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.

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

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

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

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

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

Beta Sigma refers to its officers as:


 * 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
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. For its 66th anniversary, the fraternity organized the National Greening Program, overseeing the planting 1.5 billion trees nationwide over six years. It also organizes conventions, fraternity balls, and international homecoming celebrations for its members.

Chapters
Following is an incomplete list of Beta Sigma chapters.

Notable members

 * José Abueva, president of the University of the Philippines
 * Proceso "Procy" Alcala, former secretary of Department of Agriculture, former Philippines Congressman, politician, and engineer
 * Antonio Bautista, Philippine Air Force commander
 * Matias Defensor Jr., Philippine politician
 * Horacio Morales, Philippine Secretary of Agrarian Reform
 * Willie Nepomuceno, comedian and imperssonator
 * Ramón Paje, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
 * Facundo "Dong" Palafox IV Lieutenant General, Armed Forces of the Philippines
 * Vic Valdepenas, president of Unionbank