UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity Los Baños Chapter

21/09/2026

On September 21, 1972, President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081, placing the entire Philippines under Martial Law. Citing armed rebellion, lawlessness, violence, and threats to national security, the proclamation directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to maintain law and order and suppress what the government described as acts of insurrection and rebellion.

What followed profoundly changed the political and everyday life of the country. General orders issued under Martial Law strengthened presidential control over the government, imposed a nationwide curfew, and restricted rallies, demonstrations, strikes, and other forms of organized action. Media organizations were shut down or placed under government control, while political opponents and other individuals were arrested and detained.

Martial Law is remembered as one of the most unforgettable periods in our country's history. For many Filipinos, those years were characterized by fear, pain, and uncertainty, whose consequences did not simply disappear with the passage of time. Documented human rights violations during the Marcos regime included arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearance, and extrajudicial killing. Decades later, the Human Rights Victims' Claims Board recognized 11,103 victims eligible for reparations under Republic Act No. 10368.

Time cannot diminish the pain and suffering of those who experienced those years. We remember those who suffered as victims and the families who carried their loss. We remember those who were brave enough to stand against repression and defend their rights. We remember the students, workers, journalists, activists, and ordinary Filipinos who resisted, including our own brothers who stood for democracy and the Filipino people.

The effects of Martial Law extended beyond the period itself. Martial Law was formally lifted in January 1981, while Marcos remained president until the EDSA People Power Revolution of February 1986 ended his rule. The experiences of authoritarian rule and human rights abuses also shaped the 1987 Constitution and the creation of institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights.

Fifty-four years later, remembering Martial Law means remembering the people behind our history: the lives lost, the voices silenced, those who resisted, and those who fought for the restoration of democracy.

But remembering should not end with a commemoration. We must continue to tell their stories, remind others of what happened, and teach the next generation to value the rights and freedoms that were lost during those years. In doing so, we continue to be part of the larger battle against tyranny and oppression.

Let us keep the light aflame. Look into the past, learn, and remind others. For only in remembering the dark past do we have hope of navigating towards a brighter future.

We remember. We will never forget.

Alay sa Sambayanan.

References:

Commission on Human Rights. (2018, May 18). Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the end of operations of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board. https://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-the-chr-on-the-end-of-operations-of-the-hrvcb/

Marcos, F. E. (1972, September 21). Proclamation No. 1081: Proclaiming a state of martial law in the Philippines. The Lawphil Project. https://lawphil.net/executive/proc/proc1972/proc_1081_1972.html

31/08/2026

On this 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲, we remember 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 whose names were inscribed on the 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐠 𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐢. Among those remembered are 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚 ‘𝟔𝟕-𝐂, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐫. ‘𝟔𝟗-𝐀, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐠 ‘𝟕𝟑-𝐂, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐛𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐉𝐫. ‘𝟕𝟒-𝐃, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐳 ‘𝟕𝟒-𝐀.

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚 (“𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐲”) ‘𝟔𝟕-𝐂 (January 17, 1950 - February 18, 1974) was an editor of the Philippine Collegian and later served as national president of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, he championed committed journalism and encouraged fellow students to engage with the country’s pressing issues. His membership in radical organizations such as Kabataang Makabayan and Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan molded Brod Tony’s thinking. After Martial Law was declared in September 1972, Brod Tony left for Panay, wanting to return to his roots and give back what he had learned. He was killed in 1974 when government troops attacked the hut where he and his comrades were staying in a remote village situated on the common border between Aklan and Capiz provinces.

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐫. (“𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐲”) ‘𝟔𝟗-𝐀 (April 6, 1952 - May 4, 1974) was a passionate student leader who was his school’s most outstanding student from first grade through high school. He later entered the University of the Philippines as a political science major and became involved in several organizations, among them the UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity. Brod Joey participated in the demonstrations during the First Quarter Storm, including the student rallies in Mendiola in January 1970. In July 1971, he left the university and went to the jungles of Isabela to join the underground movement. He served until he was killed in a battle with government forces in San Mariano, Isabela in May 1974.

