On June 18, 2024, the Upsilon Sigma Phi conducted its 4th installment of UpsilonCares at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila. This endeavor underscores Upsilon Sigma Phi's enduring commitment to community service and standing in solidarity with the PGH.

In pursuit of our imperative of service and the goal of increasing public awareness about the critical needs of PGH for medical supplies, patient care, and financial support, the Fellows distributed essential items such as alcohol sprays, face masks, wet wipes, as well as food and beverages to patients. 

Additionally, the Fellows provided informative pamphlets highlighting the proper use and benefits of face masks and alcohol.

With this, the Upsilon Sigma Phi extends its sincere appreciation to 𝗦𝘁𝗮. 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 - 𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮 for their generous donation of essential medical supplies and invaluable support for our project. Their involvement have significantly contributed to the success of this initiative.Lastly, the Upsilon Sigma Phi would like to thank the PGH staff for their help in coordinating and supporting the event.

Upsilon Cares Project Reaches Out to PGH Outpatients

With the recently concluded University of the Philippines Los Baños Student Council Elections, the Upsilon Sigma Phi Los Baños Fellowship Council, under the leadership of Illustrious Fellow Keanne Migue Zapanta, is proud to announce that all three resident fellows who campaigned for seats emerged victorious.

The following are the Resident Fellows and their respective UPLB Student Council positions:

 2022 - College of Development Communication Representative to the USC

 2023 - Councilor, University Student Council

 2023 - Councilor, College of Economics and Management Student Council.

by: Joash Hapa 2022, fellow orator, lifted from Upsilonians FB page

Resident Brods Win in UPLB Student Council Elections

Fellow Orator Andres Manuel III 2021 posted today, March 24th, that the residents from the Diliman-Manila Chapter visited Pook Malinis in Brgy. UP Campus and held their second iteration of their Upsilon Cares Soup Kitchen.

"Our undergrad residents personally prepared and distributed meals and kilos of rice in the community. They also went house to house with our resident lawyers to provide free legal advice to the members of the community," said Manuel III.

"We hope to be able to reach more communities in the future," added Manuel III.

 '84 and Renaissance '84 who reached out to offer financial assistance to undertake the second soup kitchen project.

Residents Hold Second Soup Kitchen Plus Free Legal Advice Campaign

In 1918, our founders put forth ideals that the Upsilon Sigma Phi has pursued since – a climate of learning and progress in our Alma Mater, political maturity and economic stability in our Republic, and ultimately, transforming the world for the better. It is in this pursuit that our Fellows strive not only for excellence in their respective fields, professions and inclinations, but also to be of service to humanity. We celebrate their success with the hope that they will not only inspire future generations of Fellows, but also ensure that our nation and the world will benefit from their accomplishments. (Source and credits: Upsilonians.com and Upsilon Sigma Phi Facebook page)

We Gather Light to Scatter

Atty. Bill Agustin '58 is Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano Awardee for 2024

Gabby Malvar's Documentary "Indio-Genius" Wins Gold in South Africa Film Festival

Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association Launches Bridging Connections: A Brod for a Brod Career Linkage Program

UMAP Big Winner in Bente Singko Reunion Fund Raising

—To bolster micro, small, and medium enterprises’ (MSMEs) resilience and market reach, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SM Prime Holdings Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on business continuity planning (BCP) and a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the One Town One Product (OTOP) promotion, July 1.

“We are building a more robust and more resilient business landscape by equipping MSMEs with disaster preparedness knowledge and tools. Aligned with one of our strategic priorities, we are elevating enterprises and entrepreneurs, particularly MSMEs, to ensure their inclusive, innovative, and sustainable development,” said DTI Secretary Fred Pascual as he leveraged the power of public and private partnerships in empowering MSMEs.

The Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters necessitates a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and resilience, particularly for MSMEs that play a crucial role in the nation’s economy. This collaboration between the public and private sectors will leverage the expertise and resources of both the DTI and SM Prime Holdings Inc. to equip MSMEs with BCP and provide training on disaster preparedness strategies.

In collaboration with ARISE-Philippines, the local network of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies, this MOU aligns with the Philippine government’s commitment to sustainable development and disaster risk reduction.

The DTI and SM Prime Holdings Inc. target to train 6,000 MSMEs nationwide on BCPs from 2024 to 2027, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience across the country.

Meanwhile, the MOA on OTOP centers on promoting local products and craftsmanship. Through this collaboration, SM Prime Holdings Inc. will provide dedicated spaces in 83 SM Supermalls across the country for MSMEs to showcase and sell their unique products.

Under this agreement, MSMEs will be able to lease booths in SM Supermalls at a discounted rate. They will also have access to training programs on topics such as product development, marketing, and financial management. In addition, SM Prime Holdings Inc. will provide mentorship opportunities to MSMEs, pairing them with experienced business leaders.

“Anchored on our goal to foster and boost local industries, we are actively promoting and supporting enterprises to develop a solid domestic market base and expand into exports,” said Secretary Pascual.

“This partnership between the DTI and SM Prime Holdings Inc. represents a significant step towards empowering MSMEs, especially OTOPreneurs. Through various programs, we help them produce diverse and sophisticated products and services that can compete in the global market,” said Secretary Pascual as he welcomed the agreement that directly aligns with the Department’s objective to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs through improved market access and product promotion.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. The company is involved in the development and management of malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers. 

DTI, SM Prime Holdings Partner to Boost MSME Resilience and Market Access

Secretary Herbosa Delivers PH Commitments During Conclusion of the 2nd International Dialogue on Sustainable Financing for Non-communicable Disease and Mental Health



The Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa joined Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director of Noncommunicable Diseases, Rehabilitation, and Disability; Dr. Devora Kestel, WHO Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse; and Ms. Jumana Qamruddin, World Bank Global Program Lead for Service Delivery, at the closing of the 2nd International Dialogue on Sustainable Financing for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health on June 21, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

Secretary Herbosa shared the Philippines' commitment to contributing to the Health4Life Fund, which aims to support low- and middle-income countries in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.4 on NCDs and mental health. He also announced that the Philippines will host the 3rd International Dialogue in 2026 in Manila.

The Dialogue's main action points will support preparations for the Fourth High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of NCDs and Mental Health in 2025.

DOH Sec. Ted Herbosa in DC for International Dialogue on Sustainable Financing of NCDs and Mental Health

The Department of Justice (DOJ) signed a memorandum agreement with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. on Thursday streamlining the deportation of Chinese nationals held in immigration detention facilities in the country.

Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres signed the agreement with the federation president, Cecilio K. Pedro.

Meanwhile, the federation will provide air transportation for the detainees.

Andres said the agreement would “greatly aid” in decongesting immigration detention facilities and speed up deportation.

Andres thanked the group, noting how the partnership would strengthen ties between Filipinos and Chinese in the Philippines.

by Zacarian Sarao, reprinted with permission from the Philippine Daily Inquirer

Top Stories

Politics & Government

Campus

Featured Gallery