HISTORY OF GAMMA SIGMA SCORPIONS

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "HISTORY OF GAMMA SIGMA SCORPIONS"

Ella Spencer
6 years ago
Views:

1958 HISTORY OF GAMMA SIGMA SCORPIONS By: Bro Romel Derequito Y Musang February 7, 2012, Basilan T he Gamma Sigma Fraternity U.P. Red Scorpions is the best and the first university based fraternity that originated from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños.

On September 28, 1958, ten (10) college students from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) hiked to Peak 2, Mount Makiling.

1 1958 HISTORY OF GAMMA SIGMA SCORPIONS By: Bro Romel Derequito Y Musang February 7, 2012, Basilan T he Gamma Sigma Fraternity U.P. Red Scorpions is the best and the first university based fraternity that originated from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. It is a community based fraternity that is involved mostly in non-profit activities. On September 28, 1958, ten (10) college students from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) hiked to Peak 2, Mount Makiling. They decided to form a brotherhood that is different from the existing fraternities of those days. Fraternities before came from other campuses and would only allow those with influential family backgrounds to join. Accordingly, the ten young students gathered at the SC0RPIONS grounds of the Old Pathology Building (now Administration Building) to unite with a common purpose of helping one another, finished college and make their stay in Los Baños enjoyable and unforgettable. To test the loyalty of everyone, they agree on self-imposed initiation of strolling around the campus individually at 10 minutes interval with this route: from Old Pathology Building to Baker Hall, Pili Drive down to Senior Social Garden and back to Pathology ground passing through the Women s Dormitory (now Math Building). The initiation ended at the football ground (parade ground). After the initiation, they celebrated the birth of the organization name U.P. Red Scorpions with the Greek name Gamma Sigma Fraternity, popularly known as Alakdan over a bottle of beer and pancit at the Hongkong Restaurant (now occupied by Los Baños Square). Each member called each other sama, a shortened term for kasama (fellow, buddy or companion). The Scorpion Club, as the ten students named it, was the first fraternity to be made in UP Los Baños that permits any male UP student, regardless of economic and family background to join. UNITY IS THE CHAIN SEGMENT OF ITS BODY AND ITS HUMILITY IS ITS BRAVERY

2 O n Recognition. In the 70 s, the UPLB Administration required fraternities to adopt Greek letter, hence Scorpions became Sigma. Gamma which is stand for Great was added to Sigma to differentiate from other organization using the name Scorpions, and thus it was called Gamma Sigma Fraternity U.P. Red Scorpions or simply called Alakdan, Scorpions or Great Scorpions Fraternity or sometimes called Great Scholar. Other chapter called it sometime as Group of Scholar. During the declaration of martial law on 1972, the Gamma Sigma Fraternity along with other organization was recognized by the UPLB-Office of Students Affairs and was registered under the name Gamma Sigma Fraternity/Sorority/Confraternity. F ounding Brothers. The Ten Original Founders of Gamma Sigma Fraternity were composed of young UPLB students who came from different walks of life and aims for the development of once personality towards there three fold purposes, Unity, Loyalty and Brotherhood. These are; Bro Renato Aldemita (Los Baños, Laguna), Bro Cesar Bautista (Los Baños, Laguna), Bro Leopoldo Camino (Taysan, Batangas), Bro Ricardo Castillo (San Fernando, Pampangga), Bro Crisostomo Casupang (Tanauan, Batangas) Bro Onofre Casupang Jr. (Los Baños, Laguna), Bro Felix Enriquez (Los Baños, Laguna), Bro Crisanto Gualberto II (From R-L) Bro Dudul Castillo, Bro Billy Gualberto, Bro Renato Aldemita, Bro Vic Popalan, Bro Leopoldo Camino and alumni brothers during Golden Year Anniversary Foundation on September 28, (Rosario, Batangas) and Bro Leon Jaron (Cotabato) and Bro Vicente Fopalan (Odiongan, Romblon). S orority. Since a lot of female students and mostly fiancée of the brothers hanged around with them, attended gatherings and activities in school and community services, they started recruiting female counterpart on April 24, Fifteen (15) coed girls from UPLB embraced valiantly the folds of the Scorpions and later on became the founders of the sorority. These are Sis Marlene Brion-Loanzon, Sis Joy Casin- Garcia, Sis Edith Escobin (+), Sis Maria Veritas Fojas-Luna, Sis Angeline Gaw, Sis Dr. Cherry Ann Lobaton, Sis Edith Lulu-Sison, Sis Ma. Laarni Esmama-Lumanta, Sis Brenda Parducho-Ramos, Sis Norma Piamonte-Williams, Sis Rosemarie Revilleza Lapinid, Sis Ma. Salome Salacop-Montiel, Sis Chona Quiza, Sis Herminia Torralba- Onate and Sis Rina Uichangco. They came together to draft and ratify a constitution, elect officers among themselves and decide upon a name by which they shall be called Gamma Sigma Sorority UP Red Scorpions and officially recognized on July 20, It is a charity-base sisterhood which believe in harnessing the power of every individual, group or a community in order to

