Look forward to a better world and stronger humanity

A recent FB post from a colleague, a former fellow scholar at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, reminded us to look beyond the present world with its pandemic and other challenges and look up, hope and believe in infinite positive possibilities.

Fascinated by the wider universe beyond our tiny earth since childhood, Romar (Rogel Mari Sese) proceeded to study and specialize in computational astrophysics and relentlessly, almost singlehandedly succeeded in convincing Congress to pass the National Space Policy (RA 11363).

In his eyes, the sky is not the limit perhaps not even the universe.

To Romar, a developing country like the Philippines can aspire to reach the stars and outer space at par with developed countries.

A multi-awardee, he is Chair of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and Program leader of ACCESS: ADDU COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY EMPOWERED BY SATELLITE SERVICE FOR MINDANAO.

This laudable program intends to enhance internet access in remote and isolated communities in Mindanao through satellites and to bringing space technology to where it Is needed the most!

ADDU, partnering with other academic institutions, government agencies and private industry, aims to provide alternative solutions using satellite technology to address the problem of online connectivity, democratize access to the Internet, and improve the quality of life for people in Mindanao.

During a recent experience in the ongoing Phase 1 implementation which “involves the installation of eight (8) satellite receiving stations in selected sites to allow students to connect online for distance education, health workers to conduct tele-medicine activities, and local residents to receive skills training or access government services,” Romar shared this very inspiring and uplifting post:

“Last week was a very gruelling week for me. On top of my usual workload, we had to do two field visits for social and technical preparation as part of the ACCESS Mindanao Program. Apart from the 4-5 hours land travel (one way!) to the sites, we needed proper travel and health documents due to the strict protocols in certain areas we will be passing through. And yes, we did it as a day trip for each site, meaning each day of travel was a minimum of 14 hours!

“One of the sites we visited and where we will be installing a satellite antenna for internet access in a couple of weeks from now was the T'boli Sbu Senior High School, the first senior high school for indigenous people in the Philippines!

“Located in the mountains of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, the school and nearby community lack good internet access, to the detriment of the teachers and students. Talking with the teachers, local tribe leaders, LGU and DepEd official and explaining to them ACCCESS Mindanao, we are very happy that it was well received and was even asked if we can do the same for another school!

“A surprising thing we encountered was the fact that they were already looking at the sustainability beyond the duration of support we will be providing. While we already looked into it even before, it is refreshing to see people thinking more in the long-term and not limited to a near-sighted view of the immediate future.

“At the end of the day, we always have to be cognizant of the fact that we should always look far ahead and see which of our actions can bring the greatest amount of good for a greater number of people.

“We can and need to survive these challenges, not just as an individual or community, but as a whole of humanity!

“Maybe if more people will take on this kind of perspective, we can look forward to a better world and stronger humanity!”