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TESTIMONIALS:
The Power of Your Support
| UP High School Iloilo STEM Students Thank UPAAA Donors By Jovenia Soriano Celo, MD; Chair, Scholarship Committee UPAAA recently received a letter from the Grade 12 STEM Class 2026 of the UP High School in Iloilo (UPHSI), expressing their gratitude for the support that enabled them to participate in academic conferences in Manila, Singapore, and Malaysia. |
A Midyear Educational Assistance AppealBy Jovenia Soriano Celo, MD; Chair, Scholarship Committee For many UP students, the journey to graduation does not pause when the regular academic year ends. Some of the recipients of scholarships managed by UPAAA enroll during the midyear (summer) term to complete required courses, thesis work, internships, practicum requirements, and other academic obligations necessary for their degree programs. These summer courses are often critical to staying on schedule for graduation. While the UPAAA Scholarship Program provides stipends during the two regular semesters, many students continue to face expenses during the midyear term. Housing, transportation, meals, internet access, remain a challenge, particularly for students from families already struggling to make ends meet. These students are not asking for luxuries—only for the opportunity to continue their studies without interruption and to move one step closer to achieving their goals. Together, we can help ensure that financial hardship does not stand in the way of their academic success. The first three recipients of UPAAA Midyear Educational Assistance are Mark Julius Balbas (UP Diliman), Jude Bryan Gonzales (UP Manila) and Juan Miguel Boado UP Baguio. Support the Midyear Educational Assistance Grant Fund.
Email scholarships@upaainamerica.org for more information.
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Mark Julius Balbas UP Diliman BS Chemistry
Jude Bryan Gonzales UP Manila BS Physical Therapy
Juan Miguel Boado UP Bagiuo BS Computer Science |
From a Plane Ticket to a PhD and Beyond
By Jovenia Soriano Celo, MD
Chair, Scholarship Committee
The International Student Assistance Grant (ISAG) is a one-time financial award that helps UP alumni pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in the United States, providing some assistance with essential expenses not covered by academic scholarships.
In 2020, Mac Kevin Braza became the first recipient of the UPAAA ISAG. At the time, he needed assistance with airfare from the Philippines to begin his studies at the University of California San Diego. US-based UP alumni came to the rescue. In 2021, through the generosity of Dr. Francisco S. Sy, Kevin received a second ISAG.
Kevin's academic journey began with a BS in Chemistry from UP Los Baños and a Master of Science in Chemistry from UP Diliman. During his doctoral studies, he completed an internship at Iambic Therapeutics, where he worked alongside an inspiring team of scientists and engineers, particularly in the field of machine learning.
On June 14, Kevin joined the Class of 2026, graduating with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. Along the way, he was awarded the prestigious Josephine de Karman Fellowship, recognizing exceptional PhD students in the US who are nearing the completion of their degree programs. He has now accepted a postdoctoral position at Mount Sinai in New York.
Kevin's story demonstrates how timely support can make a lasting difference. What began as assistance for a plane ticket helped launch a remarkable journey of academic excellence, scientific discovery, and professional achievement.
Your generosity makes stories like Kevin's possible. Through the ISAG, UPAAA continues to help deserving UP alumni pursue advanced education, contribute to research and innovation, and bring honor to UP around the world.
Help the next UP alumnus take the first step. Support the ISAG today.
PSME Inclusive Music Education Workshop (10 May 2025)
| Performing with UP TUGMA and Putri Anak (2025) | With other PSME delegates, APSMER Seoul | With the Cohort and Dr Bernard, ABLE Assembly 2026 |
ISAG Scholar Spotlight: Veronica Elise N. Eugenio
When Veronica Elise Nuqui Eugenio left for the United States to pursue graduate studies, she carried with her a mission: to make education and the arts more accessible for children with disabilities in the Philippines.
A cum laude graduate of the UP College of Music, Veronica is pursuing a Master of Music in Music Education (Autism Concentration) at Berklee College of Music—the first and only program of its kind in the world. Supported in part by a merit scholarship and the UPAAA International Student Assistance Grant (ISAG), she is gaining specialized training to serve students with autism and other disabilities through music.
