ALIAC Aerospace Engineering students soar to victory at Philippine Can Satellite Rocket Competition
By MBrand
Soaring above expectations, a team of Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering students from Air Link International Aviation College (ALIAC) has made history at the recently concluded Philippine Can Satellite Rocket Competition held from July 17 to 21, 2025, in Mactan, Cebu.
Competing under the team name “Team Rookiet,” the ALIAC contingent clinched the Best Rocket Project Award—the highest recognition in the rocket category of the national competition. This prestigious honor is awarded to the team that earns the best overall score, taking into account excellence in rocket design, precision in execution, and superior launch performance.
Representing ALIAC onsite were fourth-year Aerospace Engineering students Suguru Vaughn Hernandez, Joseph Benedict Que, and Nathaniel Dado (AE 4-1), along with their faculty mentor, Engr. Morris Alton Guzman. Their victory marks a milestone not only for the students but also for ALIAC’s growing reputation in the aerospace academic and innovation community. Also part of the official team, though unable to join the onsite event due to their ongoing On-the-Job Training (OJT), were fellow AE 4-1 students Tenchi Cabesas and Anzar Alamid Aberin, together with faculty mentor Engr. Ivan Christian Agpalasin. Despite their physical absence, their vital contributions in the conceptualization and development of the project played a key role in the team’s success.
The Can Satellite Rocket Competition gathers the best and brightest young minds from across the country to design, build, and launch experimental rockets capable of deploying can-sized satellites. The competition fosters innovation, collaboration, and the practical application of aerospace concepts—exactly the skills that Team Rookiet demonstrated throughout.
“We are incredibly proud of our Phoenixes,” said ALIAC BS AE chairperson, Engr. Bryan Jake Amaro. “This achievement is not just about launching rockets. It’s about launching futures.”
With this victory, ALIAC solidifies its position as a rising leader in aerospace engineering education and innovation.