history and organization of asp

ALPHA SIGMA PHI PHILIPPINES

An Outline of its History and Organization

Prepared by: Brother Samuel R. Matunog, Beta ‘74 National President, 1980-1982 Chairman and President, ASP Alumni Endowment Foundation, Inc. Adviser, Davao City Alumni Association Member, Council of Past Presidents Edition: June 18, 2009

ASP HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION: AN OUTLINE June 18, 2009

Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | Introduction 2

Introduction

This outline attempts to collate and summarize various histories and documents of and

about Alpha Sigma Phi in the Philippines that have been written through the years. It

tries to address gaps in these histories, add clarity to disputed points, and to point to

areas for more research and analysis.

As an outline it necessarily incomplete; and, the reader is invited to share his or her

comments so that whatever error or incomplete information written here may be

corrected or remedied.

I count it a rare privilege to share to you this work and wish that your journey with Alpha

Sigma Phi may be meaningful and memorable, filled with memories of true brotherhood

and sisterhood.

Sail on!


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | Statement of Vision and Mission 3

Statement of Vision and Missioni

Vision

Strengthening and maintaining unity and cooperation anchored on genuine national

identity, working towards the upliftment of members, community and country.

Mission

To establish the Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines with distinct identity rooted on its original

founding principles in the Philippines; to promote continuing education for the

upliftment of the moral, spiritual and cultural values of members thus bring forth

awareness, concern and response to the needs of the community and country.


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | I. PROLOGUE 4

I. PROLOGUE

1.1 Fraternal movements abound in history. One of the more prominent fraternal

movements, especially in the United States of America, is Freemasonry. Freemasonry's

central preoccupations remain charitable work within a local or wider community, moral

uprightness (in most cases requiring a belief in a Supreme Being) as well as the

development and maintenance of fraternal friendship.ii

1.2 The freedom to associate (to form groups) without the prior approval of the State

or the religious authorities is the consequence of the Enlightenment,iii and its reached its

zenith in the United States of America where many of its early leaders were identified as

free masons.

1.3 Freemasonry spawned fraternal movements or secret societies in colleges and

universities in the United States of America. The adoption by many of these fraternal

movements of Greek letter names evokes the intellectual achievements of ancient Greece.

1.4 After the Philippines was colonized by the US in early 1900's, young Filipinos were

sent to the US to study, and when they returned to the Philippines they organized similar

Greek letter fraternities and sororities in Philippine colleges and universities, and among

the most prominent of these institutions of higher learning is the University of the

Philippines where many of the current fraternities and sororities in the country

originated.

II. PHILIPPINE FOUNDING

2.1 From all anecdotal sources, it appears that there are four (4) groups which used

the Greek letters "Alpha Sigma Phi" as their fraternal name, and these groups, according

to the date they were organized, are: in 1952 at the Gregorio Araneta University

Foundation, in Caloocan City; in 1959 at the Central Mindanao University, in Musuan,

Bukidnon; in 1959 at the University of the East - Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical

Center, Sta. Mesa, Manila; and in 1965 at Silliman University, Dumaguete City.iv

2.1.1 GAUF, 1952

2.1.1.1 There is very little known about this group, except the information that one of its

members is Bobby Ledesma, a TV host who was prominent in the '70s. We came to know

about their existence when conflicts arose between their members and Alphans who went

to study at GAUF. The groups were unable to overcome their differences and remained

separate organizations.


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | II. PHILIPPINE FOUNDING 5

2.1.1.2 No record is available to show that this group was invited to the first national

convention in 1972.

2.1.1.3 The group which affiliated with ASP Philippines is now known as the Alpha Nu

Chapter.

2.1.2 CMU, 1959

2.1.2.1 Organized by Tomas Gavarra, with the assistance of Dr. Ramon del Carmen as

Faculty Adviser, this group used the name "Agricultural Students of the Philippines" and

its acronym ASP was represented by the Greek letters Alpha Sigma Phi.

2.1.2.2 Some of its members organized chapters in other schools, and one of those

chapters was established at Rafael Palma College in Tagbilaran City, now University of

Bohol. This group now known as Theta Chapter played a role in developing ties with the

Silliman group which eventually gave impetus to the formation of a national

organization.

