THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is set to recognize outstanding high school students doing space research through the PhilSA High School Research and Innovation Award to Yield Advancement (Hiraya).

The award will be conferred on student researchers participating in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Regional Science and Technology Fair (RSTF), and National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF), whose research aligns with PhilSA’s Key Development Areas.

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges from PhilSA based on relevance to the Agency’s Key Development Areas, creativity, scientific and engineering thought, research thoroughness, research skills and clarity of presentation.

One research project per region will be recognized during the RSTF, while up to three awards will be conferred at the NSTF level. Awardees will receive cash prizes together with certificates and plaques of recognition.

The name Hiraya is derived from the Filipino word Hiraya, which translates to “vision” or “the fruit of one’s hopes and dreams.”

Students and advisers are encouraged to conceptualize research entries that qualify for PhilSA Hiraya in preparation for DepEd’s science fairs. For the latest announcements on the Regional and National Science and Technology Fairs, please follow DepEd on social media.