Cebu City, Philippines — August 5, 2026 — The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) Space Society achieved a landmark victory at the Philippine Space Science and Astronomy Research Conference (PSSARC) 2026, securing two of the event’s most prestigious awards.
Mechanical engineering students Giovanni Paolo C. Mondejar and Kent Alster T. Palmares, together with society founder Dave Loui A. Gumarang, earned the Best Poster Award in Space Science for their innovative study on drum brake performance under simulated lunar surface conditions.
Meanwhile, Civil Engineering student Van Kaizer J. Ibañez clinched the Best Oral Presentation Award for his research evaluating the educational impact of the society’s regional space outreach programs across Iloilo.
The ISAT U delegation also included members Chatten Bion P. Abrera, Seer Guile Destor, and Vince Kharlo B. Caringal, guided by their adviser Engr. Herold C. Caisido.
The dual win marks a significant milestone for ISAT U, positioning the university as one of the country’s emerging leaders in student-driven space science and astronomy research.
Hosted by the Philippine Space Science and Astronomy Research (PSSAR), Inc. in partnership with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), PSSARC 2026 was held at the University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus in Cebu City from August 3–5. The conference drew more than 200 participants from universities and research institutions nationwide and abroad, making it the largest annual gathering of the Philippine space community. As the nation’s premier platform for space science and astronomy, PSSARC continues to highlight groundbreaking student and professional research, fostering collaboration and innovation in the country’s growing space sector.
