# 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 195 chapters worldwide and 20,000 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 and Service. Its members are called Betans. Its motto is "All That Is Good And Noble In Man!"
Malmon is used as the Mascot of Beta Sigma.
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.
| Chapter | Charter Date | Institution | Location | Status |
| Mother Chapter | July 14, 1946 | University of the Philippines Manila | Manila, Philippines | |
| UP Los Baños (Beta) | August 13, 1950 | University of the Philippines Los Baños | Laguna, Philippines | Active |
| | before 1957 | Gregorio Araneta University Foundation | Malabon, Philippines | |
| | before 1975 | Manila Central University | Caloocan, Philippines | |
| | before 1975 | Far Eastern University–Narciso Reyes Medical Foundation | Manila, Philippines | |
| | before 1975 | University of the East Ramon Magsaysay | Quezon City, Philippines | |
| | before 1975 | Silliman University | Dumaguete, Philippines | |
| UP Visayas | August 27, 1989 | University of the Philippines Visayas | Visayas, Philippines | Active |
| Western USA | October 1990 | | United States | |
| Nueva Ecija Colleges | October 24, 1991 | | Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines | Active |
| San Diego | May 15, 1993 | | San Diego, California | Active |
| Melbourne | July 17, 1999 | | Melbourne, Australia | Active |
| Northwest USA | August 19, 2001 | | Seattle, Washington, United States | Active |
| MCC Beta Sigma Fraternity | March 27, 2011 | Mabalacat College | Mabalacat City, Philippines | Active |
| Baguio | | | Baguio, Philippines | Active |
| Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association | | | Australia, Canada, and United States | Active |
| Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association in Qatar | | | Qatar | Active |
| Beta Sigma Alumni Association of Texas | | | Texas, United States | Active |
| Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association UAE | | | United Arab Emirates | Active |
| Canada | | | Canada | |
| Central | | | Philippines | Active |
| Makati | | | Makati, Philippines | Active |
| Mindanao | | | Mindanao, Philippines | Active |
| New York | | | New York City, New York | Active |
| Northern California | | | California, United States | Active |
| OBBF | | | Philippines | Active |
| Saudi Arabia | | | Saudi Arabia | Active |
| Sorsogon | | Sorsogon State University | Sorsogon, Philippines | Active |
| Southern California | | | California, United States | Active |
| Southern Mindanao | | University of Southern Mindanao | Cotabato, Philippines | Active |
| TSU | | Tarlac State University | Tarlac, Philippines | Active |
| | | Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation | | |

## Notable Members

* José Abueva, president of the University of the Philippines
* Proceso Alcala, former secretary of Department of Agriculture, former Philippines Congressman, politician, and engineer
* Rupert Ambil, former Rappler and ABS-CBN journalist
* Antonio Bautista, Philippine Air Force commander
* Camilo Cascolan, 24th Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP)
* Matias Defensor Jr., Philippine politician
* Voltaire Gazmin, former secretary of Department of National Defense of the Philippines
* Horacio Morales, Philippine Secretary of Agrarian Reform
* Willie Nepomuceno, comedian and impersonator
* Ramón Paje, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
* Vic Valdepenas, president of UnionBank (Philippines)