2.1.3 UERMMMC, 1959

2.1.3.1 This group claims to be the oldest fraternity of the University of the East Ramon

Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center at Sta. Mesa, Manila. There is no information as to

the origins of its name.

2.1.3.2 There is no record showing that it was invited to the first national convention in

1972.

2.1.4 SU, 1965

2.1.4.1 Organized by Manuel Momongan,v this group used the name Alpha Sigma Phi, a

name lifted from the Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities. There is no record,

however, which shows that its organization was with the knowledge and authorization of

ASP USA.

2.1.4.2 It appears also that the group freely appropriated and started the practice of using

the symbols of ASP USA. This practice was further spurred when ASP USA and ASP

Philippines forged the “Heads of Agreement” and established “Alpha Sigma Phi

International.”

2.1.4.3 This group served as the convenor of the first national convention in 1972 at

Silliman University.


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | III. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION 6

III. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

3.1 When some of these groups grew and organized chapters in other colleges, it

became inevitable that their respective members meet and interact with each other.

3.2 In 1972, at Silliman University, the first national convention was held where the

first set of national officers were elected. Only chapters originating from SU and CMU

were represented in that gathering. Greek-letter names were also assigned to existing

chapters.

3.3 During the 1978 convention in Davao City, the Greek-letter names of the chapters

were updated and approved.

3.4 In 1980 the national organization was registered with the Securities and Exchange

Commission using the name “Alpha Sigma Phi – Philippines, International Collegiate

Service Organization, Inc.”

3.5 From 1972 to the present the national organization continued to meet in national

conventions, leadership conferences, regional conclaves, chapter and association

meetings, spreading the reach and scope of Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines not only in the

country but throughout the world. The following members have been elected to lead this

organization:

1972-1974, 1974 to 1978 (Hold-over)

Brother Kalunsiang Dimalen, Beta '70

Elected as the Supreme Grand Chancellor during the 1st National Convention held on

April 26-30, 1972 at the College of Engineering Theater, Silliman University, Dumaguete

City, Negros Oriental. Brod Kally was part of a storied batch of Silliman High School

students who joined Alpha Sigma Phi en masse. Brod Kally is now based in Cotabato City

and for some time connected with a project of the ILO (International Labor

Organization?).

1978-1980

Brother Talib Zaide B. Lomondot, Omicron '70

In a number of consultations held in Dumaguete City, it was agreed to hold the 2nd

National Convention in Davao City, and in the cramped facilities of Pascual Farms and

later at the nearby elementary school in Toril, the delegates elected Brod Zaide, a



graduate of Jamiatul Philippines Al-Islamia, in Marawi City, as National President. Brod

Zaide is now a ranking officer of the Mindanao State University System, based at the Main

Campus in Marawi City. He was present during the 9th National Leadership Conference.

1980-1982

Brother Samuel R. Matunog, Beta '74

Camp Seasite in Banilad, Dumaguete City, was the venue of the 3rd National Convention

held on October 24-26, 1980. Brod Sammy, a graduate of Silliman University, in

Dumaguete City, and former Grand Chancellor of Beta Chapter, was elected as National

President. Brod Sam is a practicing lawyer and IT entrepreneur based in Davao City.

1982-1984

Brother Lemuel G. Malanog, Beta '70

As communications and relations with Alpha Sigma Phi USA quickened and improved, a

visit of a representative of the said organization was arranged to coincide with the 4th

National Convention held on April 22-24, 1982 at Dumadag Farms, in Tagbilaran City,

Bohol. Brod Lemuel, a graduate of Silliman University, in Dumaguete City, was elected

National President. One of Brod Lemuel's outstanding achievements is the organization

of Gamma Rho Chapter at the Central Philippine University, Taft Avenue, Manila, and

this chapter has taken a leading role in ASP affairs in Metro Manila.

1984-1986

Brother Norberto G. Murro, Alpha '78

Alpha Chapter in Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon, hosted the 5th

National Convention held on April 6-8, 1984.The delegates elected Brod Nonoy, a

graduate of Veterinary Medicine from CMU, as National President. Brod Nonoy has a

thriving VetMed practice in Cagayan de Oro, and continues to be deeply engaged in ASP

affairs. He maintains a social network for ASP also at ning.com called "Alphans Corner."