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐮ñ𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐠 (“𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥”) ‘𝟕𝟑-𝐂 (July 14, 1950 - March 21, 1975) was an excellent student who graduated salutatorian of his high school class. He became involved in social action work among poor communities in Barangka, Marikina and was later arrested in 1971 for putting up posters in Marikina. He was arrested again following the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 and detained at Fort Bonifacio. After his release in April 1973, Brod Bill enrolled at the University of the Philippines to study history. He joined the UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity and became involved in university life, but his stay at UP was short-lived. In September 1974, Brod Bill left for the countryside to join the underground. In March 1975, he was with a team of guerrillas in Villa Rey, Echague, Isabela, when they were attacked by government troops. Four of his comrades were killed, while Brod Bill was wounded in the leg. He urged the others to leave him behind so he could cover their escape. Apparently captured alive, he was later found dead bearing marks of severe torture.

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐉𝐫. (“”𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐛𝐞”) ‘𝟕𝟒-𝐃 (May 2, 1954 - March 22, 2013) was an academic, anthropologist, artist, and organizer who became involved in activist struggles during the Marcos regime. At the University of the Philippines, he joined campaigns for student rights, worked with the revived Philippine Collegian, and became involved in the struggles of the urban poor and the batilyo workers in Navotas. In Isabela, Brod Abe worked with the Diocese of Ilagan’s Social Action Center (SAC), where he helped document human rights violations and the struggle of thousands of farmers for their land. In July 1982, he was arrested with other activists in Bayombong, Nueva Ecija, in what became known as “Vizcaya 13,” and was detained until his release in 1985. After the fall of Marcos’ dictatorship, Brod Abe continued his academic and public work, earning a PhD in Anthropology and pursuing projects focused on indigenous communities until his death in 2013.

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 “𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬” 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐳 (“𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬”) ‘𝟕𝟒-𝐀 (April 4, 1955 - May 7, 2007) joined the Student Alliance for Nationalist Democracy (STAND) in 1971 while still in high school and later became active in the UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity and the Political Science Club at the University of the Philippines. After martial law was declared, he helped organize students at UP and became a key figure in student activities from 1972 to 1976. Brod Jess also worked with the urban poor in Tondo, helped coordinate the 1978 electoral campaign, and organized protest actions and student gatherings in the years that followed. In 1983, he was given the task of organizing students across the country, leading thousands of students to take part in protests against Martial Law. In 1986, he returned to public life and continued working with various political and community groups until his death from lung cancer in 2007.

The lives of 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐲, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐲, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬 remind us that heroism takes many forms; standing with the oppressed, serving communities, defending the truth, and choosing to act when it’s easier to be silent. We remember not only them, but also the many others who stood and fought for a better country. Some have their names inscribed on the Wall of Remembrance, while others remain unnamed. On this National Heroes Day, we remember both those whose names are known and those whose names may never be known, but whose lives were also part of our country’s history.

Alay sa sambayanan.

04/07/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.

Today, We celebrate a significant milestone as these brods reach the culmination of their academic journey. In exhibiting discipline, perseverance, and steadfast commitment they have earned this distinguished achievement.

Throughout all endeavors, they have upheld not only the mark of excellence, but their personal aspirations and the honor and integrity of the brotherhood they represent.

As they move forward into their new chapter, may they continue to strive for 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧.

The Fraternity extends its highest commendation to its graduates. Their success stands as a testament to the spirit of meaningful brotherhood they carry.

09/04/2026

Ngayong Araw ng Kagitingan, ginugunita natin ang isa sa pinakamabigat ngunit pinakamarangal na yugto ng ating kasaysayan.

Noong Abril 9, 1942, bumagsak ang Bataan sa kamay ng puwersang Hapones matapos ang buwan ng matinding laban. Sa kabila ng gutom, sakit, at kakulangan sa armas, nanindigan ang mga Pilipino sa pagtatanggol ng bayan. Sumunod ang Bataan Death March, kung saan libo-libo ang nagdusa at nasawi. Ang araw na ito ay hindi simpleng alaala ng pagkatalo, kundi patunay ng 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗸𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗶𝗻.

Ngunit ang kasalukuyan ay may sarili ring anyo ng digmaan.