Now completing her final semester of coursework, Veronica also works as an instructor with the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education and recently presented on inclusive Filipino ensembles at the Berklee ABLE Assembly.
Her goal is to return to the Philippines to help develop teacher-training programs, strengthen disability education, and create more inclusive opportunities for children through the arts.
Your support of ISAG helps scholars like Veronica gain world-class education and bring their knowledge home to create lasting impact.
Thank you for investing in the future.
Your Support, His Success Growing up in Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Hailoden Salainto, a young Meranao Muslim student, dreamed of studying at the University of the Philippines Diliman but faced overwhelming financial obstacles. Although accepted into the BS Chemistry program, the family questioned whether the dream was even possible. Choosing faith over uncertainty, Hailoden enrolled without knowing how his expenses would be met. The UPAAA Francisco and Anastasia Razon Grant became the lifeline that made the dream attainable, providing support for housing, meals, and daily living expenses throughout four years of study. In July, 2026, that dream has culminated in graduating Cum Laude, receiving the 2026 Institute of Chemistry Leadership Award, and earning a nomination for Best Undergraduate Thesis. This story is a powerful reminder that a scholarship does more than fund an education—it transforms lives, empowers students from underserved and minority communities, and creates future leaders who are committed to giving back and uplifting others. Every scholarship is an investment in hope, opportunity, and the future of the Philippines. |
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| FROM THE UP College of Public Health Undergraduates who received thesis assistance from the Soriano-Celo Foundation, through UPAAA
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A second group of undergraduates who received the SCF Thesis assistance grant | The recipient of the Dr. Francisco S. Sy grant
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He receives financial support from the UPAAA College of Public Health Global (CPH Global) Chapter |
Luceli Cuasay, PhD, is an Alumna of the UP College of Public Health and supports an undergraduate grant. Dr. Cuasay was president of the UPAA Houston Chapter in the past and is a member of UPAAA. | The BS Public Health Class '68 supports an undergraduate, raising funds from members of the class. Their first grantee, now a successful professional in Australia, is paying his UP education forward by supporting grantees of his own and inspiring some of his friends and former batch mates to contribute, too.
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The International Student Assistance Grant (ISAG) is a one-time financial award to assist UP alumni who are either arriving in the U.S. or are already here to pursue graduate or postgraduate studies on scholarship. This grant eases their transition and helps cover essential expenses not included in academic funding. Thanks to your generous donations, the ISAG is making a real difference. This grant would not be possible without you. |
| In 2020, Mac Kevin Braza, became the first UPAAA ISAG recipient. He needed assistance for his plane fare from the Philippines. Since then, we have proudly followed his journey and celebrated his accomplishments—including being awarded the prestigious Josephine de Karman Fellowship, which is given to exceptional PhD students in the U.S. who are nearing the completion of their program. Kevin received a second ISAG, donated by Dr. Francisco S. Sy, in 2021. Your support helps our scholars thrive—not just academically, but personally and professionally as they build their futures abroad. |
Emmanuel de Leon, Jr., recipient of the 2021 UPAAA International Student Assistance Grant (ISAG), successfully completed his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in August 2024. On May 17, 2025, he proudly took part in the hooding and graduation ceremonies at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. Eman’s achievement is the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of numerous UP alumni. Throughout his academic journey, several UP alumni generously extended their encouragement, resources, and mentorship, helping him navigate the challenges of studying abroad and bringing his musical aspirations to life. |
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John Kenneth Herrera BS Computer Science, cum laude 2025, UP BAGUIO Recipient of a stipend scholarship from the combined donations of Lou Filoteo-Hotchkiss, Elizabeth Reyes, Aniano Rabe | Being chosen as your scholar indeed contributed the most to my success. Back when I was a sophomore student, I remember the immense joy I felt when I was chosen for the scholarship. This scholarship has greatly lightened my financial burden and allowed me to focus more on my studies and personal growth. I will forever be grateful to all of you for helping make my dreams come true and for bringing a sense of relief and peace to my family. Because of your support, they no longer have to worry about my health, whether I am eating well, if I have a safe place to sleep, or how I manage during times of illness or calamity. During the Baccalaureate, as we gave tokens of gratitude to our parents, I saw my parents break down in tears as I walked toward them. In that moment, I could feel the overwhelming pride in their hearts; witnessing their eldest son finally finish his studies, the very first college graduate in our family, the very first cum laude, and the very first Iskolar ng Bayan. This massive success is because of your kind hearts. You gave me more than just money, you gave me a way forward, a ladder to reach the dreams I once thought were out of reach. |
With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to focus on my academic and personal growth, without the constant worry of financial limitations. More importantly, I hope to one day be in a position where I can give back and help others who are in similar situations.
