TNT for Printing

ISSUE 002: TNT D.Y. 2019-2021 JANUARY 2020 - MAY 2020

“you are influencing people.
They follow you without you
knowing it. They emulate
the way you talk, the way
you look and the way you
inspire others....”

National President’s Report.. page 9

APO 32nd National
General Assembly
at Los Banos 2020

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Editorial Board and StafF

Bro. Richmond Anthony Riain Alfonso
Editor in Chief

(Lambda Nu, 2002)

Bro. William Ay-Ay Sis. Jhoana Roslin-Bandillo Sis. Evelyn C. Canete-Evangelio
Associate Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
(Xi Xi, 2018)
(Zeta Omega, 1999) (Epsilon Upsilon, 2002)

Bro. Marcelino Ferry Bro. Gerardo Arbis Sis. Norma Singson-de Leon
Honorary Chairman Honorary Co-chairman Honorary Member
(Epsilon Omicron, 2002), (Eta, 1976),
National President (Iota Beta, 1986), National Executive
Chairman, National Board
Vice President-Trustee
of Trustees

CREATIVE EDITOR REGIONAL CORRESPONDENTS/ CONTRIBUTORS

Bro. Mon Sola (Lambda Nu, 2002) Sis. Reiniel Antonett B. Solleza (Eta Theta)
Sis. Nadia Español
LAYOUT ARTISTS Sis Doris Irene S. Pigon (Theta)
Sis Kimberly Penoliar (Kappa Gamma)
Bro. Pole Dimla (Lambda Psi, 2001) Bro. Gerald Magallanes (Kappa Gamma)
Bro. Jayson Vergara (Epsilon Xi, 2011) Bro. Alfonso Alex Labrague (Theta Alpha)
Bro. Alfonso Cartago (Xi Zeta, 2014) Sis. Petrona Llantada Cafe (Theta Alpha)
Bro. Mark Daren Olonan (Zeta Nu, 2014) Sis. Myline Valencia (Gamma Phi)
Bro. Silverio Tolitol (Theta Upsilon) Bro. (RD) Dhing Silang (Epsilon Xi)
Sis Jack Mascarenas (Epsilon Kappa)
PHOTOGRAPHERS Sis. Shykhen Yapac
Bro. Karlo Sevilla (Iota Eta)
Bro. Nick Macabeo (Gamma Rho, 1977)
Bro. Ariel Oliveros (Alpha Delta, 1984)

Table of Contents

1 Message From The National President
2 Message From The Chairman Of Board Of Trustees
3 Message From The National Executive Vice President
4 Message From The Vice Chairman Of The Board And National Vice President For Alumni Affairs
5 Message From The National Executive Director
6 Message From The Chairman - Ga2020 (Los Baños)
8 APO Philippines 32nd National General Assembly MOA signing with co-host - Region 4A

CALABARZON Administrative Region
9 National President’s Report
14 An Evening of Music with John Lesaca and APO Brods
17 Leadership

18 APO Kappa Gamma Hosts Paindisanay 2020, A Literary-Musical Contest in UPV
20 APO-EVAR Chapters heed the call towards environmental protection
22 APO-EVAR vows adherence to Anti-Hazing Law
23 APO-EVAR hosts 2020 GPAC Summit
24 Interview with Atty. Jun Dexter Rojas Bar Examination 2019 -TOP 9
26 2019 Bar Exam Passers
31 Service
32 APO BAYANIHAN LABAN SA COVID-19
33 APO-EVAR initiates COVID-19 Relief Operations
35 APO-EVAR Members spearhead COVID-19 initiatives
37 LEGACY OF LEADERS IN FRIENDLY SERVICE AMIDST PANDEMIC
39 APO-ARA Fights COVID-19
40 APO-EVAR organizes donation drive for Taal victims
43 BAR SERVICE PROJECTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
45 ETA in the Time of Covid19
46 NCAR Stepping up to help those in need during pandemic
47 “Solidarity of Camaraderie and Service in Region X Amidst Covid-19”
48 #givehope A service of hope for Libmanan, Camarines Sur
54 ARP Report January - August 2020
58 AФΩ ARA Bleeds : Dugo Mula sa Buwan ng mga Puso
59 APO DAVAO REGION On Service...
62 Making Love in Camiguin / Manggang Hilaw
63 Provincial Potion
64 High Noon at the Manila Metro Rail Transit – Kamuning Station
69 33rd NGA 2021 MOA Signing and Preparations
75 Friendship
76 APO - THETA ALPHA CHAPTER AND APO MAQUEDA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION #162 ADOPT

ECO-VILLAGE IN CALBIGA, SAMAR
77 APHIO Trekkers Philippines
79 APO-EVAR Chapters conduct selfless acts of service
80 ALAY TULONG FOR THE VICTIMS OF TAAL ERUPTION, UNENDING SERVICES OF

APO LIPA AA 156
82 FREE STAYCATION FOR THE TAAL EVACUEES AT EL GRANDE RESORT
91 ALPHA PHI OMEGA PHILIPPINES INCORPORATED Unaudited Fund Flow Statement From
July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020
95 APPROVED BOARD RESOLUTIONS

MESSAGE FROM THE
NATIONAL PRESIDENT

“through our prestigious organization,
you will continue to flourish and grow
stronger than ever.”

I would like to extend my warmest greetings We aim to foster stronger fraternal ties amongst
to the officers and members, the brothers and our members and continue our undying service
sisters of ALPHA PHI OMEGA PHILIPPINES. not only to the entire organization but to our
This development year is indeed a very community and country as a whole.
challenging year for all of us. We had faced We are tested by time and I am so thankful to
a lot of problems and dilemmas; volcano all of you especially to our modern heroes, who
eruption, typhoons, earthquakes and widely, are always able and willing to extend help and
the pandemic brought by the covid-19 corona assistance to our brothers and sisters, friends
virus that hit our country. and relatives in times of need.

