Alumni
Dr. Bill Romero ‘76 donates P1-million seed fund for USAP
US-based cosmetic physician Dr. William Honorato Eclar “Bill” Romero ’76 has donated ₱1 million as seed money for the Upsilon Student Assistance Program (USAP).
USPAA Chairman Eric C. Pilapil ’86, President Gerry Sirios ’89, and Treasurer Jojo Santiago ’89 accepted the donation on behalf of the association from Romero’s niece, Josephine Romero, on August 1.
A key figure behind the establishment of the Upsilon Medical Assistance Program (UMAP), Romero extended his support to USAP as part of his continuing commitment to institutionalizing assistance for resident Upsilonians.
The recently launched USAP is designed as a flexible, accessible, and sustainable structure of support for resident and graduate student brods needing financial assistance to complete their studies. It includes loans, grants, scholarships, and non-financial help.
The ₱1 million seed fund will be allocated for grants under USAP.
Following Romero’s donation, Batches ’86 and ’89 jointly pledged ₱2 million for USAP. Of this, ₱1.1 million is already available for a student loan facility offering ₱100,000 non-interest-bearing loans payable within one year.
An additional ₱1.6M shall be made available from other sources for a ₱200,000 loan product at minimal interest, payable over one to five years.
Several alumni have also committed to sponsoring scholarships under USAP, including:
- Andrew Nocon ’60, Neil Nocon ’87, and Noah Nocon ’93 – 3 scholarships
- Dennis Gelacio ’92 – 1 scholarship
- Dennis Jordan ’86 – 1 scholarship
- Batch ’77 – through Boy Vizmonte ’77
- Batch ’84 – through Roel Castro ’84
Guidelines for USAP have already been published, and details of the scholarship terms and application process will be released soon.
About the Author
Javier P. Flores
A Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines College of Law, he is a partner at the Flores & Ofrin Law Office, with expertise in corporation law, property, and litigation. Beyond the courtroom, Javi has made a name for himself as a publisher and editorial force. He is the co-owner of Milflores Publishing, a multi-awarded publishing house known for producing books that seek to elevate Filipino literature. He also founded League Magazine, a publication that spotlights the best governance practices of local leaders. Javi is also a two-time Master Photographer of the Camera Club of the Philippines. He was a former Associate Editor of the Philippine Collegian, the country’s oldest and longest-running student newspaper. Javi also served two terms on the Board of Editors for the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Law Journal.
