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UPAA launches student assistance programs

| Written by Clariza Concordia

The student assistance initiatives, Living Expenses Allowance Program and Expanded Lingap Tanghalian Program, were launched Jan. 26 via Zoom. Screenshot from the Zoom event.

 

Two hundred thirty-seven students across the University of the Philippines System are expected to benefit from the UP Alumni Association’s financial assistance programs: the Living Expenses Allowance Program and the Expanded Lingap Tanghalian Program.

 

The programs were launched Jan. 26 via Zoom. University officials, representatives of Offices of Student Affairs throughout the System, and student beneficiaries attended the launch. 

 

UP President Angelo Jimenez lauded UPAA’s initiative, referring to it as one that “reflects our growing commitment to student welfare across the UP System.” Adding, “Through Project LEAP and Lingap Tanghalian, we affirm that UP does not only provide world-class education; we also care for the most basic needs of our students.”

 

A partner food concessionaire of UP Visayas for the four-month implementation of the Lingap Tanghalian Program. Screenshot from the virtual launch of the assistance programs via Zoom.

 

UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee (bottom right) gives his assurance that UPM beneficiaries will receive two meals per school day because his administration will cover any shortage that may arise in Lingap Tanghalian Project’s implementation in the constituent university. With Tee in this frame are, clockwise from top left, UP Alumni Association Executive Director Maria Recelyn Marasigan, UPM’s Student Financial Assistance Officer Elena Venturina, and UPAA President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton. Screenshot from the virtual launch of the Living Expenses Allowance Program and the Expanded Lingap Tanghalian Program via Zoom.

 

UPAA President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton said this year’s program launch “marks an important milestone” as the programs now cover all eight constituent universities and one autonomous college. 

 

LEAP is one of UPAA’s flagship programs that seeks to provide financial assistance to students in need. An all-in monthly stipend will be given to select student beneficiaries across the UP System, with 10 students per CU and autonomous college. Student beneficiaries from UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, and UP Manila will receive a monthly stipend worth PhP3,500. Those from UP Visayas, UP Open University, UP Mindanao, UP Baguio, UP Cebu, and UP Tacloban College will be given PhP3,000 per month.

 

“You are not alone. We’ve got you covered,” says UP President Angelo Jimenez to the student beneficiaries of the Living Expenses Allowance Program and the Expanded Lingap Tanghalian Program. Screenshot from the virtual launch of the assistance programs via Zoom.

 

The Expanded Lingap Tanghalian grew from last year’s Lingap Tanghalian, which also evolved from 2024’s Lingap Hapunan. This expanded 2026 program aims to provide midday meals to more students across the UP System —  from only UPD and UPLB in 2025 to also include UPM, UPV, UPMin, UPB, UP Cebu, and UPTC this year.  There are 15 recipients of the assistance per CU and autonomous college. Except for UPM beneficiaries who will receive two meals per day, the rest of the beneficiaries are entitled to a lunch meal per school day.

 

Aside from the increased number of beneficiaries, the Expanded Lingap Tanghalian Program also extended its project duration. The program, which lasted two months last year, will now last nearly four months — Jan. 26 to May 15.

 

“As alumni of the University of the Philippines, let us discuss… how to pursue excellence despite failure. ” — UP Alumni Association President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton asks for support for the organization’s initiatives. Screenshot from the virtual launch of the Living Expenses Allowance Program and the Expanded Lingap Tanghalian Program via Zoom.

 

The assistance programs were made possible through the UPAA’s partnership with the Office of Student Development Services of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.