(By Ike Pahm)
We’re proud to announce UPAA-W’s receipt of the UPAA Distinguished Service Award for an Alumni Chapter and the Outstanding Alumni Group Award from UPAA of America. These honors reflect our ongoing leadership in education, culture, and service. Special congratulations go to Gerry Ramos for his contributions to architecture and community empowerment, bringing even more recognition to our chapter.
In 2025, UPAA-W’s scholarship initiatives made a remarkable difference, helping young scholars pursue their academic and personal goals. The Guansing Regala Scholarship honored Christopher Teggatz, an exceptional local high school senior who has since begun his studies as a freshman at UW-Madison. Christopher’s commitment to both academic achievement and service to the community reflects the values at the heart of UPAA-W.
Alongside this, the UPAA-W Scholarship and the transformative Estrella Espejo Memorial Scholarship continued to provide essential support to worthy students across the University of the Philippines system. The Estrella Espejo Memorial Scholarship, in particular, stands out for its lasting significance, as it will benefit nine scholars over the course of twelve years. This long-term investment ensures that these students are equipped with the opportunities and resources needed to realize their full potential.
In addition, the UPAA-W Scholarship, a system-wide scholarship program, was expanded to offer two freshman awards each year, extending its reach and impact within the UP system. Through these initiatives, UPAA-W remains steadfast in its mission to foster educational excellence and empower future leaders.
Our professorial chairs—UPAA-W Professorial Chair and the Asuncion Miteria Austria – UPAA-W Professorial Chair—continue to empower faculty members at UP, further strengthening academic excellence within the university. To date, six faculty members have been granted the Asuncion Miteria Austria professorial chair, and each of them has delivered their respective lectures as part of the grant in the Department of Psychology.
Service is at the heart of UPAA-W’s mission. Volunteers at the Feed the Hungry provided meals and warmth to about 100 guests. Ongoing support for the Free Medical Clinic and medical missions to the Philippines brought essential healthcare to those in need.
Our cultural programs showcased Filipino pride and unity. The Ifugao Uyauy Dance at the Asian Moon Festival, the UPAA-W Choir’s “Bayan Ko” performance at Fiesta Filipiniana, and events like Sining ng Panahon and the Holiday Folk Fair International highlighted our strong heritage and global presence.
Launched in August, the EatSkolar Program provided free weekday lunches to 53 UP Diliman students facing food insecurity. UPAA-W contributed $500 and raised an additional $2,800, ensuring no Iskolar ng Bayan studies on an empty stomach.
Our socials, including Barrio Fiesta and the Summer Picnic, brought members and families together to celebrate, compete, and strengthen community ties.
UPAA-W’s website, newsletters, and social media expanded our reach. Collaboration with cultural and civic groups and participation in events like PCCCF anniversary and Simbang Gabi increased our visibility in the Filipino American community.
Strong financial stewardship ensured support for scholarships, professorial chairs, and cultural programs. For 2026, we plan to expand scholarships, enhance cultural events, boost community service, and further improve digital engagement.
Maraming Salamat! UPAA-W, Padayon!
Thank you for another inspiring year. Together, we serve, uplift, and inspire the next generation of Filipino leaders and scholars.