1986-1988

Brother Casan Labay, Alpha Epsilon '73



Alpha Sigs in Manila hosted the 6th National Convention held on April 17-19, 1986 at the

Midtown Plaza Hotel in Ermita, Manila. Brod Casan, a graduate of MSU, was elected

National President.

1988-1990

Brother Ricardito M. Martinez, Beta '67

Shrine Hills, in Davao City, became the venue of the 7th National Convention held on

April 7-9, 1988. Elected National President was Brod Ric, an Engineering graduate of

Silliman University, who served for several terms as Executive Director of ASP

Philippines. Brod Ric's enduring contribution to ASP is his lifetime work as

Record/Archives Custodian of the organization and the <i>de facto</i>head of the

National Headquarters. We have freely used his humble home for this purpose. He has

forged close and intimate ties with leaders of ASP USA, among them with Brother

Richard Gibbs, and has been invited to visit several chapters and the NHQ of ASP USA.

1990-1992

Brother Domingo C. Dayot, Kappa '70

Patria de Cebu, in Cebu City, was the venue of the 8th National Convention held on April

27-29, 1990. Brod Doming, a graduate of St. Peter's College, Iligan City, was elected

National President.

1992-1994

Brother Leandro B. Echavez, Beta '71

The members in Iligan City hosted the 9th National Convention which was held on April

9-12, 1992, at the Crystal Inn Hotel. Brod Leandro, a lawyer by profession and a graduate

of Silliman Univeristy, in Dumaguete City, was elected National President. When he

transferred his residence to Butuan City, Brod Leandro spearheaded the reinvigoration of

ASP affairs in the CARAGA region and was a visible presence in our activities. Even when

he was terminal ill he still made it and attended the 5th Mindanao Summit in Cotabato

City.

1994-1996

Brother Amirodin T. Hamdag, Sigma '75



Scenic and historic Marawi City, in the sprawling campus of Mindanao State University,

hosted the 10th National Convention which was held on April 15-17, 1994. Brod Hamdag, a

graduate of Agusan Colleges, Butuan City, was elected National President.

1996-1998

Brother Marianito A. Gentallan, Phi '78

Cotabato City, the seat of the Sultanate of Maguindanao, was the venue of the 11th

National Convention which was held on April 26-28, 1996 at the ARMM Regional Center.

Brod Marianito, a graduate of Rizal Memorial Colleges and at that time a ranking officer

of Coca-Cola Bottlers' Philippines, was elected National President. Brod Boy's sudden

passing left a void our organizational affairs.

1998-2000, 2000-2002

Brother Joel F. Jaranilla, Gamma Epsilon '79

La Herencia Negrense of Bacolod City was the venue of the 12th National Convention

which was held on April 17-19, 1998. Elected as National President was a local boy, Brod

Joel, an engineering graduate of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos, Bacolod

City, and by then a budding businessman.In recognition of his outstanding performance

as National President, he was the first member re-elected to the highest position of the

organization. This took place during the 13th National Convention which was held on

April 28-30, 2000 at John Bosco College, in Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. Brod

Joel's dedication to the cause of ASP remains unmatched. He makes himself available in

organizational affairs where his presence is requested.

2002-2004

Brother Bocari P. Riga, Omicron'71

The 14th National Convention returned to Manila, and was held on April 26-28, 2002 at

the Golden Bay Hotel. Elected as National President was Brod Bocari, a graduate of

Jamiatul Philippines al-Islamia, and prime mover and supporter of the organization in

Metro Manila, including the hosting on different occasions of several representatives

from ASP USA. His wife, Sis Ruby de Leon, a graduate of PMI College, in Manila, is a

member of Alpha Mu Chapter, Batch '74.

2004-2006


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | IV. LINKS WITH ASP USA 10

Brother Wifredo Osabel, Alpha '67

Barcelo Hotel of Puerto Princesa City, in Palawan, was the venue of the 15th National

Convention, which was held on April 17-20, 2004. Brod Pepe, a graduate of Central

Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon, was elected National President.

2006-2008

Brother Bocari P. Riga, Omicron '71

The Provincial Convention Center in Naga City, Camarines Sur, was the venue of the 16th

National Convention which was held on April (), 2006. In recognition of his outstanding

labors and sacrifices as an officer of the organization, Brod Bocari, a graduate of Jamiatul

Philippines al-Islamia, was elected for the second time as National President. Brod Bocari

was present during the 9th NLC at Marawi City and as always freely spoke his thoughts

and vision for ASP Philippines.

