The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) invites Filipinos ages 9-25 to join the Tula Para sa Mga Buntabay ng Pilipinas. As part of this year’s Philippine Space Week, write a poem about the country’s sovereign or Filipino-made satellites including MULA, Diwata, and the Maya nanosatellites. Through poetry, pay tribute to how these satellites contribute to nation building, in line with the theme, “#YamangKalawakan ay Likas sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan.” Additionally, celebrate the dedicated Filipino scientists and researchers behind the development and assembly of these satellites. 

Authors of the winning entries will be invited to join the onsite Philippine Space Week activities in August 2025, which will include a spoken word poetry performance and an awarding ceremony. 

Deadline for submission of entries: 13 July 2025 

Mechanics: 

    1. This competition is open to all Filipinos 9 – 25 years old only with the following categories: 
      1. Elementary category – students in grades 4 to 6  
      2. Secondary category – students in grades 7 to 12 
      3. Tertiary category – undergraduate students and students in tech-voc programs 
      4. Open category – graduate students, professionals and other interested individuals 
    1. Officials and employees of PhilSA and their relatives up to second degree of affinity or consanguinity are not eligible to join the contest. 
    1. The entry must comply with the following: 
      1. The poem must be an original composition and must have not been previously submitted to, selected in, or awarded by any other competition, nor published in any form—print, digital, or online platforms (including personal blogs, social media, or literary websites). Simultaneous submissions are not allowed. 
      2. The piece must be written in Filipino. 
      3. The poem must be related to the theme “#YamangKalawakan ay Likas sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan” with focus on paying homage to the sovereign satellites of the Philippines such as Mula, Diwata and Maya. The poem can also highlight Filipino capability including the scientists and researchers who developed and assembled the satellite. 
      4. Entries may be written in any form or style of poetry but should not exceed 1 page of an A4-sized bond paper. 
      5. AI-generated entries will not be accepted and are automatically be disqualified. 
      6. In the case of AI-assisted work, participants should declare the extent to which AI was used. The acceptable use of AI is limited to finding substitute or alternate words—such as synonyms, antonyms, or rhyming terms—to support and enhance wordplay. 
    1. Only one entry per person is allowed. Entries must follow the format for submission: 
      1. A4 sized document, saved in PDF 
      2. Font style: Arial, size: 12 
      3. Single spaced 
      4. 1-inch margin from the sides, top, and bottom 
    1. Submit entries through any of the following:  
      1. Online – Fill out the online application form completely and submit necessary documents through this link: https://bit.ly/YamangKalawakanPoetryWriting 
      2. By Email – Scan the accomplished submission form that can be downloaded using this link: https://bit.ly/YKSubmissionForm and send to sesd@philsa.gov.ph. Indicate “Poetry Contest Submission” in the subject line. 
      3. By courier – Accomplish the downloaded submission form and send it to:
        Space Education and Scholarships Division
        Philippine Space Agency
        29th Floor Cyber One Bldg.
        11 Eastwood Ave., Bagumbayan, Quezon City 
    1. All entries must include the following attachments: 
      1. Submission Form
      2. Certificate of Endorsement  
      3. Certificate of Undertaking  
      4. AI-Assisted Declaration (if applicable)
        Download all forms here: http://bit.ly/4njcZvz
    1. The deadline for submission is on 13 July 2025 (Sunday). Only entries with complete documents will be evaluated. 
    1. All submitted works will remain the property of their respective owners but may be used by PhilSA for publications, websites, social media, educational materials, and other informational content exclusively for the promotion of space education. 
    1. The panel of judges shall use the following criteria to determine the winners: 
      Criteria Description Weight
      Content and relevance to the theme Explores the theme in meaningful ways and conveys a clear and engaging message. 30%
      Artistry and Originality The poem demonstrates originality of thought and style in an artistic and creative way. 30%
      Use of language Uses purposeful and effective words to articulate message with clarity, fluid, and clear thoughts. 30%
      Impact Power to evoke intellectual and emotional experience. 10%
      Total 100%
    1. The three (3) winning entries per category shall be awarded during the Philippine Space Week celebration in August and shall receive the following cash prizes:  
      First Place PhP 10,000.00
      Second Place PhP 5,000.00
      Third Place PhP 3,000.00 
    1. The first-place winners in each category will be part of the on-site Philippine Space Week celebrations during a spoken word poetry activity and awarding ceremony.  

For concerns, contact:
Space Education and Scholarships Division
Space Science Missions Bureau
Email: sesd@philsa.gov.ph
Phone: +632 8568 99 31