Aspiring space scientists embark on new journey through PhilSA's AD ASTRA Scholarships
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) welcomed ten new aspiring space scientists to the Advanced Degrees for Accelerating Strategic Space R&D and Applications (AD ASTRA) Scholarships Program.
The new scholars signed their contracts on Wednesday, Feb. 8. During the ceremony, PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano reminded them of the vital role that they will play in pursuing and creating new opportunities in the field of space and technology.

“We want our scholarship program to be responsive to the needs of scholars of our country. AD ASTRA does not really serve the Agency alone, but we are putting the taxes of our countrymen to the good use of investing in young people like you, by giving you opportunities and opening doors for you, so you could also create opportunities for you and your fellow countrymen,” said Marciano.
PhilSA’s AD ASTRA Scholarships Program seeks to support and provide financial assistance — from school fees, research dissemination grants, and allowances for thesis among others — to individuals who are aiming to pursue a graduate or doctoral degree in the fields of Space Science, Technology and Applications (SSTA).
Through this, scholars may pursue education in local or international higher educational institutions (HEIs).
“Upon the completion of their scholarship, the students are bound to re-enter the local workforce and apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to benefit the country,” said PhilSA in a statement on Thursday, Feb. 9.
Completing the new batch of AD ASTRA scholars who will be pursuing their degrees locally and abroad are Angeline Macasinag, Riva Karyl Varela, Angelo Ryan Velasco, Carla Mae Arellano, Ariel Norpe, Jonard Jairo Reyes, Ella Louise Tengco, John Airel Villanueva, John Michael Zamora, and Dave Zuñiga.