The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) officially announced the winners of its Space Law Essay Writing Contest on 09 August 2026, as part of the #PhilippineSpaceWeek 2026 Exhibit.
The awarding ceremony recognized this year’s top entries among the 116 entries from law students who took on the challenge. This year’s participants were asked to explore the question: “As the Philippines prepares for human spaceflight in the future, what domestic legal frameworks should be in place to ensure the welfare of Filipino astronauts?”
Through their essay entries, the winning authors explored the role of space law in shaping the Philippines’ future as a spacefaring and space-capable nation, highlighting the importance of legal frameworks that protect future Filipino astronauts and promote the responsible use of outer space.
The winning essay entries were selected by a distinguished panel of judges composed of Atty. Maria Roseny B. Fangco, Department of Foreign Affairs–Office of United Nations and International Organizations (DFA–UNIO) Deputy Assistant Secretary; Hon. Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal, Court of Appeals Associate Justice; and Atty. Noelle Riza D. Castillo, PhilSA–Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau (SPICB) Director IV, whose expertise and thoughtful evaluation helped recognize the legal ideas and perspectives that stood out among this year’s submissions.
Read the winning entries here:
1st Placer Salem A. Rangiris, Jr. of San Beda College Alabang–School of Law explains the title of his winning essay, “Mata sa Langit, Batas sa Lupa: Codifying Welfare Laws for Filipino Astronauts,” emphasizing how “Mata sa Langit” metaphorically represents the country’s aspiration to have its first Filipino astronaut in space, while “Batas sa Lupa” represents the protective legal frameworks that would ensure the welfare of Filipino astronauts from preparation to their safe return home.
Watch the replay of the awarding ceremony here.
