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UPAA Scholarships: STAR Program Launch & Freshman Grants from UP Alumni
The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) continues to strengthen its commitment to education access through newly launched and renewed scholarship programs that support deserving Iskolars ng Bayan across the UP system.
On November 18, 2025, the UPAA, in partnership with Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc. and Metrobank Foundation, officially launched the Santanina T. Rasul (S.T.A.R.) Scholarship Program at Ang Bahay ng Alumni.
Named after the late Hon. Santanina Tillah Rasul—the first Muslim woman senator of the Philippines—the scholarship honors her lifelong advocacy for education, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development. The S.T.A.R. Scholarship is exclusively designed to support Bangsamoro women, continuing Senator Rasul’s legacy of leadership and service.
UPAA President Robert Lester Aranton shared the significance of the program, particularly for women and indigenous communities whose access to higher education remains a critical priority.
Among the scholars introduced was Warda I. Mando, a 17-year-old freshman at UP Diliman’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), taking up Bachelor of Public Administration. A proud Muslim woman and member of the Yakan indigenous community from the Bangsamoro region, Warda delivered a heartfelt message expressing gratitude and her commitment to serve.
Guests included Dr. Kristoffer Berse, Dean of UP NCPAG, and members of Senator Rasul’s family, reinforcing the program’s deep personal and institutional significance.
Through the S.T.A.R. Scholarship, UPAA aims to open doors, amplify voices, and empower young Bangsamoro women to pursue leadership, education, and nation-building with confidence.
In addition to the S.T.A.R. launch, alumni chapters abroad are also stepping forward to support incoming students.
The UP Diliman Office of Scholarships and Grants (OSG) recently facilitated two freshman scholarship grants initiated by the UP Alumni Association of Wisconsin, Ltd. (UPAA-W). A Memorandum of Agreement was signed on August 22 at Quezon Hall by UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II and UPAA-W President Joselito U. Conti.
The UPAA of Wisconsin Scholarship will benefit two UP Diliman freshmen for one academic year. The grant includes a one-time book allowance and a monthly stipend for five months, subject to renewal.
Eligibility requirements include:
In addition, the Estrella Espejo Memorial Scholarship will support three freshmen across all UP campuses, further widening access to higher education.
These scholarship initiatives demonstrate how UP alumni continue the cycle of service—ensuring that financial challenges do not stand in the way of talent, ambition, and nation-building.
From empowering Bangsamoro women leaders through the S.T.A.R. Scholarship to supporting freshmen through international alumni chapters, UPAA reaffirms its role in shaping a brighter future for the next generation of Iskolars ng Bayan.
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