The corona virus has transformed and changed I look forward to meeting all of you again face
us towards the new normal as we all are aware. to face, heart to heart. I know that through our
Schools, business establishments, churches prestigious organization, you will continue to
are closed, and many people have been asked flourish and grow stronger than ever.
to work from home. We are confined to our
homes and the future feels very uncertain We may stay strong and healthy physically and
for all of us but despite it all, I am grateful to mentally. We may always be!
our Heavenly Father because the entire APO
membership is evidently upholding our three
guiding principles of Leadership, Friendship
and Service.

Bro. Marcelino “Tatang” S. Ferry
National President

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MESSAGE FROM THE
CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

“whether convenient or inconvenient,
in good days or in turmoil, in unity or in
diversity, for a greater Alpha Phi Omega.”

It has indeed, been, a time of distress and The COVID-19 leads numerous restrictions
drudgery for each and every one of us. The that affect events. On behalf of the Board of
heavy blows of the pandemonium have Trustees, I am disheartened by the cancellation
refined our skills in serving humanity. I am at a of the 2020 Annual General Assembly that was
loss of words for unbounded gratefulness to to be co-hosted by Region IV-A in Los Banos,
all brethren, who despite the havoc, upheld Laguna. In view of the uncertainty of the events
and cultivated leadership, camaraderie, and and activities that are mostly plotted well, it is
heroism to convey abrupt responsiveness and with utmost assurance that everyone will be
unceasing service. May it be in the healthcare kept posted.
institution, government units, or the littlest
entity in society, your toil in grappling with the With time, as the ultimate and fundamental
circumstances, was meaningful. prober in our blood to serve, it is beyond question
that us, in the BOT, with my chairmanship, will
Apart from the concerns of the pandemic, carry on and recommence this solidarity,
the hard knocks during the consecutive wrath whether convenient or inconvenient, in good
of mother nature in our country, evinced days or in turmoil, in unity or in diversity, for a
the oneness and valiant alliances in this greater Alpha Phi Omega.
brotherhood not only in the local/national
communities we serve, but also across
the globe.

Bro. Gerardo Arbis
Chairman of the Board of Trustees

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MESSAGE FROM THE
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

“The APO spirit is very much alive.”

The APO spirit is very much alive. and lovingly guiding our brothers and sisters,
And it is even more so during these perilous holding them together in leadership, friendship,
times when thousands of lives have been and service despite the global pandemic and
lost, thousands more compromised and the the threats of more natural disasters.
economy starting to quiver amidst the chain
of disasters, Covid-19 being the deadliest of As we continue to face an uncertain tomorrow,
them all. doing nothing cannot be an option. Hence, we
shall remain steadfast and prepared for any
But our brothers and sisters remain undaunted. eventuality. As always and in the tradition of
Armed with the APO courage, zeal and the Alpha phi Omega, we shall emerge victorious
heart to serve, they brave the unseen enemy, as we lift our hands and hearts in prayer to our
the uneven terrain and dig dip into their pockets God Almighty.
to serve those in need.
May we always be!
Salute to the national leadership and officers
for the unwavering support and inspiration, to
the distinguished past national presidents who
raised funds to help brothers and sisters, and
most of all, to the regional directors for they are
the ones on the ground continuously, patiently,

Sis. Atty. Norma Singson-de Leon
National Executive Vice President

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MESSAGE FROM THE
VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND NATIONAL
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ALUMNI AFFAIRS

“let us uphold our spirit of volunteerism
and in furtherance of LEADERSHIP,
FRIENDSHIP and SERVICE”

Over the years, ALPHA PHI OMEGA Philippines Together BRETHREN, let us uphold our
has consistently exemplified genuine service spirit of volunteerism and in furtherance of
through strong fraternal ties. Our unwavering LEADERSHIP, FRIENDSHIP and SERVICE as
commitment to socio-civic undertakings that we take foster strides towards realizing our
develop the welfare of our society is truly share vision of a more unified, sturdier and
various remarkable. enlightened ALPHA PHI OMEGA.

As we celebrate in every occasion, I hope that Stay SAFE and May We Always Be!!!
we will remain vitalized in creating ripples
of change for the advantage of our nation,
especially amidst the challenges that our
country is facing today. May we continue to
inspire others to participate in selfless and
compassionate accomplishments that will
develop our communities.

Bro. Datu Amerhassan G. Lucman
Vice Chairman of the Board and

National Vice President for Alumni Affairs

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MESSAGE FROM THE
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“it was the best time than it has ever
been to extend help to our brethren
and community”