Sa gitna ng tensyon sa pagitan ng Estados Unidos at Iran, muling tumataas ang presyo ng langis sa pandaigdigang merkado. Para sa Pilipinas, na umaasa sa imported na langis, bawat galaw nito ay direktang tumatama sa pamasahe, pagkain, at araw-araw na gastos. Ang krisis sa labas ay agad nagiging pasanin sa loob ng tahanan.

Kasunod nito ang sunod-sunod na oil price hikes sa bansa na kabilang sa mga pinakamalalala na naapektuhan sa buong mundo, na nagpapataas ng presyo ng bilihin at nagpapabigat lalo sa mamamayan habang nananatiling mabagal ang pag-angat ng sahod.

Sa harap ng ganitong krisis, hindi sapat ang pansamantalang solusyon.

May malinaw na hakbang na maaaring gawin.
Una, ang agarang suspensyon ng VAT at excise tax sa produktong petrolyo sa panahon ng krisis upang direktang mapababa ang presyo ng gasolina at diesel.
Ikalawa, ang pagpapalawak ng pinagkukunan ng langis sa labas ng Middle East, kabilang ang pagbubukas ng kalakalan sa ibang bansa upang mabawasan ang dependency at panganib sa suplay.

Ngunit hindi ito nagtatapos doon.

Kailangan din ang mahigpit na regulasyon at transparency sa oil pricing, upang matiyak na walang labis na patong at naipapasa nang tama ang pagbaba ng presyo sa mamamayan.
Dapat ipatupad ang direktang subsidiya para sa mga operator at pamilya ng Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) upang mapanatili ang operasyon ng transportasyon nang hindi ipinapasa ang buong bigat ng krisis sa mga tsuper at pasahero.
At higit sa lahat, kailangang pabilisin ang pangmatagalang plano para sa energy security, kabilang ang diversification ng energy sources at pagpapatibay ng lokal na kapasidad upang hindi tayo laging bulnerable sa krisis sa labas ng bansa.

Ngunit higit sa polisiya, ito ay usapin ng paninindigan.

Matagal nang matatag ang Pilipino. Pero hanggang kailan magiging sagot ang pagtitiis?

𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝘁𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗸.
𝗔𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝘀𝗮 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀.
𝗡𝗮𝘀𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗶 𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻.

Kung ang mga nauna ay lumaban para sa kalayaan, ang hamon sa atin ngayon ay ipaglaban ang kapakanan ng bayan sa gitna ng krisis.

Pillin nating maging parte ng solusyon, hindi ng problema.

20/03/2026

Fuel prices continue to rise—but what does that really mean for the everyday Filipino?

Join us for a 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 under Ascendant Scholars: An Educational Discussion Program Series as we unpack the real drivers behind fuel price fluctuations in the Philippines—from global conflicts and supply chains to local pricing mechanisms and policy.
Why does it feel like Filipinos are paying more than ever for fuel?
How exactly are diesel and gasoline prices determined?
Hear from industry expert 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂. 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧, as he shares insights from his experience in supply and logistics, offering a grounded perspective on how global events ripple into our daily lives.

📍 UPLB SSO Conference Room & FB Livestream
🕖 7:00 PM
📅 March 20, 2026
Stay informed. Stay critical. Be part of the discussion.

25/02/2026

Today, we mark 40 years since the EDSA People Power Revolution. Forty years have passed since the Filipino people challenged a system that did not serve them, a system that bound many into the clutches of starvation, repression, and death. On that day, the resolve of the Filipino people brought forth victory when they decided that enough was enough.

On February 25, 1986, millions gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. From young student activists to workers, parents, clergy, and soldiers who defected, they were people who had reached their limit after two decades of dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., a regime defined by plunder, repression, economic collapse, and grave human rights violations. They stood unarmed but resolute, choosing solidarity over fear.

And that day, the Filipino people achived victory.

A dictatorship fell, democratic institutions reopened, civil liberties were restored, and the world witnessed the power of peaceful, collective action. That was not an accident of history; it was earned through unity.

