Wikipedia

Beta Sigma

Beta Sigma (ΒΣ) is a collegiate fraternity based in the Philippines. It was founded in 1946 at the University of the Philippines in Manila. It is one of the largest fraternities in the Philippines.[1]

Beta Sigma
ΒΣ
FoundedJuly 14, 1946; 78 years ago (1946-07-14)
University of the Philippines Manila
TypeSocial
AffiliationIndependent
StatusActive
ScopeInternational
PillarsBrotherhood, Integrity, Loyalty, Equality and Service
Chapters125
Members19,672+ lifetime
NicknameBetans
Headquarters
Philippines
Websitebetasigman.com

History

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Beta Sigma was founded on July 14, 1946, at the University of the Philippines Manila.[2][3][4] Organized by Jesus R. Jayme and Nicanor P. Jacinto Jr., it was the first fraternity established in the Philippines after World War II.[3][1] The fraternity's mission is "to uphold all that is good and noble in man and foster brotherhood, excellence, tradition, achievement, and nationalism".[2]

On August 13, 1950, a second chapter was chartered at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.[3] After adding more chapters, the fraternity was incorporated as Beta Sigma Fraternity Philippines (BetaPhil), a national organization, in 1975.[2] The fraternity's alumni association was also created in 1975.[3] It now has alumni associations locally in the Philippines and internationally, operating as UP Beta Sigma Fraternity International.[2][5]

Beta Sigma has chartered more than 100 chapters at colleges and universities in the Philippines, with 95 active chapters in 2015.[2][3][6] In 2012, it had 15,000 active members in the Philippines.[7] Its sister sorority is Sigma Beta.[8] There is also has a Beta Sigma Ladies Corps.[8]

As of 2024, Beta Sigma has 126 chapters worldwide and 19,672 members.[8] It is one of the largest fraternities in the country.[1]

Symbols and traditions

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The Greek letters of the fraternity's name, Beta Sigma, stand for Brotherhood of Scholars.[1] The fraternity has adopted the Beta Sigma Credo, the "Betan Hymn", and its 9 Principal Truths.[2][3] Its pillars are Brotherhood, Integrity, Loyalty, Equality and Service.[9] Its members are called Betans.[6] Its motto is "All That Is Good And Noble In Man!"[8]

Beta Sigma refers to its officers as:[10]

  • Grand Princep (president)
  • Vice-Grand Princep (vice president)
  • Master of the Rolls (secretary)
  • Guardian of the Coffers (treasurer)
  • Chamberlain (auditor)
  • Herald (public relations officer)
  • Wielders of the Sword (sergeant at arms)

Activities

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Beta Sigma's members participate in service and charitable activities, such as blood drives, medical and dental missions, building houses, and the distribution of relief packets and food for those in need.[2][11][12][6][13][14] For its 66th anniversary, the fraternity organized the National Greening Program, overseeing the planting 1.5 billion trees nationwide over six years.[7] It also organizes conventions, fraternity balls, and international homecoming celebrations for its members.[2]

Chapters

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Following is an incomplete list of Beta Sigma chapters.

Chapter Charter date Institution Location Status References
Alpha July 14, 1946 University of the Philippines Manila Manila, Philippines [3]
UP Los Baños (Beta) August 13, 1950 University of the Philippines Los Baños Laguna, Philippines Active [3][11][13][5]
before 1975 Manila Central University Caloocan, Philippines [3]
before 1975 Far Eastern University–Narciso Reyes Medical Foundation Manila, Philippines [3]
before 1975 Gregorio Araneta University Foundation Malabon, Philippines [3]
before 1975 University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Quezon City, Philippines [3]
before 1975 Silliman University Dumaguete, Philippines [3]
UP Visayas August 27, 1989 University of the Philippines Visayas Visayas, Philippines Active [5][15][16]
Western USA October 1990 United States [17]
Nueva Ecija Colleges October 24, 1991 Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines Active [18]
San Diego May 15, 1993 San Diego, California Active [9][17]
Melbourne July 17, 1999 Melbourne, Australia Active [19]
Northwest USA August 19, 2001 Seattle, Washington, United States Active [20]
Baguio Baguio, Philippines Active [5]
Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association Australia, Canada, and United States Active [5]
Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association in Qatar Qatar Active [10]
Beta Sigma Alumni Association of Texas Texas, United States Active [4]
Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association UAE United Arab Emirates Active [4]
Canada Canada [14]
Central Philippines Active [5]
Makati Makati, Philippines Active [5]
Mindanao Mindanao, Philippines Active [5]
New York New York City, New York Active [21]
Northern California California, United States Active [5][4]
OBBF Philippines Active [5]
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Active [4]
Sorsogon Sorsogon State University Sorsogon, Philippines Active [12]
Southern California California, United States Active [5][4][14]
Southern Mindanao University of Southern Mindanao Cotabato, Philippines Active [22] Active [4]
MCC Beta Sigma Fraternity March 27, 2011 Mabalacat College Mabalacat City, Philippines Active [4]
TSU Tarlac State University Tarlac, Philippines Active
Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation [23]