2008-2010

Brother Raynaldo M. Dy-Reyes, Alpha Xi '79

The Provincial Convention Center of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, in Dipolog

City, was the venue of the 17th National Convention. Brod Ray, a law graduate of the

University of Manila, an Executive Director of the organization, was elected National

President. His dynamism and accessibility is breathing life to the affairs of ASP

Philippines. His whirlwind schedule has already taken him to Dipolog City, Louiseville,

Kentucky, USA, then back to Dipolog, to Malaybalay, to Bicol, to Bacolod, and now to

Jolo, Sulu, and many more.

IV. LINKS WITH ASP USA

4.1 Since the time it was organized in 1965, the chapter at SU spearheaded efforts to

establish formal links with ASP USA.

4.2 These efforts led to the visit of Richard Gibbs, a former Grand Senior President of ASP

USA, in the early '80s. He was present at the National Convention in Tagbilaran, Bohol,

and was conferred honorary membership.

4.3 There were a number of obstacles to formal links, among them is the status of

women members. This was overcome by a novel solution: Alpha Sigma Phi International


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | V. STATUS OF WOMEN MEMBERS 11

shall be established, and an International Council will be set-up to run the organization.

Both organizations shall be represented in the council with three members each. A formal

document known as "Heads of Agreement" was drafted by ASP USA, and this was signed

by Brother Samuel Matunog for and in behalf of Brother Lemuel Malanog, then the

National President, who was unable to be present during the signing ceremony.

4.4 One of the key features to the relationship was the authorization to freely use the

symbols and materials of ASP USA. To help ASP Philippines develop its own rituals, ASP

USA allowed us to use a ritual drafted by them.vi

4.5 As a consequence of the formal links, leaders of ASP Philippines have been invited

to attend national gatherings of ASP USA, and vice versa.

4.6 The impact of this relationship to the recruitment program of the organization is

significant, with some members claiming that they would not have joined ASP

Philippines without that information.

4.7 In 2008, ASP USA unilaterally dissolved the "Heads of Agreement," and among the

causes cited is the practice of hazing in the Philippines and the status of women

members.

V. STATUS OF WOMEN MEMBERS

5.1 At the founding of the two original groups, both CMU and SU accepted women

members but grouped them together under separate names. The sorority at CMU was

called Sigma Mu Alpha, and the sorority at SU was called Delta Sigma Phi.

5.2 This distinction based on gender gradually fell into disuse particularly in chapters

outside of CMU and SU, and both men and women were commonly referred to as

members of Alpha Sigma Phi.

5.3 The issue of the status of women members came up again when negotiations

commenced on how to link ASP USA and ASP Philippines. And one of the actions

subsequently taken was organize a national ASP Sorority. But the intermingling of men

and women members was such that a complete separation of members based on gender

was no longer feasible. The establishment of Alpha Sigma Phi International which treated

both ASP USA and ASP Philippines as equal partners rendered the distinction based on

gender unnecessary. Today, men and women are treated equally as members of ASP

Philippines.


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | VI. STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION 12

VI. STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION

5.1 Undergraduate Chapters

5.1.1 The basic unit of the organization is the undergraduate chapter. It is free to

formulate its own rules, regulations and policies for its government so long as they are

not inconsistent with the Constitution, By-Laws and policies adopted by the National

Council and the National Assembly (formerly the National Convention).

5.1.2 Chapter shall have the following officers: Grand Chancellor, Chancellor, Keeper of

the Scroll, Exchequer, Keeper of the Mace, Pledge Educator, Herald, and two (2) Alumni

Advisers.

5.1.3 Chapters can only be established in educational institutions recognized by the

Commission on Higher Education.