Fraternal Greetings, my Brethren! insignias. There is a clamor that insignias duly registered at the
Intellectual Property Rights Office should not be altered in any
It is my humble task to share to all of you that our great way or reinterpreted. Be aware that this regulation is not limited
organization has finally implemented enhancements to create to unauthorized sale, production, usage, publication, and
an avant-garde environment for our members even as the distribution (which are punishable by law) but also a call-out to
country is in the middle of an arduous battle against COVID-19. every Collegiate Chapter’s and Alumni Association’s utilization
Given our government’s restrictions on mobility for the past of our respected emblems.
year, online platforms have become a necessity in the way that
your National Administrative Office (NAO) has done its usual As such, APO members who set their hearts to sell, produce,
business (and more), which strongly connected us while in the and distribute items and merchandise is mandated to seek
safety of our homes. accreditation from your humble National Administrative Office.
The accreditation fee of individual or online sellers is 3₱ ,000.00
This trying timehas truly changed our communication slowly, per Development Year with supplementary requirements
and gradually shifted our culture and systems to alignour such as a duly completed accreditation form; 2x2 ID picture; a
processes with the current available technologies and trends, photocopy of Updated APO ID; a photocopy of 1 valid ID; and a
consequently resulting in efficacy, convenience, and most sample set of the designs (subject for approval). Additionally,
importantly, productivity as a whole. With this, we look forward consigning is welcome with 10% royalty fee for each item’s SRP
to ourorganization’s growth with confidence. And so this is the - to be displayed at the APO National Office. Moreover, we are
best time as any to beseech everyone to always put into be enthusiastic announce that before this extended Development
mindful of our responsible use of technologies, particularly Year ends, we will launch a mobile application/platform that
social media, such that our 12 Jewels are always conveyed and allows a marketplace for members to safely buy, sell, and trade
reflected in our online persona. APO-related items and merchandise. We humbly enjoin you
all to make use of this application as we, as a whole, adapt to
With this, please bear in mind that we at National Office the changing times and look forward to a more technologically
nevertheless continues to operate regularly from 9 a.m. to savvy APO.
5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
We are happy to accommodate submittals, queries, requests, As I hope you all see, this pandemic did not hinder Alpha Phi
and any other necessities through phone and email. Omega Philippines, Inc. towards upholding our principles
Also, payment of membership and charter dues may be leadership, friendship, and most especially in continuing to
accomplished online transfer and by submitting prerequisites to conduct meaningful and impactful service activities as the
our official email account, [email protected]. past year has brought with it so many challenges that it was the
best time than it has ever been to extend help to our brethren
It is also my office’s unfortunate duty to mention that because and community.
of the community lockdown that was initiated in March 2020
and lasted for almost a year, our 2020 Annual General Assembly As our centennial anniversary draws near, we also humbly
in Los Baños, Laguna was canceled. Be that as it may, online progress as we forge ahead to more greatness in 2025. And so
activities were organized such as meetings, both online and my heart flutters with every small and big success, brothers
face-to-face (subject to guidelines), and webinars that catered and sisters, and I, on behalf of everyone here in National
to support various membership and charters’ continuous Administrative Office, wish you well in everything.
learning and development. These activities aimed to maintain a
bit of normalcy in our day-to-day operations, so that your NAO Mabuhay ang Alpha Phi Omega!
can respond to every member’s and
BOU’s needs. Sis. Evelyn C. Canete-Evangelio
National Executive Director
Lastly, a word of caution, a resolution is now being
implemented regarding selling and proper usage of our

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MESSAGE FROM THE
CHAIRMAN - GA2020 (LOS BAÑOS)

“Alpha Phi Omega’s resiliency and
commitment to Service, kept us going”

Fraternal Greetings! and sisters who were financially financially
affected by the pandemic, and in providing
The Alpha Phi Omega, Philippines, Incorporated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to
General Assembly for 2020 should have been our member front liners, such as doctors,
held last May 15 to 17, 2020, at the Boy Scout of policemen, and nurses.
the Philippines (BSP) Camp, Los Banos, Laguna,
with the theme: “Balik Iskawting Ulit…” It was just Had our General Assembly of Alpha Phi Omega
unfortunate that unavoidable circumstances pushed through this year, it would have been a
overtook the holding of our annual activity. momentous occasion as it will pave the way
for our beloved institution to go back to its
Region IV-A and some Alumni Associations roots and one of its primary purpose, instilling
within the area, being the host and Co-hosts values learned from scouting to college men
respectively, have already started the and women.
preparations since November 2019 for
the General Assembly. In fact, the General Alpha Phi Omega’s resiliency and commitment
Assembly 2020 (GA2020) Committee was to Service, kept us going as an organization,
already 60% prepared by the time the first even giving us the strength to do more in
tragedy, the Taal Volcano eruption, struck in serving our fraternity brothers and sisters, and
the early part of January. The GA committees’ to the nation as a fully
preparations took a backseat when it partnered participating citizen.
with the Regional Directorate in organizing relief
operations and distribution of relief goods for MABUHAY ang ALPHA PHI OMEGA!!!
the Taal volcano victims.

By mid-March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Bro. Edgar D. Llarena
us, and the holding of GA 2020 was definitely Chairman
put on hold, and after a couple of months,
was cancelled. The GA2020 Committee then Alpha Phi Omega Phils., Inc.
focused its efforts in helping the Region IV-A
Directorate in giving assistance to our brothers General Assembly 2020

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APO Philippines 32nd National General Assembly
MOA signing with co-host - Region 4A CALABARZON
Administrative Region

By Sis Reiniell Antonett Solleza, Eta Theta Chapter

Let’s give a quick dialogue on something we all intent to participate through submitting their
can’t wait for, an APO affair that every brother and official delegates via email (NAO Official Email:
sister always take time to carefully prepare for - the [email protected]) on or before Feb 14,
next General Assembly! As we all know after the 2020. The final list of delegates will determine the
Gensan convention 2017, our fraternal organization quorum of our incoming General Assembly; and
is now anticipated to convene annually. To put it with confidence, our hosts are looking forward to a
simply, we will be greeting each other with warm significant number of participants in this upcoming
clasps every year (particularly on Mays), but tight event. In utmost sincerity, we always trust that these
elections are done biennially. Non-electoral years kinds of assemblies are a pursuit that embarks to
are to be hosted by APO Philippines, Inc.; while thrive a sense of strong organizational policies and
electoral years continue to shift hosting at Luzon, processes, mutual growth, and most especially,
Visayas, or Mindanao through bidding. understanding and respect. May we always recall
the words that we inculcate to our new bloods
With this Alpha Phi Omega Philippines, Inc. and APO “always be active!” and be involved in the plenary
Region 4A CALABARZON will conclusively sign a itself. Strong the circle of brothers and sisters of
Memorandum of Agreement on February 15, 2020, Alpha Phi Omega!
at 3330 Beijing, Fontana Leisure Parks and Hotel,
Clark Air Base Pampanga; together with the National (Disclaimer: This is a pre-released article. The 32nd National G.A.
President - Marcelino S. Ferry (Epsilon Omicron), did not convene due to COVID 19's pandemic restrictions)
the Regional Director of Region 4A Manolo L. Arasa
(Epsilon), the GA Chairman, Bro Edgar Llarena (Eta
Theta) and other prominent members as witnesses.
Thus, the 32nd National General Assembly will be
set and ready to go!