3 achieve goals that will benefits the welfare of the majority. Outside UP all existing Chapter has a combined membership of fraternity and sorority or confraternity and the five (5) pioneering sisters had been survived at GAUF Black Scorpions on September 20, 1970 composed of the following: Sis Evelina Azinas, Sis Venus Asinas, Sis Evita Rufanan, Sis Leonor Vela and Sis Mila Ang. Chapters. Early 60 s until the declaration of martial law there were a dozen known chapter of Scorpions exist. Aside from mother chapter UP Red Scorpions, the father chapter GAUF Black Scorpions (now De La Salle Araneta University, Malabon City) was organized when some UP brothers who have academic problem transferred to said school that became an staging point for expansion in Metro Manila to established PCCr Crimson Scorpions (Phil. College of Criminology, Manila), PSBA Bronze Scorpions (Phil. School of Business Administration, Manila Campus), AU White Scorpions (Arellano University, Manila) and FEATI Golden Scorpions (Far East Air Transport Inc. University, Manila) and surrounding provinces such as LCBA Viridian Scorpions (Laguna College of Business and Art, Laguna), LC Blue Scorpions (Laguna College, Laguna), SPC Green Scorpions (San Pablo College, Laguna), DSAC Silver Scorpions (now Cavite State University, Cavite) and CLSU Maroon Scorpions (Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija). PCAT Brown Scorpions (Philippine College of Arts and Trade, Manila), PNU Pink Scorpions (Philippine Normal University, Manila), LP Gray Scorpions (Lyceum of the Philippines, Manila), PMMS Navy Blue Scorpions (Philippine Merchant Marine School, Manila Campus), CVIT Aqua Marine Scorpions, AMEC Coppertan Scorpions (Ago Medical and Educational Center Ligaspi City), SLC Purple Scorpions (Southern Luzon College, Laguna), TI Orange Scorpions (Tanauan Institute, Batangas), Letran Calamba Platinum Scorpions (Colegio De San Juan de Letran Calamba, Laguna), URS Peach Scorpions (University of Rizal System, Rizal), GGCB Golden Yellow Scorpions (Golden Gate College of Batangas, Batangas City), LSPU Crome Scorpions (Laguna State Polytechnic University, Laguna). Scorpions was brought to Central Luzon by Bro Felipe Papa to established CLSU Maroon Scorpions at Munoz, Nueva Ecija on March 12, 1968 along with other chapter such as follows NVSU Cream Scorpions ( Nueva Vizcaya State University, Nueva Vizcaya), MVGFC Indigo Scorpions (MV Gallego Found. College, Nueva Ecija), TCA Vermillon Scorpions (Tarlac College of Agriculture, Tarlac), TSU Sky Blue Scorpions (Tarlac State University, Tarlac), CGC Tangerine Scorpions (Core Gateway College, Nueva Ecija), BASC Phantom Scorpions (Bulacan Agricultural State College, Bulacan), SRC Cyan Scorpions (Saint Rose College, Tarlac), SPU Yellow Scorpions (Saint Paul College, Cagayan), ISU Scarlet Scorpions (Isabela State University Echague Campus, Isabela) ISU White Scorpions (ISU, Roxas Campus, Isabela), ISU Navy Blue Scorpions (ISU San Mateo Campus, Isabela), ISU Silver Scorpions (ISU Cauayan Campus, Isabela), ISU Flesh Scorpions (ISU Cabagan Campus, Isabela). In Visayas Region it was first established through initiative of Bro Justinu M Quimio to form VSU Magenta Scorpions Chapter (Visaya State University) at VISCA, Baybay, Leyte on October 15, 1983 with SNC Turquoise Scorpions (Santo Niṅo College, Ormoc City) and TC Violet Scorpions (Tagbilaran College, Bohol).

