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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider International Asteroid Day: Filipino names honored in space

International Asteroid Day: Filipino names honored in space

Published Jun 30, 2025 12:13 pm  |  Updated Jun 30, 2025 01:18 pm
PAGASA
PAGASA
Asteroids are not just objects in space. They also carry the names of remarkable people, places, and stories from around the world, including the Philippines.
Several asteroids have been named after Filipinos, Filipino cities, historical figures, and mythological characters, which highlight the country’s unique place in space science and culture.
Among these are asteroids named after historical and mythical Filipino figures, such as 7026 Gabrielasilang, named for Gabriela Silang, a revolutionary leader who fought for Philippine independence; 5749 Urduja, honoring the warrior princess from the 14th-century kingdom of Tawalisi; and 3757 Anagolay, named after the ancient Tagalog goddess of lost things.
Places in the Philippines are also commemorated, including 13513 Manila, named after the nation’s capital, and 134346 Pinatubo, named after the famous volcano on Luzon Island that erupted in 1991.
Several asteroids honor Filipinos who made significant contributions to science and technology. These include 6282 Edwelda, named for Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre, notable figures in Philippine astronomy; 6636 Kintanar, for Dr. Roman Lucero Kintanar, former PAGASA director and World Meteorological Organization president; 4866 Badillo, named after Fr. Victor Badillo, a popularizer of astronomy in the Philippines; 30100 Christophergo, honoring the astronomer known for his lunar and planetary images; and 7431 Jettaguilar, named for Dr. Jose A. “Jett” Aguilar, recognized for his medical contributions.
Filipino innovators recognized in international science competitions have also been immortalized in space. These include:
* 13241 Biyo, named after Dr. Josette Biyo, former director of DOST-SEI.
* 12522 Rara, for Prem Vilas Fortran Rara, 2002 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) awardee.
* 11697 Estrella, named after Allan Noriel Estrella, 2002 Intel ISEF awardee.
* 12088 Macalintal, named for Jeric Valles Macalintal, 2002 Intel ISEF awardee.
* 28439 Miguelreyes, for Miguel Arnold Reyes, 2011 Intel ISEF awardee.
* 34053 Carlquines, named after Carl Joshua Quines, 2017 Intel ISEF awardee.
* 34044 Obafial, named for Nadine Antonette Obafial, 2017 Intel ISEF awardee.
* 34047 Gloria, for Rubeliene Chezka Gloria, 2017 Intel ISEF awardee.
* 34049 Myrelleangela, named after Myrelle Angela Colas, 2017 Intel ISEF awardee.
* 34522 Cadores, named for Keith Russel Cadores, 2018 Intel ISEF awardee.
* 34523 Manzanero, for Joscel Kent Manzanero, 2018 Intel ISEF awardee.
* 34524 Eugenerivera, named after Eugene Rivera, 2018 Intel ISEF awardee.
International Asteroid Day, observed every June 30, highlights these asteroids as part of a global effort to raise awareness about near-Earth objects, their risks, and the science that helps protect our planet.
The day also inspires Filipinos, especially the youth, to pursue careers in astronomy and space science.

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