Reaching for the Stars: How One Filipina Scientist is Redefining the Filipino Dream

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In the vast, uncharted expanse of space, a new story is being written—one that begins not in a laboratory, but in the heart of a young girl from Naga who once thought scientists only existed in movies. Today, Dr. Gay Jane Perez, the Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), stands as a trailblazer, and her remarkable journey from an "ordinary" childhood to the forefront of space exploration is captured in the pages of the newest addition to the Sulong Agham children's book series, Isang Puwang sa Kalawakan: Si Gay Jane Perez at ang Diwata-1.

A Narrative of National Service

Launched on May 8, 2026, at the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS), the book is more than a biography; it is a testament to the power of a “makabayang siyentista”—a patriotic scientist whose work transcends personal gain to serve the nation. 

Author Dr. Eugene Evasco, a Palanca Hall of Fame awardee, crafted this narrative to ignite the imaginations of the next generation. By chronicling Dr. Perez's path from her upbringing to NASA and eventually leading the team behind Diwata-1—the first satellite designed and built by Filipinos—the book serves as a beacon for children, showing them that world-class science is well within the reach of every Filipino.  

Breaking the "Mad Scientist" Stereotype

For Dr. Perez, who currently serves as a professor at the UPD-CS Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, seeing her life story distilled into a children’s book was a humbling experience. Reflecting on her youth, she shared that she lacked real-life examples of scientists, often viewing them only as the eccentric, "mad scientists" portrayed in films. 

"The message I want to share with young readers is that they can also achieve this—and even more," Dr. Perez said during the launch. By providing visible, relatable role models, she hopes to break down barriers for young girls entering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

Expanding the Space for Women in STEM

The significance of Isang Puwang sa Kalawakan extends beyond individual achievement. Former UPD-CS Dean Dr. Giovanni Tapang highlighted that the book serves as a vital recognition of the space women occupy in the STEM field.  

A Call to Action: The work highlights how science and technology are essential to building the Philippines' future.  

A Collective Effort: The Sulong Agham series is a collaboration between UPD-CS, the non-profit organization Supling Sining, Inc. (SSI), and the UPD-CAL Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikang Pilipino (UPD-CAL DFPP).  

A Growing Legacy: This book joins other inspiring stories in the series, including Ang Doktor ng Dagat (featuring marine scientist Dr. Deo Florence Onda) and Ang Natatanging Ngaratngat (featuring biologist Leonard Co).  

As Dr. Tapang poignantly noted, the mission is to "claim that small space, expand it, and bring it out into the open for the benefit of the Philippines". With the launch of this book, the next generation of Filipino dreamers has a new map, proving that the sky is no longer the limit—it is simply the beginning.  

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