User:Leomil.aportadera/Gamma Beta Epsilon Fraternity

ΓβΕΦ Gamma Beta Epsilon Phi “My Brother in need first, defend him is a must. For service, respect and humility, forever GBE!”

Thus declared thirty-one years ago by a group of pre-medical students from the UST College of science. The Group, led by Edilberto S. Torres, amidst the uncertainty and unrest of the pre-Martial Law era, forged a covenant among themselves that went beyond the ties of friendship – in search of the Good, the Beautiful and the Ethereal.

Thus, on September 20, 1970, the Gamma Beta Epsilon Phi was born.

By sealing this pact with their own blood, the founders made the new brotherhood a declaration of life itself. It has the idealism, enthusiasm, zeal and foresight not only of the young but of the Thomasian as well.

When Martial Law was declared, the activities of the Gamma Beta Epsilon fraternity together with all other student organizations nationwide was suspended. Resumed later to put their acts together, further strengthening the bonds of Gamman Brotherhood.

The members of the fraternity, though characteristically low in profile, were consistently productive through the years by conducting numerous medical and surgical missions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Likewise, they conducted fund-raising activities to support these worthwhile endeavors.

While some of the original members of the fraternity did not pursue medicine, they remained united and loyal to the principles they have sworn to, together with those who eventually entered the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

On July 3, 1979 led by then Lord Grand Chancellor Nick Villatuya, the Gamma Beta Epsilon Fraternity was officially recognized and authorized by the Office of Student Affairs of UST. That same year also saw the transition from the College of Science to the faculty of Medicine and Surgery as its official collegiate homebase and the appointment of Dr. Alberto de Leon as the adviser. That recognition was short-lived, though. An unfortunate incident two weeks later caused the revocation of the recognition of all campus organizations including GBE. Nevertheless, with undying support and commitment of the Gammans, less the recognition, the cause, principle and substance of GBE Brotherhood lived and flourished.

The fraternity was in a state of hibernation for the next six years until…

On August 23, 1986, due to the ceaseless efforts of then Grand Chancellor Edwin Bien, GBE regained its recognition. This marked the beginning of the so-called Dawning of a New Age, “reflecting not anymore the preoccupation with the past hibernation of the fraternity but more of a bold and daring manifesto to envision the future the Gamman Lords propose for the fraternity and not basking in the moonlight of old triumps and past glories”. This movement within the fraternity reached its peak in 1988 during the leadership of Lord Grand Chancellor Melchor Catambing. During this time, the Gamman Scroll was launched which chronicled the activities of the fraternity and aimed to envision the future of the Gamman Brotherhood. The successful staging of “Outburst ’88″, a fund-raising concert to finance the medical and surgical mission of UST OSACS, highlighted a renewed sense of brotherhood that was not only growing but seemed unstoppable.

The nineties proved to be a continuing dawn. During the term of Lord Grand Chancellor Antonio Bautista, membership greatly rose in number, and the fraternity carried out projects truly consistent with its aims and goals. Foremost of which was the staging in 1992 of “Major Eruption” featuring 15 artists for the benefit of the Mt. Pinatubo victims. It was also during this period that he fraternity tied up with non-governmental organizations and the Manila City government in holding various medical and surgical missions. These missions were mostly within Metro Manila, however, several missions were conducted in as far as Mindoro Occidental and Zambales provinces.

With renewed strength and vigor, a milestone in GBE’s history happened during the term of outgoing Grand Chancellor Roberto Antonio Pascual. It was during this time that previous projects were continued as painstakingly initiated by his predecessors. His leadership was instrumental in the formation of the Mu Sigma Epsilon (MSE) Fraternity, the sister sorority of GBE. A dream that every Gamman Lord had in mind and heart for the future of the fraternity was realized that year. The Gamma Beta Epsilon Medical Foundation, Inc. was finally launched during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Gamman brotherhood.

With the leadership and guidance of all past Grand Chancellors under the faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and despite some rough times in its history, GBE now enjoys the recognition it worked hard for – a partner of the university in its quest for academic excellence and community service, and of the nation for the betterment of the Filipino people.

The Gamma Brotherhood will always reign in the hearts of every Gammn Lord. For in every Gamman is a never-ending quest for the Good, the Beautiful and the Ethereal. New article name new article content ...