University of the Philippines

Alumni Association in America



The Impact of Your Donations

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.



Read about the Josephine de Karman Fellowship

here.

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, which I gratefully share with you. 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.


Most importantly, you have given my father peace of mind. He no longer carries the burden of constantly wondering if he's working hard enough to provide for my needs. Now, he can finally focus on earning for himself and the rest of our family, without the added weight of my schooling and well-being on his shoulders.
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

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


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. The hooding ceremony is a distinguished academic tradition that formally recognizes the completion of a doctoral degree—a moment made even more meaningful by the long journey it represents.

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.

His success is a testament to the strength and spirit of the global UP community—one that continues to uplift scholars and empower them to reach their fullest potential.


Donate to our Scholarship Programs

We invite you to be part of transformative journeys of many who are striving to get a U.P. education.  Your support today plants the seeds for tomorrow's success stories.

UPAAA strengthens the bonds between friends of UP and our Alma Mater,  connecting donors to students and faculty, ensuring that your contributions support the University as the premier educational institution in the Philippines. 


Here are UPAAA's current scholarship programs

1.  Stipend scholarships for UP students who need financial assistance, supported by members of UPAAA and by donations from other UP alumni and supporters of UP

- UP Baguio, UP Manila, UP Diliman, UP Los Banos, UP Visayas, UP Cebu, UP Tacloban College, UP Mindanao -

2.  International Student Assistance Grant (ISAG) for UP alums and students pursuing further education or training in the US

3.  Junior Faculty Grants to inspire younger UP educators to stay in the University

4. The UPAAA Permanent Endowment Fund


We are dedicated to finding other impactful ways to support UP and encourage donors to do the same.  Let us know if you wish to support other programs

Email scholarships@upaainamerica.org

UP Diliman Reports (2024):

Enrollment

# of Undergrads enrolled 1st semester, 2023-2024      17,483

# of Juris Doctor enrolled                                                1,286

# of Graduate students                                                   8,424

Financial Assistance (in addition to tuition fee discounts)

Number of Students Who Avail of STS Discounts: (Total # including UPEPP) 1,384

Number of Available Scholarships: 117

  • UP Funded: 5

  • Funded by Other Government Agencies: 6

  • Privately Funded: 106

 Source: UP Diliman Office of Scholarships and Grants (OSG)  as of 15 September 2022

DONATE TO THE UPAAA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS 

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WAYS TO DONATE

Thank you for supporting UPAAA and our community initiatives. Your contributions help us continue meaningful programs  that benefit the University of the Philippines. Please complete the donation form, including your mode of payment.

Donation Options

1. Credit Card
Select Credit Card, click "Pay", and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your donation.

2. Zelle
Select Zelle, click "Pay" to submit the form (you will not follow the credit card payment instructions).
Then send your donation through Zelle to upaainamerica@gmail.com.
Include your full name and purpose of donation  in the memo.

3. Check
Select Check, click "Pay" to submit the form (you will not follow the credit card payment instructions).
Make your check payable to UPAAA, with the purpose of your donation in the memo line.

Mail to: UPAAA c/o Fe G. Seligman, Treasurer

              PO Box 563

              5073 Central Ave.

              Bonita, CA 91908


Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

UPAAA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Tax-ID: 80-0816109

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MAXIMIZE YOUR CONTRIBUTION with MATCHING GIFT PROGRAMS

These programs are set up by some companies and corporations as an employee benefit. When an employee donates to a nonprofit, like UPAAA, they submit a matching gift request to their employer.  The company will make an additional donation to the nonprofit.

Ask your company's Human Relations Officer (HR) if your company participates in a Matching Gift Program and the rules/regulations the company follows.

Some of the companies with Matching Gift programs are British Petroleum (BP); Gap, Inc.; Deloitte; Johnson & Johnson; Pfizer; Bristol Myers Squib; IBM; Avon; American Express.

Do you know billions of $$$ for matching gifts are left on the table each year?

Click here to learn more about Matching Gifts


More Recipient Testimonials: 
The Power of Your Support



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


  A generous donation to the U.P. Diliman College of Architecture

The Lim Family Educational Foundation, Inc. 

For AY 2024-2025, the donation from the LFED made possible financial assistance to

three graduate students pursuing the following degrees:


Master's in Architecture

Master's in Architecture, major in Urban Design

Master of Tropical Landscape Architecture


Additional funds are earmarked for:


Two thesis grants

Three undergraduate scholarships

Three design competition grants

Click here to learn more about the College of Architecture.


The College of Architecture, 2019, courtesy of googlemapsSatellite view of the College of Architecture, courtesy of googlemaps

(from Google Maps)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT !



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