DTI Secretary Roque meets SpaceX and Boeing in the US to advance satellite connectivity and aerospace development.
LOS ANGELES, USA — The Philippines is strengthening its foothold in the global aerospace and satellite technology sectors, with high-level discussions involving SpaceX and Boeing to accelerate digital transformation and technological advancements.
On March 4 and 5, 2025, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque engaged in consecutive meetings with Boeing Satellite Systems in El Segundo and SpaceX’s Starlink headquarters in Hawthorne, California. The talks focused on enhancing satellite broadband access, fostering aerospace manufacturing, and exploring human spaceflight opportunities.
“Boeing has long been a key player in aviation and aerospace, and we see enormous potential in leveraging its expertise to develop the Philippines’ aerospace industry,” said Secretary Roque. “With Boeing’s presence, there is much to explore in terms of knowledge transfer, manufacturing, and investment.”
Boeing, which has been a longstanding partner in the Philippine aviation sector, showcased its satellite technologies and upcoming launch scheduled for mid-2025. The satellite will provide enhanced communications services across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, and is expected to be operational by 2026. Roque emphasized that Boeing’s existing collaboration with 10 Filipino companies in aerospace component manufacturing—amounting to USD 100 million annually—demonstrates the country’s growing role in the global supply chain.
Meanwhile, her discussions with SpaceX executives revolved around expanding Starlink’s satellite broadband coverage, particularly in remote and underserved communities. The Philippines, the first country in Southeast Asia to adopt Starlink, now boasts over 100,000 subscribers and 13 ground gateway sites.
“Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” stated Secretary Roque. “With Starlink’s cutting-edge satellite technology, we can ensure that even the most geographically isolated communities in the Philippines have access to fast and reliable internet.”
Beyond connectivity, the meeting explored transformative possibilities in space. SpaceX expressed interest in selecting a Filipino for its human spaceflight program, potentially marking the Philippines’ first confirmed participation in an international commercial spaceflight.
Both engagements reinforced the Philippine government’s commitment to attracting high-tech investments through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) law and the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act, which aims to streamline regulations in telecommunications.
Source: Department of Trade and Industry, Philippines