5.2 Active Chapters

Alpha, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon Beta, Silliman University, Dumaguete City Kappa, St. Peters College, Iligan City Mu, Andres Bonifacio College, Dipolog City Nu, Xavier University, Cagayand de Oro City Omicron, Jamiatul Philippines Al-Islamia, Iligan City Pi, Iligan Capitol College, Iligan City Rho, Urios College, Butuan City Upsilon, University of Mindanao, Davao City Alpha Alpha, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City Alpha Epsilon, Mindanao State University, Marawi City Alpha Kappa, Manuel L. Quezon University, Manila Beta Alpha, Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City Beta Chi, Bulacan State University, Malolos, Bulacan Gamma Zeta, Medina College, Ozamis City Gamma Eta, University of San Carlos, Cebu City Gamma Kappa, Andres Soriano College, Mangagoy, Bislig City Gamma Rho, Philippine Christain University, Manila Gamma Tau, Negros Oriental State University, Dumaguete City Gamma Phi, Bicol University, Legaspi City, Albay Gamma Chi, Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao City Gamma Psi, University of Immaculate Conception, Davao City Delta Alpha, University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, Camarines Sur Delta Beta, Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan



Delta Gamma, Camarines Norte State College, Daet, Camarines Norte Delta Delta, Negros Oriental State University, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental Delta Epsilon, University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City Delta Zeta, Cotabato City State Polytechnic College, Cotabato City Delta Eta, Palawan State University, Rizal, Palawan Delta Theta, Partido State University, Goa, Camarines Sur Delta Iota, Central Luzon State University, Munoz, Nueva Ecija Delta Kappa, Liceo de Cagan, Cagayan de Oro City Delta Lambda, Western Philippines, University, Aborian, Palawan Delta Mu, Tarlac State University, Tarlac City

5.2 Active Alumni Associationsvii

5.3 Policy-making Bodies

5.3.1 National Convention

5.3.1.1 The National Convention is the highest policy-making body of the organization. It

meets once every two years. The National Officers and the official delegates of chapters

and associations compose the convention.viii

5.3.2 National Council

5.3.2.1 The national convention elects the National Officers, and the latter constitute

themselves as the National Council. The Council meets as often as necessary upon the call

of the National President.

5.4 National Officers, Directors and Regional Representatives

5.4.1 The National Officers are: President, Vice President, Secretary,ix Treasurer,

Auditor, Herald, and alumni and undergraduate regional representatives.

National Officers 2008-2010 Brother Ray Dy-Reyes, Alpha Xi '79, President Sister Rosa Manayon, Alpha Nu '91, Vice President Brother Julius Lorenzo, Beta Chi '85, Treasurer Brother Reynaldo Tapic, Kappa '87, Auditor Brother Jose de Jesus, Beta Chi '87, Herald Brother Alex Paulino, Alpha Xi '79, Executive Director National Council Members



Brother Ray Dy-Reyes, Alpha Xi '79 Sister Rosa Manayon, Alpha Nu '91 Brother Julius Lorenzo, Beta Chi '85 Brother Reynaldo Tapic, Kappa '87 Brother Jose de Jesus, Beta Chi '87 Brother Alex Paulino, Alpha Xi '79 Regional Representatives for Luzon

Brother Julius Lorenzo, Beta Chi '85 (Alumni) Sister Jolecel Bonaga, Delta Theta '06 (Undergraduate) Regional Representatives for Visayas Brother Joel Jaranilla, Gamma Epsilon '79 (Alumni) (Undergraduate-vacant) Regional Representatives for Mindanao Brother Lolito Tenorio, Alpha Rho - PHC '76 (Alumni) Brother Jalanie Puno, (Undergraduate) Member-at-Large Brother Wenceslao Magallanes, (), Member at Large Committee Chairpersons Alumni Affairs -Brother Lolito Tenorio, Alpha Rho - PHC '76 Undergraduate Affairs - Brother Jalanie Puno Membership and Expansion - Brother Dennis Gadugdug, Gamma '77 International Affairs - Brother Casan Alonto Ways and Means - Brother Abdul Jalil Tanggote, Omicron '74

5.5 National Headquarters and Archives

5.5.1 The home of Brother Ricardito Martinez in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, has

served as the national headquarters and archives of the organization. Its official address

is:

Brother Ricardito Martinez, Director, National Archives Address: 1845 Mongcupa Drive, Orchids, Daro, Dumaguete City Telephone: +6335 4226313 Email: [email protected]



5.5 Activities

5.5.1 National Convention

5.5.1.1 Held once every two years, the national convention has convened in the following

places:

