazaki (commonly known as “Zakiyama-san”), a JUIDA certified instructor and one of the “aspiring drone pilots.” Mr. Yamazaki challenged them with high-difficulty practical exercises that far exceeded the standard JUDA training scope for certified instructors. However, the three, leveraging their inherent aptitude and their strong ambition and resolve to disseminate Japanese-style drone instruction throughout the Philippines, successfully cleared each hurdle.

 

A Firm Step Towards the Future

On the final day, June 13, with local media, including the Hokkaido Shimbun, covering the event, the practical and written examinations were held. All three candidates brilliantly passed.

 
Moving forward, they are scheduled to participate in a special English-language instructor training course remotely at Cebu, Philippines. Upon completion, they will officially become the first JUIDA-certified instructors in the Philippines. JUIDA eagerly anticipates their role in spreading Japanese-style, JUIDA-accredited drone schools across the entire Philippines. We are confident that these three individuals will significantly contribute to the development of the drone industry and the realization of a safe drone society in the Philippines.

 
■Inquiries regarding this matter:
JUIDA International Team:ohzora@uas-japan.org