The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) welcomed its third batch of scholars under the Advanced Degrees for Accelerating Strategic Space R&D and Applications (AD ASTRA) Scholarships Program on 04 March 2024 at the PhilSA office in Quezon City. 

The three future space scientists and researchers, namely: Nadine Macalalad and Joannarose Congzon both taking the ME in Electrical Engineering Nanosatellite Engineering Track at the University of the Philippines Diliman; and Jhon Carlo Aporbo, MS in Environmental Science at the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) had their ceremonial signing with PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr.  

In his message, Director General Marciano thanked the scholars for joining the program and highlighted how this opens a new chapter for them. The scholars are also testament on how PhilSA is moving forward and bringing SSTA closer to Filipinos. Director General Marciano advised the scholars to never stop learning, continually absorb opportunities, accept new challenges, and stay humble.  

PhilSA Deputy Director General for Space Science and Technology Gay Jane P. Perez, in her message said, “Government [and] our research institutions undertake efforts to create an environment where researchers like us can thrive and do meaningful science in our country. This is also what PhilSA is doing— as a new agency, we’re not just giving scholarships but we’re also creating this environment for our space scientists, space engineers, [and] researchers. We hope that at the end of your program, we’ll find you as part of this space ecosystem.” 

Space Technology Missions and Systems Bureau Director Marc Caesar R. Talampas, Space Information Infrastructure Bureau Director Ariel C. Blanco, and Finance and Administrative Service Director Sonia P. Cabangon were also present during the contract signing. 

Open to all students who have completed their bachelor’s degree and are aiming to pursue advanced studies in fields related to space science, technology, and applications (including space law, diplomacy, industry, and economics) in any local or international higher educational institutions— the AD ASTRA Scholarships Program offers full, partial/lateral, and sandwich program scholarships.  

For more information about AD ASTRA Scholarships Program and its specific deadlines per scholarship category, click here.