Here are the details we need to know: This
convention is a non-electoral year arranged in
Los Baños, Laguna from May 15-17, 2020. And
like any other General Assemblies, Basic Unit
Organizations such as: Collegiate Chapters and
Alumni Associations, are expected to send their

TORCH AND TREFOIL | ISSUE 002 8

National
President’s
Report

Greetings my worthy brothers and sisters in incorporators and is no longer part of the APO roll

Alpha Phi Omega! of membership – Reliable APO Roster (RAPOR). This

was resolved last August 30, 2020 via a zoom video

As we are fueled to move forward despite this conference in the Philippines.

exigent situations, I would like to impart to everyone

our accomplishments and achievements from July I also spoke to the leader of APO United, he claimed

2019 up to the present. My term as your National that they are not a breakaway group; they still

President has been considerably the most unique support Alpha Phi Omega Philippines. My objective

and undeniably challenging by far. of reaching out to all members of different groups

was to unite all brothers and sisters in one

“Asahan nyo po na magiging bukas solid APO PH.

ang aking mga mata, tenga, isip at I had planned several service projects for my entire
damdamin, sa hinaing ng bawat kapatid.” term. It was only a quarter of my term that I got to

If you remember, this line was a part of my inaugural put into action and felt the momentum of my plans
speech. Looking back, it made me think, what had I when this pandemic due to Corona Virus 19 (CoVid)
really done for my APO brothers and sisters?! hit the entire world. The entire Philippines were
locked down from March to June, prohibiting any

I inherited different issues among members of our kind of social gatherings and travel opportunities.
organization from previous administrations. At the Very limited people were allowed to go out of
start of my term, I reached out and went to Davao their residences that most, if not all, of my planned
to personally meet and had a dialogue with the activities for my entire term were put on hold.

members of Alpha Phi Omega International Service So many natural calamities were experienced
Fraternity and Sorority (APO ISFS). I asked them
from all over the Philippines even before this
to lay their issues on the table so we can talk and
pandemic started. In the later part of 2019, we
reach an understanding or a compromise. Despite experienced the wrath of typhoon Ursula in Leyte.
efforts to encourage them to unite back with us,
This was an opportunity for us to lend our helping
they continued issuing IDs from their office, they
hand to victims of the said typhoon. There was an
continued their recruitment, and they kept throwing earthquake that hit parts of Mindanao which caused
verbal, damaging attacks against APO Philippines so many damages on private properties, buildings
(APO PH). Because of these, the APO PH Board of of establishments and a lot more. I went there to
Trustees (BOT) under my leadership decided to file personally extend my assistance and distribute
a case against the incorporators. Extensive means to donations. In January of 2020, Taal Volcano erupted
resolve their issues landed on deaf ears, the Board and caused a lot of damages not only to properties
of Trustees (BOT) arrived at a decision to expel all 11 but also to the plants and animals, the livelihood

9 TORCH AND TREFOIL | ISSUE 002

of people living within the specified danger zone HEALTH AND WELLNESS
area. There were so many families affected, some
no longer have a house to return back to. APO PH (Bloodletting, Medical, Dental, Surgical missions;
continued to give assistance. Sports program)

The situations of our fellow Filipinos from these - The committee chairperson for health is
places haven’t totally recovered yet when this Brod Dr. Edward Flores. Before the pandemic,
pandemic spread all over the world. This is one there was a monthly medical service and
challenge of a lifetime. It is not only I nor members quarterly schedule for regional directorates;
of APO, but people from all over the whole world, this was supposed to push through until the
who were affected by this pandemic. This did not end of my term. However, such activities were
hinder me to stop. It in fact, inspired me to reach prohibited under Inter Agency Task Force
out more. During the lockdown, APO PH was able (IATF) protocols
to distribute donations of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPEs) and face masks to our front - The committee chairperson for sports is Brod
liners. The National President’s League was able to Rommel Santiago. The plan was to have
collect funds that were sent to the regional directors regional tournaments of different sports events
(RDs) who were always affected by the pandemic, and the finals will be held in the National Capital
they were given cash assistance and relief packs, Region. A big event of golf, Tara Run nAPO, a
Students who got stranded and were not able to shooting competition were part of the plans to
go back to their respective homes were also given be implemented but all these activities were
relief goods. If this was not enough hardship, several also prohibited under IATF protocols
super typhoons (Quinta, Rolly and Ulyses) in the last
quarter of 2020, hit our fellow Filipinos in Region 3, ENVIRONMENT
Region 5 and some parts of Metro Manila. These
typhoons caused landslides and lahar overflow that (green scouting, APO Tree Planting/Forest Camp,
buried some barangays in Albay, extreme flooding Coastal Clean Up)
in Cagayan Province and Marikina where these
places were submerged for days. - My aim is to plant 1 Million trees all over the
Philippines by December 2025. Negotiations
My goals were not realized because I was limited are still undergoing for this project to come
by this pandemic but I did not become idle. These to fruition. Arrangements are being discussed
challenges actually made me work even harder; with a government agency to make sure that by
I had to perform my duties as your president April, all regions will participate in attaining this
despite the limitations caused by this pandemic. goal. Let us take care of our environment and
Preparations for the annual general Assembly at
Los Baños, Laguna was postponed, we were at the
height of the lock down for quarantine measures.

