The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) held an online scholarships roadshow for the Batangas State University (BatStateU) community on 30 April 2026, showcasing educational opportunities in the space sector to students, faculty, alumni, and support staff.
PhilSA presented the Advanced Degrees for Accelerating Strategic Space R&D and Applications (AD ASTRA) Scholarships Program and the Fulbright-PhilSA Program Award in SSTA. These programs provide opportunities for advanced studies, research, and professional development in space science and technology applications (SSTA), both locally and abroad, supporting the development of a strong and sustainable pool of Filipino space professionals for the country’s growing space ecosystem.
Deep dive into PhilSA Scholarships, focusing on the AD ASTRA Scholarships Program and Fulbright-PhilSA Program Award in SSTA
Engr. Raynell Inojosa, Ph.D., an AD ASTRA scholar-graduate who earned his Doctorate in Electronics Engineering in 2023 in BatStateU with a sandwich program at the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan, highlighted his journey in electronics engineering and SSTA. His research spans wireless communications, space systems engineering, and materials engineering, with applications in radio astronomy, satellite development, and space environment research.
He shared how the AD ASTRA Scholarships Program supported him through opening opportunities for specialized training, advanced research, and academic development through tuition assistance, living stipends, and research grants.
Now working at PhilSA as a Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Interdisciplinary Space Missions Development Division (ISMDD), he contributes to systems engineering initiatives related to spacecraft payloads and space environment utilization.
Engr. Inojosa, Ph.D., featured expert for the “SSTA on Spotlight” session, shares his work at the ISMDD, where he supervises activities on space exploration and space environment utilization, contributing to PhilSA’s efforts in space research and development, education and awareness, and international cooperation.
Engr. Joannarose Congzon also shared her #KwentongPhilSAScholar, reflecting on her journey in nanosatellite engineering and education. She completed her Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering – Nanosatellite Track at the University of the Philippines Diliman in July 2025.
As part of the team that contributed to the development of the Maya-7 Cube Satellite, she served as an Antenna Lead Engineer, gaining hands-on experience in space applications while collaborating with experts and fellow scholars.
Beyond technical skills, Engr. Congzon emphasized how the AD ASTRA Scholarships Program helped her develop leadership and teaching skills, which she now applies as an educator, integrating space concepts into engineering education and encouraging students to pursue opportunities in SSTA.
Engr. Congzon, an AD ASTRA scholar-graduate and former Antenna Lead Engineer for PhilSA’s ACCESS Nanosat Project, shares her #KwentongPhilSAScholar and highlights how her experience in nanosatellite engineering and education hopes to inspire more students to pursue opportunities in SSTA.
Through the scholarships roadshow, PhilSA continues to expand access to space education and encourage more Filipinos to pursue advanced studies and contribute to the country’s growing space capabilities.
The PhilSA AD ASTRA Scholarships Program provides financial support to outstanding Filipinos who have completed their bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue advanced studies in SSTA at local or international higher institutions. Since its launch in 2021, the program has supported 25 scholars in pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, with 12 scholar-graduates having already completed their studies and are now contributing to the advancement of SSTA in the Philippines.
For more information about the PhilSA AD ASTRA Scholarships Program, visit this link.
