Bridging Connections: A Brod for a Brod Career Linkage Program

Officially launched on June 1, 2024, during a fellowship event in Marikina City sponsored by Theo Panga ’86, this initiative aims to foster a supportive network within the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity. The program facilitates connections between graduating fellows and alumni seeking career transitions, pairing them with experienced mentors in both government and the private sector.

Building a Stronger Brotherhood

Spearheaded by USPAA Chairman Roel Castro ’84, President Yari Miralao ’88 and Board Member Tereso O. Panga ’86, Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), this initiative underscores the USPAA's commitment to providing valuable career opportunities for graduating brods. By doing so, it ensures that their skills are utilized in shaping a brighter future for our country.

Fulfilling the Upsilon Sigma Phi Motto

Bridging Connections exemplifies the Upsilon Sigma Phi motto, "We Gather Light to Scatter." The program achieves this by linking graduating fellows with established alumni who hold key positions. This network offers invaluable knowledge, guidance, and mentorship, empowering fellows to excel in their chosen fields and effectively "scatter the light" nurtured within our brotherhood.

The Bridging Connections program, in conjunction with the Upsilon Learning Institute and the USPAA Board Membership Committee’s Mentoring Program, offers several key benefits:

• Career Opportunities: Graduates gain access to a network of alumni with extensive experience in various sectors, increasing their chances of securing employment or transitioning careers.
• Mentorship: Senior alumni can share their knowledge and expertise, fostering the professional development of younger fellows.
• Leadership Development: The program cultivates a culture of mentorship, preparing young Upsilon Sigma Phi members to become future leaders.

Program Launch Event Highlights

The launch event was attended by Upsilon Sigma Phi Los Baños Chapter Illustrious Fellow Keanne Zapanta 1918, along with resident brods from both the Diliman/Manila and Los Baños chapters.

The event resulted in on-the-spot hiring and direct referrals for graduating brods who attended the fellowship. The PEZA team composed of fellows Paolo Gamboa ‘86, Ton Melendres 2011 and Atty. JB Gutierrez 2018 were there to provide support to Director General Panga in extending job assistance to the graduating brods, either with PEZA or the ecozone industry. PEZA accounts for 60% of the country’s total annual exports of goods and services.

Call for Alumni

Several fraternity brothers in the government sector, including notable members of the Panga Clan, have committed to assisting graduating fellows aspiring to enter government service. Among them are Assistant Solicitor General Eric Panga ’86, Department of Tourism London-Based Director Gerry Panga ’86, and Land Registration Authority (LRA) Administrator Gerardo Panga Sirios ’89.

The Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association is calling for all alumni brods who are interested in participating in the Bridging Connections Program, either by offering employment opportunities or referrals. For assistance in finding qualified candidates, please contact Cai Monteser 2017.

A Brighter Future

"Bridging Connections: A Brod for a Brod Career Linkage Program is just the first step in our ongoing efforts to empower the Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity. By fostering this network of support, we ensure that the excellence instilled in our members transcends generations. We are confident that with the guidance of our experienced alumni, the young brods of today will become the future leaders of our nation," said Theo Panga ’86.

by Jeremy Ben Panga 2016, Upsilon Sun contributing writer