The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) formally welcomed its 5th batch of scholars under the Advanced Degrees for Accelerating Strategic Space R&D and Applications (AD ASTRA) Scholarships Program during an online ceremonial contract signing on 21 April 2026.
This milestone marks the beginning of the scholars’ journey as they pursue graduate studies in space data applications, spacecraft systems development, and robotics in local and international institutions.
In her message, PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D. welcomed the 5th batch of AD ASTRA scholars and addressed them as ambassadors of this emerging ecosystem, as well as nation-builders.
She also emphasized the significance of the scholars’ journey as part of the country’s growing space ecosystem. “You are not simply scholars; you are part of the Philippine crew. In space, there are no passengers―only individuals with responsibilities, each contributing to the success of the mission. In the same way, each of you now carries a role in shaping the future of the Philippine space program and, more broadly, in advancing national development,” Director General Perez said.
The AD ASTRA scholars will undertake varied fields of specialization, all aligned with national priorities in space science and technology applications (SSTA):
Foreign Graduate Scholars
- Mr. Jerric Delfin is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Space Engineering at the Hokkaido University in Japan from January 2026 to September 2026.
- Mr. Jefril Amboy is taking his Ph.D. in Space Systems Engineering at the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan from April 2026 to March 2029.
- Ms. Miya Shairah Pamutan will undertake her Ph.D. in Geosciences at the Utrecht University in the Netherlands from July 2026 to July 2030.
Local Graduate Scholars
- Ms. Maria Graciella Roque is taking her Master of Science in Geomatics Engineering at the University of the Philippines Diliman from January 2026 to January 2029.
- Mr. Niele Shem Bañas is pursuing a Master of Science in Electronics Engineering at the Mapua University from March 2026 to March 2027.
In his closing remarks, PhilSA Deputy Director General for Space Science and Technology (DDGSST) and Scholarship Committee Chair Marc Caesar R. Talampas, Ph.D., emphasized that the scholars were selected through a rigorous evaluation process, recognizing not only their academic excellence but also their strong commitment to serve the Philippines by contributing to the country’s space development. He then congratulated the 5th batch of AD ASTRA scholars and assured them that the Agency will stand behind them every step of the way, providing full support throughout their scholarship and academic pursuits.
Upon graduation, the scholars are expected to help build a robust Philippine space ecosystem by applying their expertise across SSTA fields, including space industry, policy, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship.
Since 2021, the AD ASTRA Scholarships Program empowered Filipinos to pursue postgraduate studies in SSTA-related fields. As of 2026, 25 scholars pursued master’s and doctoral degrees in local and foreign international higher institutions, with 12 scholars having already completed their degrees and are now contributing to the country’s SSTA sector.
AD ASTRA Scholars with the PhilSA Scholarship Committee and other PhilSA personnel
For more information about the AD ASTRA Scholarships Program, visit this link.
