dbo:abstract
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- The Upsilon Sigma Phi (ΥΣΦ) is the oldest Greek-letter organization and fraternity in Asia. Founded in 1918, it is also the oldest student organization in continuous existence in the University of the Philippines. It has two chapters — a single chapter for the UP Diliman and UP Manila campuses, and another for UP Los Baños. Membership remains exclusive to UP students, and is by invitation only. Members are known as "Fellows" or "Upsilonians". Its vast but tight-knit network of prominent alumni both in public service and private enterprise has led several publishers to cite it as the most prestigious, illustrious, and influential fraternity in the Philippines. Among its alumni are two Philippine presidents, a vice president, fifteen senators, fourteen Supreme Court justices (including three chief justices), three House Speakers, a Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, the only Filipino President of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the only Filipino President of the World Meteorological Organization, the only Filipino recipient of the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam, the only Filipino Chairman of the World Trade Organization's Appellate Body, a titular member of the United Nations International Labour Organization, the only Filipino President of Rotary International, three Executive Secretaries, four Solicitors-General, twenty-six Ambassadors (including two Ambassadors to the United States), an AFP Chief of Staff, a NEDA Director-General, a Central Bank Governor, twenty-four honorees of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), four National Scientists, three National Artists, a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, and five UP Presidents. In the current 18th Congress of the Philippines, two senators (Dick Gordon and Kiko Pangilinan) and nine Representatives (Isagani Amatong, Roman Romulo, Martin Romualdez, Boying Remulla, Arnie Fuentebella, Alfred Vargas, Victor Yap, and Rimpy Bondoc) are Upsilonians. In the University of the Philippines, incumbent President Danilo Concepcion and current College of Law Dean Carlo Vistan II are also Upsilonians. The fraternity was a Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards finalist in 2013. In 2018, the Malacañang Palace issued Proclamation Order No. 539 recognizing the fraternity for its "significant contributions to numerous civic and humanitarian causes, as well as the dedication and commitment of its members to public service and nation-building", and declaring the year 2018 as the "Year for the Celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Upsilon Sigma Phi". (en)
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