UPAA in America has a new PEF Donor

The Permanent Endowment Fund (PEF) of UPAA in America was established to provide sustainable, long-term support for the University
of the Philippines through the generosity of UP alumni and friends. Endowment gifts are invested to grow and provide long-term support. Approximately 5% of the endowment’s average market value is made available each year for scholarships and programs. This balance ensures steady support today while protecting the endowment for the future. The PEF is structured to preserve purchasing power over time while providing annual support. The goal is long-term sustainability rather than short-term spending. Any investment returns above the annual payout are reinvested to grow the fund, so endowment gift continues to make a lasting impact for generations.
As of May 31, 2026, UPAAA just crossed the $500,000 mark on its PEF current market value.
“My parents believed that education is still your best means to vertical social mobility and would always tell us over dinner when we were young that they don’t have much wealth to pass down to us their children, but they will try their best to send us to a university they can afford. That stuck in me; lo and behold my children got a first world education from Singapore and some of the top universities in the states. My parents had four kids, and I only have two so along with a bit of blessing,
that kind of left me with some to spare and send two more kids to college. What better way to continue my parents’ legacy than to give back and provide somebody with a chance to social mobility through a college degree. Having been a product of the College of Engineering, I have been proving thesis grants to senior engineering students for several years now through UPERDFI-FUPFA.
UPAAA-PEF provides grants in perpetuity, and the endowment funds are invested, managed (low management fee) and based here in the U.S. I had a virtual meetup with the board after which I thought the board is very prudent and felt assured that they will perform their fiduciary duties. Also after some research, I have come to a conclusion that the PEF aligns with my own personal charitable trust (Donor Advised Fund) and will give the most “bang for your buck.”