I had to adapt to the new normal. Our regular
conventions, assembly, conference and all other
public gatherings until now were discouraged; we
cannot hold them as of this time. Innovations had
to be implemented like maximizing technology.
Face to face gathering of big groups is prohibited,
and social distancing has to be followed at all
times. I have a committee that tackles the writing
of new drafts to include additional information on
possibilities of online assembly, online voting and
other measures to tailor fit to the changing times. I
think it would be better if these things are included
in our CBL.

I also mentioned the National Projects from my
previous speech, these are the following:

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promote planting trees. Sis Kristi Calayag heads discuss thoroughly RA 11053 or the
this project. New Anti-Hazing Law.

- Coastal clean-up has been going on and is still - National Book Giving is headed by sis Gigi

done in different parts of the country Bunot, this was started before the pandemic

and some public schools in Mindanao

EDUCATION AND benefitted from this project
TRAINING
- A Presidential scholarship at the start of the
school year was supposed to be awarded to

(Balik-Eskwela, APO Academy, National Book Giving) worthy students but the pandemic hindered its

- School bags with specific designs and color implementation

agreed upon by the committee were already PEACE AND
prepared for distribution before the start of the GOVERNANCE
school year but due to the pandemic (which
kept school kids at home), we were not able to (Yes for Peace, Adopt-A-Barangay, APO Interfaith
proceed with the distribution. Prayer Battalion)

- APO Academy is lobbied by the collegiate; - Yes for Peace is headed by Brod Ernie
they propose to have a separate GPAC Summit Alcanzare and is still ongoing
(Grand, Prime, Auxiliary Chancellors) Summit

for the fraternity and sorority that will cater to - Adopt-A-Barangay is headed by Brod Leo
residents per region purposely informing and Cairo, meetings had already started but
bridging gaps of our resident brothers and got interrupted due to the pandemic, it was
sisters to what the Alpha Phi Omega is all about; temporarily shelved
and to train the top 3 dignitaries on several
concerns and issues regarding APO. Collegiate - APO Interfaith Prayer Battalion is headed
Congress is another proposal where it will by sis NEVP Norma Singson-DeLeon, this
serve as a mini convention per major islands in started during the campaign period of then
the Philippines; where4 representatives each Brod Vice President Jojo Binay, from then on it
from the fraternity and the sorority will be the continued to be an active part of APO PH. Travel
delegation of each chapter. It also aims to opportunities and restrictions are no reasons to
stop them, they do it online regularly

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SCOUTING - It was during the relief operations for the victims
of the Taal Eruption that I started the “Kitchen
(Balik Scouting Program, ROVIC, Basic Training on Wheels”. To this day, it is still operating and
Courses, Advance Programs in scouting) on-going whenever needed.

- Balik Scouting Program is chaired by Brod John For the APO Building, acceptance of donations
Tenchavez, The Rover Orientation Vigil and is continuous and ongoing, but again due to the
Investiture Ceremony (ROVIC) is still ongoing, pandemic, the call for donations slowed down.
the pandemic is not a hindrance. They have We had to give considerations to everyone since
maximized the use of technology to reach out everyone felt and was greatly affected by
to resident members this pandemic.

- Basic Training Courses and Advanced Programs Under my term and as of this writing, we have the
in Scouting are also given to enhance the following new basic organizational units: 2 new
bonds among members approved chapters in the collegiate fraternity (Xi

PLEDGING Sigma & Xi Tau), 6 new collegiate sororities, and 6
new alumni associations, 1 of which is community-
(APO Pledge Program) based and the rest of the 5 are chapter-based. For

- The proposed enhanced APP in Subic was the period of July 1, 2019 – December 31, 2020,
not approved because of a new law. Republic there are 203 for collegiate and 1,199 new ID holders
Act11053 (“An act PROHIBITING hazing and for Alumni. There are 66 for collegiate and 8,033
regulating other forms of initiation rites of for alumni, 504 Life ID renewals. A total of 10,010
fraternities, sororities, and other organizations, members are APO id holders at the year end
and providing penalties for violations thereof, of 2020.

amending for the purpose Republic Act No. I’ll keep saying that I have the most challenging
8049, entitled “An act REGULATING hazing term ever in the history of APO. There are so many
and other forms of initiation rites in fraternities, restrictions and limitations but this did not stop
sororities, and organizations and providing me from performing and delivering service to our
penalties therefor.”) or RA 11053 is the new brethren wherever you are located. This sure is a
Anti-Hazing Law. test to our brotherhood and sisterhood in APO. How

- The Collegiate Trustees for Fraternity and long are we going to stand by for each other in
Sorority proposed to have two (2) options for these most trying times?!

the recruitment process of new members which
will abide with the new Anti-Hazing Law, where In just 4 more years, we shall be celebrating our
centennial, I hope by then, this pandemic has totally
it should only take 3 days for the recruitment
ended, let us enjoy each and everyone’s company
process to be completed. As of this time, no
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) have by being true leaders, maintaining friendship and of
service at all times. Thank you for putting your trust
been approved yet by the Board of Trustees
and confidence to me as your national president. Let
(BOT), the old APP is still being followed.
us all unite for the betterment of ONE APO PH.
APO DISASTER AND
RESPONSE TEAM

- The chairman for this committee is Brod
Nemencio Muyot, despite the pandemic, he
goes around per region to teach basic skills
on how to respond when caught in a situation
and faced by a disaster in provinces, cities and
municipalities. This is viewed to change some
trainings in the ROVIC because it felt like this
can be more advantageous to our members
especially that our country is prone
to calamities.

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An Evening of Music with
John Lesaca and APO Brods

When Lung Center approached John to perform,
he readily agreed. Pro bono. He even invited his
ETA brothers and sisters to help.