Members from FEATI Golden Scorpions with

4 Members from FEATI Golden Scorpions with GAUF Black Scorpions at Montalban, Rizal and the neophyte initiation rites during the incumbency of Grand Scorpion Bro Bobot Bayan Circa 1977 Members of the CLSU Maroon Scorpions Chapter dated January 24, 1970

5 In Mindanao Area the first Chapter was established in Zamboanga Del Norte through ABC Biege Scorpions (Andres Bonifacio College, Dipolog City) by Bro Noel de Fiesta with Sis Lynne Sibya de Fiesta from Platinum and Red Scorpions respectively and it grew rapidly. Other Chapters were established within Central Mindanao area with brother from Platinum Scorpions Bro Dante Thirjul Tagabuan to formed three chapter in Cotabato area such as NDU Tangerine Scorpions (Notre Dame University, Cotabato City), NDMC Lilac Scorpions (Notre Dame of Midsayap College, Cotabato), USM Royal Scorpions (University of Southern Mindanao, Cotabato), BGFC Orange Scorpions (Bucas Grande Foundation College, Surigao Del Norte). From thereon, many chapters grew rapidly in the different areas of the Philippines and abroad to form the Gamma Sigma Alumni Association and Gamma Sigma Alumni Association International. It became involved in various activities for Colleges/Universities, its constituents and in communities. W orthwhile Project for a Cause. In 2003, the Scorpions ties-up with UP Engineering Society and Sigma Alpha Nu Sorority for a week long exhibition from Level-Up Inc. that culminated with the concert Sugarshock which was graced by two of the finest band Slapshock and Sugarfree. The Fraternity had also been involved in the University Student Council as member. Likewise, it supports the activities of the Office of the Student Affairs such as Almusalan, a breakfast program for UPLB s freshman students. Some of the fraternity s worthwhile project includes: Maria Capra Concert, Ram Lopez Evergreen Concert, Stage Play of Gubat, Lungsod and Tabing-ilog. Open Jam This is a yearly activity that is early on the first semester featuring local and amateur bands for one-night free jamming. Its concert were everything is free from the registration to the entrance fee. Open to all, UPLB students are prioritized. Original Libreng Sakay A jeepney would roam around the campus offering a free ride to their departments and buildings. This is an original activity of the fraternity. Held during the Buwan ng Alakdan. Book Donations Books are given away to less fortunate elementary schools to aid in the system. Held during the Buwan ng Alakdan. Turog Dog As the name implies, this activity involves a free vaccination of canine in a chosen barangay to prevent and keep community safe from rabies. Held during the Buwan ng Alakdan. Tree Planting The fraternity chooses an area to plant seedlings. Held during the Buwan ng Alakdan. Daycare Olympics A whole day activity and annual event that encourages all daycare centers in Los Baños to participate. Children would compete with each other either by group or by representation in a series of

parlor games. It s complete with medals and trophies that would be awarded to those who accumulated the highest points. Held during the second semester.