1972 – College of Engineering, Silliman University, Dumaguete City 1978 – Pascual Farms, Toril, Davao City 1980 – Camp Seasite, Banilad, Dumaguete City 1982 – Dumadag Farms, Tagbilaran City, Bohol 1984 - Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon 1986 - Midtown Plaza Hotel in Ermita, Manila 1988 - Shrine Hills, Davao City 1990 - Patria de Cebu, Cebu City 1992 - Crystal Inn Hotel, Iligan City 1994, Mindanao State University, Marawi City 1996 – ARMM Regional Center, Cotabato City 1998 - La Herencia Negrense, Bacolod City 2000 - John Bosco College, Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur 2002 - Golden Bay Hotel, Manila 2004 - Barcelo Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan 2006 - Provincial Convention Center, Naga City, Camarines Sur 2008 - Provincial Convention Center, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte

5.5.2 Regional Conclaves and Other Gatherings

5.5.2.1 The holding of regional conclaves is encouraged through the years, attended by

delegates from chapters and associations in the area. This usually includes a formal

business meeting where the concerns of chapters and associations are considered and

acted upon.

5.5.2.2 In Mindanao, an annual gathering known as the “Mindanao Summit,” has been

going on for years now purely for information sharing, discussion of current

organizational and national issues, and activities to promote bonding, networking and

linkages. Attendance is open to all ASP members. The latest Mindanao Summit was held

in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and hosted by the Bukidnon Alumni Association. The

summit in 2009 will be held in Pikit, North Cotabato, and will be hosted by the Pikit

Alumni Association, with the assistance of alumni associations in nearby areas.


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | VI. SYMBOLS, TRADITIONS AND RITUALS 16

5.6 Prominent Personalitiesx

VI. SYMBOLS, TRADITIONS AND RITUALS

6.1 Tattoo

6.1.1 All members bear a tri-pointed tattoo at the base of their right thumbs, arranged

in the form of a triangle. All other bodily marks have not gained wide use in the

organization.

6.2 Handclasp and Whistle

6.2.1 The proper way of executing the handclasp and whistle are taught and explained

during the formal acceptance ceremony of new members.

6.3 Seal

6.3.1 The official seal presented in the Bacolod Convention in 1998 and approved by the

Mangagoy Convention in 2000 was created upon the initiative of Brod Ricardito

Martinez. It bears the year “1959”. A similar seal with the year “1845” is not official.

6.4 Coat-of-Arms

6.2.1 The Bacolod Convention in 1998 approved in principle the coat-of-arms shown

below, subject to further refinements. No refinements have been approved so far.

ASP HISTORY AND ORGA

Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines

6.5 Flag

6.5.1 The Bacolod Convention in 1998 also approved in principle the flag of ASP

Philippines shown below, subject to further refinements. No refinements have been

approved so far.

6.6 Ritual

6.6.1 For lack of a common tradition, chapters have adopted their own ritual in

accepting new members. After the Heads of Agreement was executed by ASP USA and

ASP Philippines, the former shared to ASP Philippines a ritual ceremony pat

that of ASP USA, but with modifications. The purpose was to enable ASP Philippines to

develop its own ritual using the one shared as model.

6.7 Use of signs, symbols,

6.7.1 There is an on-going discussion on t

Philippines of the signs and symbols of ASP USA, such as it logo, coat

pledge pin, colors and songs. It has been clarified that initially the use of them by ASP

Philippines was without the knowledge and co

Heads of Agreement was signed between the two organizations, use of the signs, symbols

and traditions was allowed by ASP USA until ASP Philippines will be able to come up

with its own. Accordingly, it is clarified that

Philippines it should always be acknowledged as the signs, symbols and traditions

of ASP USA.

6.7.2 With the dissolution of the Heads of Agreement in 2008, formal authorization is

now being sought from ASP USA for its continued u

6.7.3 In some documents being circulated purporting to be histories of ASP Philippines,

the history of ASP USA is included usually as the first portion thereby making it appear

that ASP Philippines is a part of ASP USA and that ASP Philippines was organized and

directly descended from ASP USA. This must be rectified because it is not true. As already

shown elsewhere in this outline, the original groups using the name Alpha Sigma Phi are


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | VI. SYMBOLS, TRADITIONS AND RITUALS

The Bacolod Convention in 1998 also approved in principle the flag of ASP


For lack of a common tradition, chapters have adopted their own ritual in


ASP Philippines, the former shared to ASP Philippines a ritual ceremony pat


develop its own ritual using the one shared as model.

traditions and history of ASP USA

going discussion on the proper and legitimate use by ASP

Philippines of the signs and symbols of ASP USA, such as it logo, coat-of-arms, flag,


Philippines was without the knowledge and consent of ASP USA. However, when the



with its own. Accordingly, it is clarified that when used by members of ASP


With the dissolution of the Heads of Agreement in 2008, formal authorization is

from ASP USA for its continued use by members of ASP Philippines.

