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

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!

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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 | Statement of Vision and Mission 3

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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: asphil@yahoo.com

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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.

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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.

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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 patterned
pat after
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, traditions and history of ASP USA

6.7.1 There is an on-going
going discussion on tthe
he proper and legitimate use by ASP
Philippines of the signs and symbols of ASP USA, such as it logo, coat
coat-of-arms,
arms, flag,
pledge pin, colors and songs. It has been clarified that initially the use of them by ASP
Philippines was without the knowledge and co consent
nsent of ASP USA. However, when the
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 when
hen used by members of ASP
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
use
se by members of ASP Philippines.

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

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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 | VII. SIGNIFICANT POLICIES 18

 ASP HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION: AN OUTLINE June 18, 2009

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.

Alpha Sigma Phi Philippines | VIII. PROJECTS 19