John Lesaca’s distinct style has cut across
through time, genre and culture, inspiring a
generation of musicians along the way. Aside
from his musical talents, John is a leader. He
has headed several organizations like Haribon,
Asosayon Ng musikong pilipino. He is now the
chairman of the Apo alumni association of UP
Diliman. He has jammed with musical legends
and icons. He has performed with presidents,
Kings and royalties.

The Lung Center sponsored “An Evening of “I want to reach out to those who will not be able
Music with John Lesaca and Friends” to raise to watch the show. Want to reach out to our sense
funds for its Palliative Care Unit which cares for of compassion for people, especially children,
end of life patients. It was held on October 26, who are staring at death in the face. I want to
2019 at the Dr Enrique Garcia Auditorium at turn the Dr. Garcia Auditorium into a virtual venue
Lung Center Complex. where we’re not limited by seating capacity, really
raise funds and participate in the cause of helping
The concert featured the musical talents of the LCP unit continue its mission, like we’re at the
Eta Brods, John Lesaca and Niki Cabardo, Noel concert venue itself that evening of the 25th.” His
Estanislao with Brod Menggie as emcee, raised wish was fulfilled because brods and sis from
much needed funds for LCP. abroad donated to the funds even if they were
not able to attend.
So, what does it really mean to be helping in this
cause? What is palliative care? Who are being
helped? How?

Palliative care is end of life care. The patients
at the unit are children who are terminally ill
(commonly, with cancer), suffering severe pain,
discomfort, fear, anxiety, feeling of helplessness,
hopelessness, even abandonment in some
cases. Palliative care is keeping those patients
as comfortable as possible, by managing their
pain and other distressing symptoms - until they
ultimately pass on. It should be mentioned most
of them are there only through charitable help,
not their own.

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The other ETA artist who performed with him was
Niki Cabardo, keyboardist of Freestyle. He has now a
new band called Bras Pas Pas Pas.
Brod Noel Estanislao also performed with his band.
Noel is a retired police coronel from San Sebastian
chapter of APO. He owns Kuta,
a jsazz bar in Marikina Heights where he also
performs regularly.
Mengie Cobarubias emceed the program with a
balance of humor and sensitivity. Aside from being
a well sought emcee, he is an actor for all seasons.
He was mentored by Lino Brocka. He won the best
supporting actor in 1979 for Jaguar.
The auditorium was fully packed that night. All
proceeds went to the Palliative Care Unit of LCP.
Everyone involved in the show as performer,
promoter, ticket patron, sponsor participated directly
in making sure The Palliative Care Unit for Children
continues to pursue its mission - caring for children
with terminal illnesses.
Prologue: For its help, the ETA chapter was given by
LCP a recognition award during its 38th Founding
Anniversary last January 23 in connection with the
successful concert.

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Leadership

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APO Kappa Gamma Hosts Paindisanay 2020,
A Literary-Musical Contest in UPV

Sis Kimberly D. Penoliar, Kappa Gamma ‘17
Bro. Gerald A. Magallanes, Kappa Gamma ‘16

The Alpha Phi Omega Kappa Gamma chapter (OPM). Poetry in Motion challenges the creativity of
organized the annual Paindisanay last February 29, the contestants. A group of six to eight members of
2020 at the UP Visayas Auditorium. Paindisanay each academic organization will be given a poem
is a literary and musical contest in University of by the organizers, and they need to interpret and
the Philippines Visayas, and it is one of the major delivery it accordingly on stage. The poem which
cultural events of UPV Pahampang, where eleven was used is entitled “Ang Matam-is nga Yuhum
academic organizations from different divisions and kag Harakhak” (A Sweet Smile and Laugh), and was
departments of the university compete with each written by John Iremil Teodoro, an Antiqueño writer,
other through showcasing of talent and skills. literary critic and cultural scholar. It tackles the
maltreatment and atrocities of landowners against
Paindisanay is composed of four categories: Vocal farmers and tenants. APO Kappa Gamma believes
Duet, A Capella, Poetry in Motion and Creative that it is essential that the UPV constituents voice
Modern Dance. For the Vocal Duet, each academic out their call against injustices experienced by the
organization must have a pair to compete that marginalized sectors in our country, especially the
should perform a song piece which suits to the farmers; thus the particular poem was selected for
theme provided by the organizers. This year’s the contest. Lastly, the Creative Modern Dance,
theme for Vocal Duet is Original Pinoy Music which is deemed as the most awaited part of
(OPM) Hugot. In A Capella, a group composed of Paindisanay, allows each academic organization to
six to eight members must perform an original have a group of eight to ten members to perform a
a capella piece which should also fall under the dance routine based on the provided theme by the
theme provided by the organizers. The theme for organizers, which is Original Pinoy Music
A Capella this year is simply Original Pinoy Music (OPM) Hiphop.

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Paindisanay is the final event of Pahampang, constituents to express themselves relevantly
which makes it an important determinant of and creatively. Moreover, this event serves as a
the overall top three competing academic proof that UPV students can do greater things
organization. For this reason, academic than just studying and “surviving UP”.
organizations give their best for this event
to reach the podium finish. For the Vocal Paindisanay is one of the most recognizable
Duet, third place was bagged by Scions, the events organized by APO Kappa Gamma as it is
academic organization from the Department one of the most anticipated events in UPV, and
of Accountancy; second place was awarded to it is a university-wide event attended by most
Redbolts from the Division of Social Sciences, number of people. For more than two decades
and the first place is Magnates, the academic since the inception of the chapter in 1993,
organization representing Department of it is one of the income generating activities
Marketing. In A Capella, Skimmers from the that would give sustenance for the upcoming
Division of Humanities won third place, service projects of the chapter, and ultimately
second place was awarded to Redbolts, and a form of service for the student body
the first place was bagged by Goldies from and faculty.
the University of the Philippines High School
in Iloilo. In Poetry in Motion, Goldies garnered
the third place, Clovers from the Division of
Biological Sciences was awarded with second
place, and the first place was the academic
organization of Chemical Engineering and
Food Technology, SOTECH. The third place
for Creative Modern Dance was awarded to
Clovers, the second place was bagged by the
Scions, and Magnates, the champion of last
year’s Creative Modern Dance was able to
defend their crown.

