Upsilon Sigma Phi

Upsilon Sigma Phi
ΥΣΦ
Founded	1918 University of the Philippines
Type	University
Scope	University of the Philippines
Motto	We gather light to scatter
Colors	Old Blue and Cardinal Red
Symbol	Fraternity seal
Flower	Pink Rose
Chapters	2 (U.P. Diliman/U.P. Manila and U.P. Los Baños)
Headquarters	Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Homepage	http://www.upsilon.com

History

The Upsilon Sigma Phi is the oldest Greek-letter fraternity in Asia [2]. Nebulously formed in 1918.

It was formally organized on November 19, 1920 in a meeting held at the Metropolitan Restaurant in Intramuros. Four months later, on March 24, 1921, the Greek letters ΥΣΦ standing for the initials of the name "University Students Fraternity" was formally adopted. In the same year, the fraternity also completed its organization with rituals prepared by Graciano Q. Rico, motto (We gather light to scatter), colors (cardinal red, old blue). The head is known as the Illustrious Fellow and the first honorary fellow, University Regent Conrado Benitez, was inducted into the Fraternity. He wrote the Upsilon Hymn which later would be sung before and after every formal meeting.

Los Banos Chapter

The Upsilon branched out to Los Baños and established a chapter there. It extended its reign of interest beyond campus, to include national issues of the day, notably the attainment of Philippine independence.

Upsilonians during WWII

During World War II, some members took the field. Among the Upsilonians who gave up their lives were Wenceslao Q. Vinzons (former UP Student Council President, youngest delegate to the 1934 Constitutional Convention, and Governor of Camarines), Agapito del Rosario (Mayor of Angeles, Pampanga), and Jose Abad Santos (Secretary of Justice and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court), all of whom were executed for refusing to swear allegiance to the Japanese Empire.

Others stayed behind; most noteworthy of these was Jose P. Laurel (President of the Republic of the Philippines), who put his life at risk in protecting the interests of the Filipino people while suffering rebuke from his detractors who accused him of collaboration.

Upsilon During the Marcos Years

The administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos saw Upsilon members lead opposing sides in the leadership of the Philippines. With the administration was Marcos, former Senate President Arturo M. Tolentino, former Chief Justice Querube Makalintal who after his retirement would be elected Speaker of the Batasang Pambansa, and Batasan Speaker Nicanor Yniguez among many others. Leading the opposition were former senators Benigno Aquino, Jr., Gerardo "Gerry" Roxas, Gil J. Puyat and Salvador "Doy" Laurel.

Waging a national democratic revolution were rebels with the Left such as Melito Glor and Medardo Arce. After their deaths, the New People's Army Southern Luzon and Southern Mindanao Commands would, in their honor, be named the Melito Glor Command and the Medardo Arce Command respectively. Fighting for Muslim rights and greater autonomy were Senators Ahmad Domocao A. Alonto and Mamintal A. J. Tamano.

Membership

Main article: List of Upsilon Sigma Phi brothers

• Jose Abad Santos - Chief Justice, Secretary of Justice and World War II Hero
• Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. - Hero and Senator
• Joker Arroyo - Senator, Executive Secretary and Makati Representative
• Kidlat Tahimik - Father of Philippine Independent Filmmaking
• Richard Gordon - Senator and Tourism Secretary
• Jose P. Laurel - Philippine President, Senator and Supreme Court Justice
• Salvador H. Laurel - Philippine Vice President, Prime Minister, Senator and Secretary of Foreign Affairs
• Salvador P. Lopez - Foreign Affairs Secretary and University of the Philippines President
• Ferdinand E. Marcos - Philippine President, Senate President and Ilocos Norte Representative
• Francis N. Pangilinan - Senate Majority Floor Leader