This scholarship represents an opportunity for me to pursue my dreams, and in doing so, honor the sacrifices my father has made for our family. I am determined to make the most of this chance and use my education to create a positive impact in the world. - Recipient of the Imelda Alviso Jones Stipend Scholarship in Fisheries (UP Visayas)
Your support has been invaluable in my academic journey and has greatly contributed to my success. Your belief in my potential has been a tremendous source of motivation and inspiration. - Jerico Conquila, BS Geodetic Engineering 2024, summa cum laude, UP Diliman, recipient of the Nelsie T. and Steven A. Parrado Grant
The financial assistance from this scholarship would greatly alleviate the burden of my educational expenses. I am currently a recipient of a scholarship, but due to the rising cost of living in Manila, as well as the increasing expenses related to my education, my current financial support is no longer enough. My mother is currently unemployed, and my father is responsible not only for me but also for his ailing mother. Living in Manila comes with high daily expenses, and managing my school needs—including duty paraphernalia—has been increasingly difficult.
This scholarship would provide me with much-needed stability, ensuring that I can focus entirely on my studies and clinical training. If there is any excess from the grant, I intend to share some of it with my parents to help ease our family’s financial struggles. - Recipient of a stipend scholarship in UP Manila donated in honor of a UP alumna's mother
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From a 2025 Graduate who was supported by the
Amador and Cristy Colmenar Stipend Scholarship in UP Diliman
I am proud to share that I graduated cum laude last July (2025). This achievement is not mine - it is also yours because you believed in me when I needed it most. ..... Pangako ko pong hindi masasayang ang tiwala at sakripisyo ninyo. Habang buhay ko pong babaunin ang kabutihang ipinakita ninyo sa akin.
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The Lim Family Foundation scholarship has also assisted me during my review for the 2025 January Architecture Licensure Examination. I am now proudly a full-fledged architect and I also owe this success to the LFF as they have been part of this journey. - A recipient pursuing a Masters degree in the UP Diliman College of Architecture
I appreciate this collective action of UP Alumni, it is evident that the UP spirit is alive and deeply embraced. Thank you! - Khurt C. Gatdula, BS Physics, Recipient of a UPAAA Stipend Scholarship
The Lim Family Foundation scholarship has instilled in me a stronger sense of responsibility toward my studies and the broader community. Knowing that I have been trusted with this financial support has deepened my commitment to excelling academically and professionally.
Most of the time, I end up running out of money as expenses continue to rise. A lot of my problems stem from financial stress where I find myself struggling to stay afloat. Getting this scholarship would greatly alleviate this problem ... and it would help me be able to focus more on my academic responsibilities. - An undergraduate enrolled in the UP Diliman College of Home Economics
Beyond its financial assistance, this scholarship serves as a great source of motivation to excel in my studies and remain steadfast in working toward my long-term goals. I am committed to upholding the values and standards that this scholarship represents, and I will continue to dedicate myself to serving the community with the same level of commitment and passion. - Recipient of one of the five Imelda Alviso Jones stipend scholarships
| An unforgettable moment - seeing a young student's journey in person is the greatest reward of all! |
