Last August 1, UA&P held the awarding ceremony for this year’s recipients of the Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr. Scholarship Endowment. Five students were awarded the scholarship, which includes 100% coverage of tuition and miscellaneous fees, a 10-month stipend of Php8000 a month, an internet allowance of Php1000 a month, a laptop, and a Professional Development Coach from among the members of the UA&P Board of Trustees.

“Education is a right. But it remains elusive and out of reach to so many,” UA&P President Dr. Winston Padojinog said in his welcome remarks. “That is why scholarships transform this right to education to a gift of education. Now many are brought closer to their dreams and aspirations of a UA&P education.”

This year’s recipients of the Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr. Scholarship Endowment are Justin de la Cruz and Jose Benitez from PAREF-Northfield, Rianne Guiyab from St. Paul College Makati, Andrei Punzalan from Homeschool Global and Andrea Pascua from Manresa School. Justin is taking BS Information Technology while Rianne is studying BS Accountancy. Andre and Jose are both enrolled in Management under the Junior College Program while Andrea, also in Junior College, is taking Humanities.

UA&P established the scholarship in honor of the late Dr. Mapa who was instrumental in the foundation and development of the university. His daughter Angela was present at the ceremony to congratulate the scholars.

[Back row, left to right] Mr. Ray Canilao, Dr. Winston Padojinog, Mr. Francisco Sebastian, Amb. Jose Cuisia, Jr., Mrs. Mardi Mapa-Suplido, Ms. Annie Fuentes, Ms. Lourdes Mapa, Mrs. Alice Lumanog, Elena Mapa, and Lucia Mapa
[Front row, left to right] Mr. Philip Dy, Rianne Guiyab, Andrei Punzalan, Justin de la Cruz, Jose Benitez, Andrea Pasua, Ms. Angela Mapa, and Isabella Mapa

Mr. Francisco Sebastian, the Vice Chairman of the UA&P Development Board described Dr. Mapa as “the epitome” of academic excellence and the “total package” who, as a respected economist and a first-class banker, excelled in public service as well as in the private sector. “Dr. Mapa always brought with him wherever he goes, whatever he does, his principles, his values, his personal character and integrity and of course his Faith, and all the good things he believes in—love of country, family, and God,” Mr. Sebastian said.

Mr. Sebastian will be among the UA&P Board of Trustees who will be coaching one of the scholars, along with Ms. Judy Cam, Dr. Antonio Torralba, Ms. Esther Santos and Chairman of the UA&P Board of Trustees and the UA&P Development Board Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr.

Addressing the scholars, their family members, and the donors, Ambassador Cuisia said, “Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance in your junior and senior high school years have earned you this honor. Remember that this scholarship is not just financial support—it is a testament to your potential to be a trailblazer and a catalyst for change in the community.  It also shows the belief that those who support you have in your future.”

Among the benefactors present were Ms. Annie Fuentes (Executive Director, Mercury Drug Foundation), Mrs. Alice Lumanog (Vice President, Mercury Drug), Mr. Ray Canilao (President, Global Executive Solutions Group), Mrs. Mardi Mapa-Suplido (Chief Operating Officer, Aboitiz Foundation), and Mr. Philip Dy (Executive Vice President, George Ty Foundation).

Read more about the Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr. Scholarship Endowment here.