6 parlor games. It s complete with medals and trophies that would be awarded to those who accumulated the highest points. Held during the second semester. Ngiti Kaibigan Children from depressed area and of a specially chosen daycare center in different barangays of Los Baños are brought for a whole day field trip to the Manila Botanical Garden and Planetarium in coordination with DSWD Office. Held during the second semester. Maagang PaSkorpyon An annual activity that serves as avenue to share to the child vendors and street children the essence of Christmas season through giving loot bags (containing school supplies) and dinner. Yearly, Scorpions were able to share dinner and loot bags to almost 200 to 300 children. Alakdan in Action An annual activity by providing outreach services to those in need at chosen barangay or institutions like feeding program, gift-giving activity especially to the home for the elderly, incapable, sick or person with disability etc. On Friday, the 13 th UP Red Scorpions held its first ever initiation rites, on wheel. Coinciding with February Fair in UPLB, this unique Breaking Away 81 Amateur Cycling Relay Competition was conceived for the purpose of the frats gaining ground as physical fitness and sport enthusiasts; and to foster closer camaraderie among the UPLB students. L atest Activities. Some of the latest activities for a cause of Fraternity were as follows: On September 2, 2011, a Fund Raising Music Event sponsored by UP Red Scorpions was held at Centerstage, Timog, Quezon City. The UP Red Scorpions, in cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR), organized a student symposium on the UN Decade on Biodiversity on September 9, Gamma Sigma Scorpions celebrates its much concluded 53 rd founding anniversary on October 1, 2011 at South Spring Villas, Pansol Laguna with a theme All Together in One wherein said event were attended by members coming from different chapters. On December 8, 2011 Gamma Sigma Sorority UP Red Scorpions sponsored Yuletide Jam: An Acoustic Night for a Cause featuring different bands such as The Coors, Vavamroom, Eskambular, Tampo Band, Color Blind, Billy the Kid, Xestra, Chinchin Tabera, Lure, Inner Damon, Insert Here, Against the Lights and Last Action Heroes and on December 15, 2011 by feeding and donating school

supplies, text books (for kindergarten level), teaching aids and even old toys to the hundred students of Magnetic Hill Daycare Center all of Los Baños.

7 supplies, text books (for kindergarten level), teaching aids and even old toys to the hundred students of Magnetic Hill Daycare Center all of Los Baños. On February 29, 2012, Gamma Sigma Sorority UP Red Scorpions sponsored HookUP: Like It s the End of the World featuring performances from Segatron, Juniper Face the Corner, Billy the Kid, Galactic Donuts, BlastWave, Mrs Norris and Red Scorpions Band. The UP Agribusiness Society in cooperation with the Gamma Sigma Sorority brought the Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship Lecture Series last March 17-18, 2015 at ICOPED UPLB while on March 25, 2015 with partnership by UP Film Circle brought to UPLB the ultimate Hugot QuizCon at CPCLH, BioSci UPLB. At early part of first quarter of 2012, to strengthen the bond of unity, to rekindle the spirit of loyalty and to increase the participation of members in resolving issues and concerns affecting the Brotherhood, the Gamma Sigma Scorpions represented by the different chapters agree upon to form a Council of Elders. A series of organizational assembly/meeting was held and the Council of Elders as decided by majority was changed to Gamma Sigma Scorpions National Council but it did not materialize. (As of June 12, 2015) SCORPIONS DON T BITE UNLESS DISTURB Source: Tickler and Constitution and By-Laws of Gamma Sigma Scorpions A personal account and phone conversation with pioneering brothers/sisters and officers About Blog Post: This article originally appeared for the publication of URS Peach Scorpions unofficial webpages coinciding with the commemoration of its chapter Silver Anniversary Foundation on February 7, This blog post is a great way for members to get a quick picture of their roots and to inspire them for their enormous love of confraternity. For membership visit Edited and repost on November 1, 2013 Edited on June 12, 2015 About the Author: Bro ROMEL DEREQUITO, a Senior Police Officer by profession and considered himself a public servant, has been a Certified Investigator and a License Criminologist assigned previously at different units of NCRPO, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and recently rendered Tour of Duty at PRO IX-Basilan province where spate of kidnappings, bombing (IED) and other lawlessness committed by Abu Sayyaff Group (ASG) and other threat groups are prevalent. A graduate of Agricultural Engineering at University of Rizal System (1998) and Criminology at University of La Salette (2009), Santiago City with MPA Studies at University of Batangas. A member of the Gamma Sigma URS Peach Scorpions Confraternity since 1991 and became Grand Scorpion during his college years. The author is the creator of two blogsites and a web designer intended for Scorpions awareness and for propagation of his favorite sport of Arnis/Kali/Eskrima.

Chapter 1 H E A L T H S T A T U S S T A T I S T I C S

Chapter 1 H E A L T H S T A T U S S T A T I S T I C S Table 1A.1 - Estimated Population By Region, Province & City Region/ Province/ City Code Number Region/ Area Population Province/ Area Population City