Forty years later, remembrance carries pride for what was achieved, but also a responsibility to act on the promise of a better future. With Bongbong Marcos, the son of the same man who plundered this country, now in office, narratives about the past are contested, and the meaning of February 25 is being questioned. At the same time, we face familiar challenges: persistent corruption, concerns about transparency in massive public spending such as flood-control funds, rising costs of living, and political rivalries that sow division and often overshadows public welfare. These realities do not diminish EDSA’s meaning; they make it all the more important. EDSA was not only about removing a dictator from power; it was about asserting that sovereignty belongs to the people and that governance must answer to them. It proved that when Filipinos unite across differences, entrenched power can be challenged and corrected.

The victory of 1986 was not perfect, nor was it permanent, but it was real. It showed that apathy is not our destiny and that fear does not have the final word. If unity once restored our democracy, unity can defend and strengthen it again. We have done it before. And if the Filipino people unite once more, putting aside petty squabbles, seeing the bigger picture, and committing themselves courageously to the common good, the same victory they achieved 40 years ago will surely come again.

But victory does not come to those who cower; it comes to those who turn conviction into action and resist the seeds of division. A people divided is a people controlled. The UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity stands with the Filipino people in commemorating this monumental event in our nation's history. We implore Filipinos to find it in their hearts to answer the call of those who cry out for unity against all forms of injustice: the forgotten, the downtrodden, the victims, and the martyrs who gave their lives out of love for this country.

It all starts with a single act of courage, driven by love for the people of this land we call home. We have done it before. And if we must, let us do it again. Fight for what is right, what is just, and what is good.

Enough is enough.

10/02/2026

𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔-𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗨𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗚, 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔-𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗡. ✊🔥

Ang 𝗔𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 ay hindi lang sukatan ng lakas ng bisig, ito din ay pahayag ng paninindigan. Sa bawat kapit at laban, ipinapakita ang kolektibong lakas ng mga tumitindig laban sa korapsyon, at kawalan ng hustisya para sa ating bayan. Sumabay na harapin ang mga naghahari-harian at mga mapanlinlang at patunayan ang tinatagong lakas ng ating sambayanan!

Makilahok at 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛 sa 𝗔𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 ng 𝗨𝗣 𝗔𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗺𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 – 𝗟𝗼𝘀 𝗕𝗮ñ𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 sa 𝗨𝗣𝗟𝗕 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

🔥 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗴. 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗌 𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗮.
📍 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝗮-𝗸𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗮 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿.
🩸 𝖡𝗈𝗈𝗍𝗁 𝖨𝟥 - 𝖥𝖾𝖻 𝟣𝟢-𝟣𝟥, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟨, 𝟩𝖯𝖬-𝟣𝟢𝖯𝖬

05/02/2026

We extend our sincere congratulations to Brod Arjay Mark Domingo for successfully passing the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination.

This milestone stands as a testament to his discipline, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Through diligence and quiet determination, he has proven not only his competence in the field of engineering, but also his strength of character in overcoming challenges that demanded patience, sacrifice, and resolve.

Beyond this professional achievement, he continues to exemplify the ideals of Nationalism, Academic Excellence, Leadership, and brotherhood. His conduct, both in preparation and in success, reflects integrity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to serve a purpose greater than himself.

As he enters this new chapter as a licensed Civil Engineer, we recognize the lasting impact of his contributions to the fraternity and the inspiration he provides to those who follow. His achievement is a shared pride, and his journey remains a source of motivation for the brotherhood.

We are honored to call him our brother.

May our highest goal continue to guide him in all future endeavors

In all endeavors, the mark of excellence.
Alay sa Sambayanan.

22/12/2025

20/12/2025

With much enthusiasm, we celebrate the holidays with 80 children of San Juan, Batangas for Toy for Totoy 2025 last December 14, 2025.

A true Masig tradition since the 90s, Toy for Totoy gives light and joy in the pursuit of our highest goal–Alay sa Sambayanan–as we get to share meaningful time and resources with our beneficiaries through the years.

As we spent the day with the children of Barangay Muzon, we enjoyed the laughter, play, and camaraderie that really brought out the magical spirit of the holidays.

Of course, we’d like to thank our partner, Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Muzon, who has greatly helped us in making Toy for Totoy 2025 a great success.

Lagi't lagi, Alay sa Sambayanan.