On March 1 to 2, 1996, the National Youth Commission convened an Inter-Fraternity and Sorority Conference to address issues raised against the implementation of RA 8049, otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Law. Among the signatories to the covenent were APO�s official representatives - Sis Sarip Ellen Ampatuan (Iota Eta); Bro. Cyril D. Pantua (Lambda); Bro. Dennis Y. Sumicad (Delta Kappa); Bro. Richard B. Maestrado (Medina College, Ozamis); and Bro. Ernie A. Alcanzare (Eta). They were assigned by the National Leadership to deliver APO�s message of peace and unity. Emissaries of twenty-four fraternal organizations - Tau Gamma Phi; Pi Sigma Fraternity; Beta Sigma; Phi Iota Tau Fraternity and Sorority; Alpha Kappa Rho; Sigma Rho Fraternity; Au Fait Society; Pi Gamma Phi International; Upsilon Phi Sigma; Phi Beta Rho; Sigma Kappa Pi; Order of Demolay; UP Silab Sisterhood; Tau Kappa Mu; International Order of Job�s Daughters; Order of Rainbow; UP Silak Brotherhood; Delta Phi Omicron; Beta Sigma Lambda; Alpha Phi Beta; Xi Kappa Sigma; Sigma Delta Tau; Delta Phi Omicron; and UP Lamdag sa Latagaw - likewise committed their respective fraternities and sororities in the covenent. NATIONAL INTER-FRATERNITY AND SORORITY PEACE COVENANT �Whereas, the fraternity and sorority system upholds the principles of unity, mutual respect, cooperation & brotherhood of all men and women. �Whereas, the fraternity and sorority system, as an integral part of the youth and student sector, is a vital partner in nation building through school and community service. �Whereas, to effectively contribute to the advancement of peace, nationalism and patriotism, fraternity and sororities need to be officially recognized by their respective schools. �Be it resolved therefore, as it is hereby resolved that the fraternities and sororities herein represented shall undertake the following joint activities:      "1. Establish a National Inter-Fraternity and Sorority Council - in the national, regional, area and school levels - that shall organize and oversee common activities of fraternities and sororities.      "2. Advocate for fraternities and sororities to abide by R.A. 8049 and conduct an in-depth studies and consultation to effect possible amendments thereof.      "3. Actively participate in the eradication of all vandalism derogatory to the fraternity and sorority system while contributing to the Clean and Green Program of other sectors of society and institutionalize a No Vandalism principle;      "4. Work for - in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education - the recognition of all legitimate Fraretnities and Sororities in all colleges and universities.      "5. Collectively work for the upliftment of the image of the fraternity and sorority system through various media, including school papers.      "6. Work for the institutionalization of an Inter-Fraternity and Sorority Week      "7. Affirm the respective values and principles of fraternities and sororities and recognize its commonality even in diversity through projects and activities that will enhance and development commitments thereof.      "8. Cooperate in the formulation of a Magna Carta of Students� Rights and Welfare acceptable to both school administrations and students.      "9. Issue statements on common issues affecting the fraternity and sorority system in particular and the studentry in general.      "10. Contribute to the national peace process by actively participating in the Diyes for Peace campaign in cooperation with the National Youth Commission, the Sangguniang Kabataan, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and other sectors of society. �Adopted this 2nd day of March 1996 at the University of the Philippines, Dilliman, Quezon City.� POSTCRIPT: If we look closely into the contents of the covenent, we will see that these express the thrusts that we have undertaken during the past few years. We can therefore conclude that Alpha Phi Omega is not alone in the search for a more meaningful existence of the fraternity and sorority system. To manifest our adherence to our guiding principles, all resident members are enjoined to take the lead in seeing to it that the spirit provisions of the covenent are implemented in all chapters. Add Article Back   Top   Logout   Next