Notable members

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "UP Beta Sigma 70th Founding Anniversary Celebration Set". The Philippine Star. July 14, 2016. Retrieved 2024-06-29 – via Pressreader.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Beta Sigma Fraternity - Beta Sigma Fraternity". 16 March 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "About Us". Beta Sigma Sixtieth Jubilee. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "Beta Sigma Fraternity Marks". The Global Filipino Magazine. 4 (3). July 27, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2024 – via issuu.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Chapters". UP Beta Sigma Fraternity International. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  6. ^ a b c Novicio, Trish (November 16, 2015). "Top 11 Philippine Fraternities and Sororities". Insider Monkey. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  7. ^ a b "Beta Sigma to plant trees July 14". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  8. ^ a b c d "Home". Beta Sigma Fraternity. 2023-03-13. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  9. ^ a b "Home". Beta Sigma Fraternity San Diego. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  10. ^ a b "Beta Sigma Fraternity Qatar marks 72nd founding day". Qatar Tribune. 2018-07-29. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  11. ^ a b "SM Foundation and UPLB Beta Sigma teamed up anew for social good". SM Foundation. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  12. ^ a b "SorSU – Health Services Unit, in collaboration with SorSU – College RCYC, Phil. Red Cross Sorsogon Chapter, Beta Sigma Fraternity & Beta Sigma Sorority, spearheads annual Mobile Blood Donation". Sorsogon State University. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  13. ^ a b "SMFI, UPLB Beta Sigma teamed up anew for social good". Malaya Business Insight. 2020-04-15. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  14. ^ a b c Bonifacio, Glenda Tibe (2013-11-15). Pinay on the Prairies: Filipino Women and Transnational Identities. UBC Press. p. 243. ISBN 978-0-7748-2582-5 – via Google Books.
  15. ^ "UP Beta Sigma Fraternity – UP Visayas Chapter ramps up COVID-19 response, distributes medical supplies, sends relief in southern Iloilo". University of the Philippines. 2020-05-21. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  16. ^ "UPV Beta Sigma Fraternity: Our Story". UPV Centennial Forest. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  17. ^ a b "Chapter History". Beta Sigma Fraternity San Diego. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  18. ^ "Home". N.E.C. Beta Sigma Fraternity and Sigma Beta Sorority. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  19. ^ "Home". Beta Sigma Fraternity of the Philippines in Melbourne. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  20. ^ "About : The Beta Sigma Fraternity – Brotherhood of Scholars". Beta Sigma Fraternity Northwest USA. 2013-02-18. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  21. ^ "New York Beta Sigma". Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  22. ^ "Beta Sigma Fraternity Supporting the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995". University of Southern Mindanao. February 11, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  23. ^ U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity of Southern California
  24. ^ a b Reyes, Rolly; Vergara, Willie. "Three Betans Appointed to Aquino Cabinet". U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity of Southern California. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
  25. ^ a b Vergara, Willie. "A Betan Star turns 65". U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity of Southern California. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
  26. ^ "Milestone, Awards, Promotions, Tributes". UP Beta Sigma. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
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