A Historic First: UPAA-W and Gerry Ramos Honored at the 2025 UPAA Alumni Awards

On August 16, 2025, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) held its annual UPAA Alumni Awards at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman, Quezon City. This prestigious event, attended by over 670 guests, celebrated the outstanding achievements of 64 awardees, including 47 individuals, 3 alumni chapters, 4 Presidential Awardees, and 10 multigenerational alumni families.

Honoring Hope, Excellence, and Service

In his opening remarks, UP President Angelo Jimenez described hope as the defining trait of a UP graduate:

“If I have one word to describe the UP graduate, I would choose the word hope. We are givers of hope. We are bringers of hope. We are engineers of hope. We are dealers in hope for our people. Many of them are still, literally, in the dark.

We honor a tradition of service. From the very beginning, service was the purpose of this university. And for over 117 years, we are 117 years this year, we have always honored it to our outstanding alumni. Our motto today is honor and excellence in the service of the nation. And so we are going towards that direction.

Your university is going out there to the underserved areas, reaching out to people who never was able to participate in the opportunities of the country, and which is very critical if our country is to endure.“

UPAA President and Alumni Regent Robert Aranton added:

“A UP education is not a crown worn for oneself, but a torch passed to light the way for others. Integrity can survive the temptations of power, service can thrive even in the leanest of times, and leadership finds its truest measure in the lives it has lifted. May tonight remind us that the true reward of leadership is in the widening of the path for those who will come after.”

The evening’s keynote speaker was Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, recipient of the Most Distinguished Alumnus Award. He shared a powerful message:

“The UP alumni have given much of their time, resources, and energy in the service of the nation.
We, the 2025 awardees, delight in having been of direct service to the people and our respective communities as our way of giving back to the nation.

Bilang mga iskolar ng bayan, nararapat lang talaga ang pagsisilbi sa bayan. It is this call to
serve-beyond personal success-that binds us as one community, reminding us that true honor and excellence find their highest meaning when dedicated to the Filipino people.”

 A Milestone for UPAA-Wisconsin

For the first time in UPAA history, UPAA-Wisconsin (UPAA-W) and one of its members were honored with distinguished awards:

UPAA-Wisconsin: Distinguished Alumni Chapter Award

UPAA-W received the UPAA Distinguished Award for an Alumni Chapter, recognizing its exceptional leadership and contributions to Filipino heritage, education, and humanitarian efforts in both the United States and the Philippines. Founded in 1974, UPAA-W has long been a pillar of cultural advocacy and community service.
Ito Conti accepted the award on behalf of the chapter, receiving a beautiful glass plaque and certificate.

 Romulo Gerardo “Gerry” Ramos: Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Empowerment

Gerry, a respected community leader, was honored for his dedication to cultural advocacy and public service. His work in Milwaukee has earned high commendations and continues to inspire pride in Filipino identity and values.

 The Power of the Iskolar ng Bayan Spirit

This year’s awardees reflect the diverse and far-reaching influence of UP alumni in fields such as public service, science, education, arts, health, and community development. Their achievements reaffirm the enduring legacy of the Iskolar ng Bayan—a legacy of hope, service, and excellence.

Congratulations to UPAA-W and Gerry Ramos!

Your accomplishments mark a proud moment for the UP community in Wisconsin and beyond. May your work continue to light the way for others.