UPAA-W Scholarship Awarded to Two Outstanding Seniors for AY 2025-2026

Aira Gayle Pugeda hails from Naic, Cavite. She is a fourth‑year Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science student at the UP Manila College of Arts and Sciences, with an outstanding Overall GWA of 1.2542. 

Aira’s academic excellence has been evident from an early age. She graduated from Labac Elementary School, Valedictorian, where she also received the Academic Excellence Award, Historian of the Year Award, and the Natatanging Batang Iskawt Award. She was Champion of the Municipal Hekasi Quiz Bee and earned multiple recognitions in journalism, science, mathematics, and Tagasaysayan competitions. 

She completed junior high school with High Honors at the Cavite Science Integrated School – Regional Science High School (CSIS‑RSHS) and later graduated from senior high school with Highest Honors from the same institution. During this period, she received the Diamond Award at the International Invention and Innovative Competition and the Youth Innovation Grand Prize at the 4th imake.wemake Competition. 

In 2023, Aira was awarded the UP Presidential Scholarship, and she has been a consistent University Scholar since her freshman year. 

In her letter of appreciation, Aira expressed deep gratitude to UPAA‑W for “making a meaningful difference in the lives of students like me, who, despite systemic hardships, continue to strive, resist, and persist.” She shared that the scholarship will significantly ease the financial demands of her senior year—particularly her dormitory expenses—as she prepares for internships and thesis work. She added that the generosity of UPAA‑W inspires her to work harder, not only to achieve her personal goals, but also to give back to the community in the future. Aira proudly affirms her identity as a member of the UP community. 

Jessa Fate Vallente is from Mabini, Bohol. She is a fifth‑year Bachelor of Physical Education student at the UP Diliman College of Human Kinetics, with an Overall QWA of 1.4360. 

Jessa graduated from Tabunoc Elementary School, Valedictorian, where she was also recognized as Athlete of the Year. She completed her senior high school education at La Union National High School. 

Jessa conveyed her heartfelt thanks to UPAA‑W for the trust and support extended to her through this scholarship. In her thank‑you letter, she wrote, “Your support means so much to my family and me. It is not only a big help in easing my financial challenges, but also a great source of encouragement for me to continue pursuing my dreams.” She shared that the scholarship has strengthened her motivation to study harder, persevere, and make wise use of the opportunity to complete her college education. She also expressed her commitment to value this blessing and to one day give back by helping others, just as UPAA‑W has helped her.