Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA)’s Senior Manager, Mr. Tetsutaro Tada, recently had his three-day visit in Cebu City from May 8 to 10, 2024, and conducted a series of exploratory meetings with key stakeholders. Facilitated by the officials from CVISNET and DOST-7, Mr. Tada had the privilege of meeting with the Department of Science and Technology Secretary, Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., along with other key officials from the department. The visit brought together stakeholders from the Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT-U), the Cebu City Government, Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), laying the groundwork for the nation's inaugural UAV training academy. This collaborative effort aims to position Cebu as a premier hub for drone education within the ASEAN region, uniting government officials, academic figures, and industry experts in a shared mission to transform the drone industry in the Philippines.

At the heart of the preliminary discussions is the commitment to providing comprehensive training and education for individuals aspiring to become proficient drone pilots and professionals. The soon- academy seeks to nurture a highly skilled workforce capable of effectively navigating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) that will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and development, fostering cooperation to drive advancements in drone technology.

As drones continue to play an increasingly pivotal role across various sectors such as photography and logistics, the establishment of the academy represents a significant stride toward harnessing the potential of UAS. With a strong emphasis on excellence and innovation, the academy is poised to influence the future trajectory of drone technology not only in the Philippines but also on a global scale

This initiative surely marks a new era in drone education and innovation in the Philippines!