Alpha Sigma Fraternity

The Alpha Sigma Fraternity (ΑΣ), also known as Alay Sa Sambayanan, or Masig, is a Filipino college fraternity. It was founded in 1962 at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, Philippines.

Alpha Sigma
ΑΣ
Founded	October 10, 1962; 63 years ago (October 10, 1962) University of the Philippines Diliman
Type	Traditional
Affiliation	Independent
Status	Active
Scope	National
Motto	"Truth–Reason–Justice"
Pillars	Nationalism, Academic Excellence, Leadership, Physical Development
Slogan	"In all endeavors, the mark of excellence"
Colors	Blue   Gold
Chapters	3
Nickname	Masig
Headquarters	Philippines
Website	upalphasigma.org

History

The Alpha Sigma Fraternity was founded at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on October 10, 1962.^[1] The fraternity was established in protest to the destructive behavior of many fraternities, instead seeking to be an advocate for academics.^[1] Its emphasis is humanitarianism and service to its country.^[2]

The fraternity was accredited by authorities of the University of the Philippines in September 1963.^[1] A second chapter was established the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 1964, followed by the University of the Philippines Manila in 1987.^[1]

Symbols

Initially, the Greek letters "ΑΣ" stood for "Academic Supremacy in the Arts and Sciences," which evolved into "Advocates of Scholarship" when the fraternity was accredited in 1963.^[1] Later, the meaning was redefined as Alay sa Sambayanan or "Offering to the People.", reflecting the fraternity’s broader mission and civic engagement.^[1][3]

The fraternity’s motto is "Truth–Reason–Justice".^[3] Its slogan is "In all endeavors, the mark of excellence."^[1] Its pillars are nationalism, academic excellence, leadership, and physical development.^[1]

Alpha Sigma Fraternity's colors are blue, which symbolizes truth and loyalty, and gold, which represents excellence and warm-heartedness.^{[citation needed]} Members of the fraternity are known as Masig.^[2]

Chapters

Chapter	Charter date	Institution	Location	Status	References
Alpha	October 10, 1962	University of the Philippines Diliman	Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines	Active	[1]
Beta	October 10, 1964	University of the Philippines Los Baños	Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines	Active	[1]
Gamma	1987	University of the Philippines Manila	Manila, Philippines	Active	[1]

Notable members

• Butch Dalisay – Palanca Award winner and author^[4]
• Randy David – columnist at Philippine Daily Inquirer^[5]
• Gregorio Honasan – former member of the Senate of the Philippines^[6]
• Raul C. Pangalangan – International Criminal Court judge (2015–2021); former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law^[7]

Scandals and member misconduct

Alpha Sigma member Ernesto Macahiya, spokesman of Guardians Brotherhood, was arrested in 2006 for coup d'etat and rebellion for allegedly sparking the failed Oakwood mutiny in July 2003.^[8]

In December 2012, the UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy filed an administrative complaint against Alpha Sigma and Alpha Phi Beta for brawling.^[9]

In June 18 2015, four Alpha Sigma members at the University of the Philippines Diliman were assaulted by members of Upsilon Sigma Phi.^[10][11] Members of Alpha Sigma was accused of attacking Upsilon Sigma Phi members on June 16, but this alleged attack was not officially documented.^[10][12] Also in June 2015, two members of Alpha Sigma at the University of the Philippines Diliman where attacked and hit with baseball bats by members of Upsilon Sigma Phi.^[13][12] The issues between the two fraternities originated from campus politics.^[12] Five members of Upsilon Sigma Phi were arrested for the attacks.^[11]

See also

• List of fraternities and sororities in the Philippines