On the occasion of the 104th anniversary of the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) unveiled the “Upsilon Sigma Phi” historical marker and turned it over to the University of the Philippines (UP) on November 19, 2022, at the UP Promenade in UP Diliman, Quezon City. The site is located near the main library on the UP Diliman campus.
NHCP Chairman Rene R. Escalante and UP President Danilo L. Concepcion officiated the ceremony. Among those who witnessed the event were NHCP OIC-Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association President Ed Sunico, and fraternity members.
According to Sunico, they are grateful for the NHCP’s recognition of the fraternity’s contributions since the Upsilon’s founders more than a century ago envisioned gathering young men who would become leaders in different fields and help shape the “intertwined” history of the University and the nation
“The fraternity continues the vision of its founders in helping create a climate conducive to learning and progress in the UP, to economic stability and political maturity in the Republic of the Philippines,” Sunico said.
Escalante remarked that the turnover was originally requested from NHCP in 2017 in time for their 100th anniversary. Since the NHCP required more supporting documents on the fraternity’s history, the schedule had to be moved.
The government, through Proclamation Order No. 539 issued in July 2018, already recognized 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.” The said proclamation also declared 2018 the “Year for the Celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Upsilon Sigma Phi.”
In his message, Escalante narrated how the Upsilon Sigma Phi was established by 14 UP students in the original campus in Ermita, Manila, more than a century ago. He said the founders aimed to serve fellow students and to engage in discussions on national issues and that on November 19, 1920, the fraternity was formally organized. Justiniano R. Asuncion was elected as its president. He added that the fraternity continues to contribute positively to society and history.
On behalf of UP, Concepcion accepted the historical marker entrusted to UP. He pledged to take care of it as a symbol of the University and the fraternity. Concepcion is also a member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi.
