Members of the Upsilon Sigma Phi have been going around the country doing advocacy work as part of their centennial celebration this coming Nov. 18, 2018, according to Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association (USPAA) Chair and former U.P. President Alfredo Pascual.
“We want our celebration to be meaningful to us and communities in dire need of help,” he said.
Pascual revealed that Malacanang issued Proclamation Order No. 539 recognizing the Upsilon’s contribution to Philippine society and likewise declared 2018 as “Year for the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Upsilon Sigma Phi.”
“We are grateful to the President for recognizing our efforts in nation building,” said USPAA President Thad Liamzon who has spearheaded the nationwide advocacy programs such as those in Albay, Marawi, Sulu, Basilan, Laguna, Tarlac and Pampanga.
The programs included provision of clean water facilities, rehabilitation and donation of school buildings, tree planting, educational outreach and medical missions. Projects also include the construction of an outdoor learning center for UP Diliman called the UP Promenade and the Kapit Kapit monument in UP Los Banos.
The Upsilon Sigma Phi was founded in 1918 at the University of the Philippines. Its roster of members since its founding include a President, former chief justices, senators, congressmen and UP presidents. Many more serve in the private sector as business leaders, lawyers, journalists, the academe, doctors, scientists, farmers, government employees and community leaders.
Members are from all political persuasions and religions. Several have even been included in the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani for their contributions to freedom and democracy.
Proclamation Order No. 539 recognizes the fraternity for its significant contributions to numerous civic and humanitarian causes, as well as the dedication and commitment of its members to public service and nation-building.
According to Pascual, the centennial celebration of Upsilon Sigma Phi provides it the rare opportunity to further strengthen its relationship with the UP system and to honor our home…. ”Without UP, the UPSILON would not exist.”
Pascual added that the celebration allows us to train young members to become responsible new leaders for their communities in particular, and the nation in general.
Upsilon Sigma Phi is the oldest Greek letter fraternity in Asia.
