Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr. (1932-2019) holds the distinction of being the one and only Chairman of the Center for Research and Communications and its successor institution, the University of Asia and the Pacific, since it was founded in 1967. Over these five decades, he was instrumental in the foundation and development of the university which created a great impact in the corporate world and the education sector.
Dr. Mapa Jr. was an economist by training with a doctorate from Harvard University. By profession, he was a public servant and an accomplished development and commercial banker | having occupied key positions in both public and private sectors. He was a director of the World Bank in Washington for several years, prior to serving the Philippine government as head of the President Economic Staff and then Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority. He became Chairman of the Development Bank of the Philippines as well as president of Philippine National Bank. After his government career, Dr Mapa served Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company for over 30 years in various capacities including President and Vice Chairman.
In line with its goal of recognizing individuals or organizations that have made a distinguished contribution to the University or to the Philippine society, UA&P has established the Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr. Scholarship Endowment which aims to:
1. Honor Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr. who was instrumental in the foundation and development of the University and made a great impact on the corporate world and the education sector;
2. Create a scholarship endowment fund where various individuals, companies, and organizations can donate with the purpose of establishing a legacy in honor of Dr. Mapa;
3. Establish a continuing stream of select students under the UA&P scholarship program that can be formed and developed into outstanding civil servants and business professionals in the mold of Dr Mapa Jr on a self-sustaining basis, and
4. Develop a prestigious scholarship program that will attract outstanding individuals and high potential and top-caliber students.
All scholarship applicants will be evaluated by the Scholarship Committee using the following criteria:
At least 90% HS average
Exemplary leadership credentials
Potential to be a trailblazer and a catalyst for change in the community