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UP Varsity Bus 2.0 Turned Over to PDLC by Alpha Sigma

| Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office

Completely overhauled and refurbished, the UP-Alpha Sigma Varsity bus for university athletes was formally turned over to President Danilo L. Concepcion by the UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association (UPASFAA) on the steps of Quezon Hall last December 1.

Donated to the university by Alpha Sigma in 2008 in honor of the UP Centennial, the bus was due for renovation after a decade of heavy use, and the UPASFAA stepped up to do the job, drawing on the generosity of its members. Major donors for the P2.5-million project included Aris Batuhan, Jackie Cruz, Mike Defensor, Eric Español, Jessie Gimenez, Pato Gregorio, Ray de Guzman, Raffy Morales, Senen de Santos, Doy Vea, and Raymund Yu-Ekey. PLDT-Smart was also a major sponsor, its CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan being an honorary Alpha Sigman.

 

Members of the UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity and members of some UP varsity teams pose in front of the refurbished bus. Alpha Sigma donated the bus in 2008 and recently had it renovated. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)
Members of the UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity and members of some UP varsity teams pose in front of the refurbished bus. Alpha Sigma donated the bus in 2008 and recently had it renovated. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)

 

Undertaken by Automorin Cars Corp., the repairs and renovation took two full months from September to October 2017, and included a thorough overhaul of the engine, brakes, suspension, and electrical system. A new stereo, TV, and wi-fi system was installed, as well as new flooring, carpeting, and hydraulic doors. The bus’ exterior has also been completely redone, with the names of UP’s varsity teams boldly emblazoned on the side of the bus.

 

UP President Danilo Concepcion rides the improved service vehicle for UP athletes. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)
UP President Danilo Concepcion rides the improved service vehicle for UP athletes. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)

 

“This donation represents the Alpha Sigma Fraternity’s continuing commitment to the development and success of our varsity teams,” said Atty. Raffy Morales, former managing partner of SyCip Law, representing the fraternity. Alpha Sigma has been most closely associated with supporting the basketball team.

For his part, President Concepcion expressed the University’s gratitude for Alpha Sigma’s support and encouraged other fraternities to help in other areas of UP’s sports and campus development. “Every donation like this is deeply appreciated, because it represents the true UP spirit of giving back to the University and the people,” he said.

Also present at the turnover were Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Y. Dalisay Jr., Human Kinetics Dean Ronualdo U. Dizer, and resident Alpha Sigma Lord Chancellor Raffy Ricalde, as well as UP varsity team members and resident and alumni members of the fraternity.