The term “Paindisanay” is a Visayan word
which means competition. Just like any
other competition, there are winners and
losers. However, the true essence of this
event transcends the desire for victory of the
competing organizations as it allows UPV

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APO-EVAR Chapters heed the call towards
environmental protection

By: Alfonso Alex C. Labrague, Jr. (Theta Alpha Chapter, Batch 18-A)

“The Earth will not continue to offer its THETA ALPHA CHAPTER
harvest, except with faithful stewardship. On January 25, 2020, the APO – Theta Alpha
We cannot say we love the land and Chapter of Samar State University, in coordination
then take steps to destroy it for use by with APO Maqueda Alumni Association #162,
future generations.” – John Paul II APO-EVAR, APO Qatar Alumni Asociation #97,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
The Alpha Phi Omega – Eastern Visayas and Pinabacdao Youth Circle, planted hundreds of
Administrative Region (APO-EVAR) chapters mangroves along the coast of Brgy. 1, Pinabacdao,
organize different initiatives geared towards the Samar, through PAGSALBAR (PAGLIGTAS), a
protection of the environment and its natural mangrove tree planting activity.
resources. Members of the fraternity/sorority
acknowledge that we have a crucial role in The activity enjoins several other organizations
ensuring that we not only know how to use these which also envision the same goal for the
environmental goods but we also know how to environment such as UP Runggiyaan and the 802nd
preserve them. The chapters that partake in the Maneuver Company.
said activities are as follows:
Also present in the activity is the Regional Director
TREE PLANTING of APO-EVAR, Sis Nancy Go, who spearheaded
educating the volunteers about our crucial role in
DELTA PHI CHAPTER protecting and saving Mother Earth.
Around a hundred mangroves have been planted
at the Paraiso Mangrove Eco Learning Park, Brgy. It is imperative to emphasize that mangroves
San Jose, Tacloban City, through the mangrove tree are an important element for a balanced coastal
planting initiative conducted by the APO – Delta Phi ecosystem. They provide essential habitat for
Chapter of Eastern Visayas State University, thousands of marine species. And also, worth
last January 25, 2020. This initiative sought the help highlighting is its vital function of stabilizing the
of the chapter’s alumni through the Delta Phi shorelines, preventing erosion, and consequently
Alumni Association. protecting people from waves and storms.
Mangroves also help a lot in mitigating the impacts
of the current environmental crisis we are facing.

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CLEAN-UP DRIVE

MU GAMMA CHAPTER
The BANTAY KALIBUNGAN, a clean-up drive in
Tacloban City Supermarket, was held last February
15, 2020 through the efforts of APO – Mu Gamma
Chapter (St. Paul’s School of Professional Studies)
and Mu Gamma Alumni Association, in partnership
with APO – Lambda Chi Chapter, APO – Mu Beta
Association, and the petitioning chapters of
Leyte Normal University, St. Scholastica’s
College of Tacloban, and Asian Development
Foundation College.

This environmental cause, the organizers believe,
is one progressive step towards achieving a clean
and green city. They envision a development in the
city that does not compromise the environment.
As such, this will not be the end but is just the
beginning of many more initiatives directed towards
the same goal.

XI RHO CHAPTER the Philippines, Southern Leyte State University,
One of the major sources of trash in the ocean is Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection,
garbage which eventually can choke or entangle Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and other
marine life. This is evident at present and does not institutions with the same line of advocacy.
only pose threats to marine resources but also to
human lives. The organizers are looking forward to more
partnerships and initiatives of this kind, and
In connection to this, the APO – Xi Rho Chapter of hopefully for the replication of similar activities in
Southern Leyte State University-CTE organizes other areas. Let us all help keep the environment
an underwater coastal clean-up on February 2, clean, green, and healthy! Let’s be the green
2020 at Talisay and Poblacion, Bontoc, Southern change ourselves!
Leyte. This is in cooperation with the Boy Scout of

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APO-EVAR vows adherence to Anti-Hazing Law

By: Alfonso Alex C. Labrague, Jr. (Theta Alpha Chapter, Batch 18-A)

The highlight of the GPAC Summit conducted developments especially to legal mandates in
by APO-Eastern Visayas Administrative Region relation to its recruitment activities. This is in line
(EVAR) in January 2020 revolves around the with the 94th International Founding Anniversary of
discussion of a very important legislation in relation the fraternity/sorority which says, “Unity in Diversity:
to the recruitment in fraternities/sororities and Bridging Traditions and Innovations”. Everyone in the
organizations, the Republic Act (RA) 11053 or the collective is enjoined in heeding the call towards
New Anti-Hazing Law. adopting the changes implemented from time to
time so as not to effect division among members.
Before RA 11053 comes into effect, there was RA Thus, the promise of APO-EVAR to abide by the
8049. The main difference between the two is that, Anti-Hazing Law. Furthermore, the organization
the latter calls for the regulation of hazing and other acknowledges that it is not through hazing that
initiation rites in groups while the former pushes great leaders are made; but through other means
for a total ban on the matter at hand. Hazing, as with which their potential can fully be unleashed.
it is defined in the new law, refers to “any act that
results in physical or psychological suffering, harm,
injury inflicted on a recruit, neophyte, applicant, or
member as part of an initiation rite or practice made
as a prerequisite for admission or a requirement
for continuing membership”. Such term includes
various acts including but not limited to paddling,
whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics,
exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any
substance, and any other brutal treatment or forced
physical activity.

