ISAT U grad named ‘Emerging Space Leader’

An aspiring aerospace engineer from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has earned international recognition, having been named one of this year’s 40 International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Emerging Space Leaders.

Dave Loui A. Gumarang, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering graduate from ISAT U’s College of Engineering and Architecture, was selected from a competitive pool of over 300 students and young professionals worldwide.

Only 40 candidates made the final cut after a rigorous review and ranking process based on the programme’s official selection criteria.

The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the space sector and grants recipients fully funded participation in the annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC) — often called the “Olympics of Space” — covering flight expenses, accommodation, per diem, congress registration, and access to side events.

For Gumarang, the achievement is a testament to ISAT U’s commitment to scientific inquiry.

“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without ISAT U’s continued support for the ISAT U Space Society and its initiative in advancing space science and technology applications in the region,” he said.

Gumarang will present his paper, “Democratizing Space Education Through Local Applications in Emerging Space Nations: Insights from Youth-Driven Grassroots Outreach in the Philippines,” during an oral session at the IAC, hosted by the IAF in Antalya, Türkiye, on October 5-9, 2026.

“This paper highlights how space becomes less ‘out of reach’ when we bring it to communities, when we talk about it, and when we see how it shapes our everyday lives,” he explained.

This year’s congress is set to be the largest in the event’s history, with a record 8,300-plus abstracts submitted. From that pool, the International Programme Committee selected 2,846 for oral presentation and 1,773 for interactive presentation — a reflection of the scale of innovation and global engagement shaping the event.

Representing the Philippines alongside Gumarang in this year’s cohort is Dona Beatrix B. Marabe, a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering student from De La Salle University Manila.

Gumarang is also the founder of the ISAT U Space Society and the Iloilo Space Organization.