From Balbalan to the stars: Jemima Paganao becomes town’s first Astronomy major in Space Science graduate

FEATURE

BALBALAN, Kalinga — For a young woman from the mountain town of Balbalan, the stars were not simply something to admire from afar—they became a field of study, a source of curiosity, and now, a path toward a future beyond Earth.

Jemima Faye Dalingay Paganao of Barangay Gawa-an has made history as the first known iBalbalan to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy, major in Space Science Technology, from Rizal Technological University this August 2026.

Her achievement marks not only a personal milestone but also an inspiring first for her hometown, placing an iBalbalan among the growing community of Filipinos pursuing astronomy and space science.

Paganao’s degree combines the study of the physical universe with the design, programming, and application of modern space technologies—an increasingly important field as humanity continues to explore the universe and develop technologies used in satellite communications, space observation, navigation, weather monitoring, and other applications that benefit life on Earth.

Reaching for something beyond the ordinary

Paganao’s journey was not limited to the classroom.

During her university years, she took on leadership roles as Commissioner of the Commission on Budget Management and Audit, Auditor of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council, and Auditor of the Rizal Technological University Space Science Technology Club.

She was also recognized with a Stellar Student Award, adding another achievement to her academic journey.

Behind the accomplishment, however, were years of challenges, sacrifices, uncertainty, and perseverance.

Reflecting on her graduation, Paganao expressed gratitude to her family, friends, relatives, and everyone who supported her along the way.

She described her journey as one filled with “years of learning, sacrifices, challenges, tears, and countless moments of doubt.”

Yet despite the difficulties, she remained grateful for the opportunity to pursue a field that allowed her to look beyond the familiar and study the vastness of the universe.

“I may not be able to touch the stars, but I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to study them, understand them, and dream beyond them.”

Why astronomy matters

Astronomy is more than the study of stars, planets, and galaxies.

As space science continues to advance, astronomy and related technologies contribute to a deeper understanding of the universe while supporting innovations that have practical applications on Earth.

Space-based technologies are used in areas such as weather forecasting, telecommunications, navigation, environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness, agriculture, and scientific research.

For communities such as Balbalan, having young people pursue specialized fields like astronomy also demonstrates that opportunities in science and technology are not limited to those from major cities.

Paganao’s achievement may inspire other young iBalbalans to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other fields that once seemed far removed from their communities.

A hometown proud of its daughter

Balbalan Mayor Almar Malannag expressed pride in Paganao’s achievement, congratulating her for persevering despite the challenges she encountered during her university journey.

“Ammuk nga achieving this degree was not easy, ngem you made it. It is through your grit, perseverance, hard work, and discipline that brought you this far. Isu nga maragsakan tayo manen ta adda manen iti maysa nga anak iti Balbalan nga ingradwar na iti kurso na, ken isuna pay iti first known nga iBalbalan nga nakaturpos iti kastoy a kurso,” Malannag said.

He wished Paganao success as she moves on to the next chapter of her life. For Balbalan, Paganao’s graduation is more than a diploma earned.

It is a reminder that dreams can begin in a small mountain community and still reach as far as the stars.

And for the young people looking up at the night sky, her story offers a powerful message: sometimes, the first step toward reaching the stars is simply daring to study them.