In some documents being circulated purporting to be histories of ASP Philippines,





June 18, 2009

VI. SYMBOLS, TRADITIONS AND RITUALS 17

The Bacolod Convention in 1998 also approved in principle the flag of ASP


For lack of a common tradition, chapters have adopted their own ritual in


ASP Philippines, the former shared to ASP Philippines a ritual ceremony patterned after


he proper and legitimate use by ASP

arms, flag,


nsent of ASP USA. However, when the



hen used by members of ASP


With the dissolution of the Heads of Agreement in 2008, formal authorization is

se by members of ASP Philippines.

In some documents being circulated purporting to be histories of ASP Philippines,






Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | VII. SIGNIFICANT POLICIES 18

all homegrown. ASP USA had not hand in their organization. And while ASP USA and

ASP Philippines established Alpha Sigma Phi International in the 1980’s, it was expressly

made clear that none of them became a part of the other, and they remain to this day

separate and independent organizations. Therefore, it is incorrect to call members of ASP

USA as “brothers” because they are not members of ASP Philippines nor are the members

of ASP Philippines members of ASP USA. So far, the only member of ASP USA who holds

the honor of being called a brother by members of ASP Philippines is Brother Richard

Gibbs, the former Grand Senior President of ASP USA, who was elevated to the position

of Honorary Member during the national convention in Tagbilaran City in 1982.

VII. SIGNIFICANT POLICIES

7.1 On Hazing

7.1.1 As early as the 1980 National Convention, ASP Philippines has prohibited paddling

in the recruitment and initiation of members.

7.1.2 With the passage of the Anti-Hazing Law, ASP Philippines has reiterated its anti-

hazing stance, directing all members to comply with the provisions of the law in the

recruitment of members.

7.1.3 There is now an effort to adopt a more stringent anti-hazing policy using as model

the Risk Management Policy of ASP USA. This is called the “zero tolerance policy against

hazing” where all forms of hazing, not only paddling, are prohibited.

VIII. PROJECTSxi

i Supplied by Brod Rani Campaner and which according to him was approved during the national convention in Bacolod City upon motion of Brod Joel Jaranilla. ii <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry#History">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry#History</a><br> iii The Age of Enlightenment or simply The Enlightenment is a term used to describe a time in Western philosophy and cultural life centered upon the eighteenth century, in which reason was advocated as the primary source and legitimacy for authority.<a href=

"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_ Enlightenment</a></i> <hr> iv References to other groups using the name Alpha Sigma Phi is important so that when we encounter members from their groups or questions about them we know what to answer and how ASP Philippines is related to them. In this way we avoid unnecessary misunderstanding and conflicts. v In an effort to establish the priority in the founding date of the group in Silliman University, Manuel Momongan claims in his “updated” version of ASP history that he was initiated into Alpha Sigma Phi by a


Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | VIII. PROJECTS 19

member of the group coming from GAUF; however, the generally accepted history also attributed to him that he lifted the name “Alpha Sigma Phi” from Baird’s Manual of American College Fraternities appears to be more credible. Manuel Momongan has since left ASP Philippines to re-establish Alpha Tau Omega which he established in Cebu. However, when Alpha Tau Omega USA disclosed that it has not authorized the establishment of any chapter outside USA, Manuel Momongan established another group which he calls Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and registered it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interestingly, he now claims all the chapters and associations of ASP Philippines as part of his group, and freely appropriated the signs, symbols and other important policies and documents of ASP USA as those of his own. One must be very careful and wary in dealing with him or the fraternities he has organized because he has caused so much division and confusion in ASP Philippines. vi But Brod Richard Gibbs has clarified in his email to Brod Joel Jaranilla that the ritual passed on to us by ASP USA is not the same as the ritual being used by ASP USA. vii Under review. viii In the revised Constitution and By-Laws, the National Convention has been re-named the National Assembly. ix The Executive Director serves as the Secretary. x Under review. xi Under review.

history and organization of asp

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