Alpha Phi Omega, as a service-oriented
fraternity/sorority, renders its obedience to new

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APO-EVAR hosts 2020 GPAC Summit

By: Alfonso Alex C. Labrague, Jr. (Theta Alpha Chapter, Batch 18-A)

The Alpha Phi Omega – Eastern Visayas APO Pledge Program, Brand Guide, Chartering
Administrative Region (APO-EVAR) spearheads the of Collegiate Chapters, Robert’s Rule, and most
conduct of the Grand/Grand Lady, Prime/Prime importantly, Anti-Hazing Law. These discussions
Lady, and Auxiliary/Auxiliary Lady Chancellors collectively aimed at enhancing the knowledge
(GPAC) Summit for Leg 6 – Eastern and Central of the officers on these topics and eventually, in
Visayas - last January 11-12, at the HIS Capsule, Real developing their confidence and self-motivation to
St. Tacloban City. further enhance GPAC leadership.

The GPAC Summit is a platform for the top level Interactive discussions were then delivered by Bro.
officers of collegiate chapters to gather together Dennis M. Dumaop, the National Vice-President for
and to talk about the basics of leadership functions Fraternity, and Sis. Romerlin Kristi C. Garcia, Trustee
as well as improve skills necessary in the pursuit for Sorority.
of development for Alpha Phi Omega. Moreover,
this is a venue for the chapters to forge unities and The Regional Director for Alumni of EVAR
create strategic plans and actions to troubleshoot emphasized the importance of such activities
concerns faced by the chapters in terms of saying, “The GPAC Summit is a very significant
membership expansion, conduct of activities and initiative because it is a way of telling the officers
services, and the like. as to where they should start as well as setting the
direction and end goal for every endeavor they will
The two-day activity covered discussions on venture into”. A challenge was also posed to the
Recruitment, Leadership, Image Branding, officers and alumni to continue upholding the core
Organizational Structure of APO Philippines, Inc., principles that Alpha Phi Omega embedded in each
one of us. May We Always Be!

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Interview with Atty. Jun Dexter Rojas
Bar Examination 2019 -TOP 9

By: Bro. William M. Ay-Ay

4. Why did you study Law? Motivations?
Factors considered?

JDR: Before enrolling in law school, my main
motivation to study law was basically
economic. I only wanted a better life for my
wife and son.

However, while in law school, my desire to
become a lawyer got deeper as I got acquainted
with the role lawyers play in society, which is to
assist the Courts in the administration of justice
and ensure the rule of law.

I learned that when a client engages the
services of a lawyer, he practically entrusts his
life, liberty and property to him. This enormous
power that lawyers wield made me take my
studies more seriously.

1. Tell me about yourself and your family background. 5. Unique Experiences while in Law School?

JDR: I just passed the 2019 Philippine Bar JDR: I was among the eldest in my class so my
Examinations, garnering the 9th highest grade classmates called me “Kuya”. While in
and becoming the first bar topnotcher from law school, I was also elected as the Vice
PUP College of Law. I am a son of a farmer President of the College’s Student Council.
and a retired public school teacher. I am also In the eyes of an outsider, life in law school is
married with one son. really boring. Countless hours are dedicated to
reading books.
2. Educational Background and Achievements?
A funny experience was, in law school, I could
JDR: High School at Divine Word College of remember most of the legal doctrines and
Calapan, First Honorable Mention legal provisions but I couldn’t remember my
classmates’ names. It was only in my fourth
year when I finally remembered the names of
College: UP Manila, BA Political Science, most of them.
College of Arts and Sciences Student
Council Chairperson 6. What do you think are your qualities, strategies and
best practices that helped make you to the top?
Law School: PUP College of Law, Juris Doctor
Salutatorian and 2019 Bar Exam Top 9 JDR: I was a very diligent and disciplined student in
law school. I rarely joined fellowship activities
3. Employment (if applicable) and followed a very strict study routine, which
is basically read and study whenever I have
JDR: Associate Attorney at CAVEAT Law Offices, free time.
Ortigas Center, Pasig City

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7. Any advice or tips to us aspiring lawyers? 12. Cite some support (Moral, Financial etc) you had
from APO while studying and taking the Bar.
JDR: I will just quote from my own FB post:
Remember that the best antidote to your law JDR: I remember borrowing money from our alumni
school sorrows is READING MORE. Drown your brods for my allowance in college whenever
fears, doubts, and sorrows with books and you my parents couldn’t send me money. But
will never go wrong. Remember that every flip whenever I try to pay back the money
of the page is a step closer to the title “Atty.” borrowed, our alumni brothers would not
And whenever you are praised for a good accept my payment! APO is indeed a family.
recitation or a good score in your exam, never
rest on your laurels. Remember to dampen 13. How do you see yourself after passing the Bar
your elation with MORE READING! Remember (as a lawyer and APO member)
that the price of excellence is CONSISTENCY!
Lastly, remember that there is no shortcut to JDR: The objectives of lawyering are no different
becoming a lawyer, lest, you will be bound to from the objectives of APO, which, among
start all over again. others, is to render services. I see myself as
a lawyer who renders quality legal services
8. Plans after passing the Bar? and in the process, promotes the cardinal
principles of APO which are: Leadership,
JDR: I plan to continue working for the CAVEAT Law Friendship and Service.
Firm and, at the same time, teach law subjects
in PUP College of Law. 14. Additional messages or additional information
you wanted us to highlight.
9. APO Membership information.
JDR: In this digital age, it is now much easier to
JDR: I became a junior member of APO Iota Eta in stay connected with brothers and sisters
July 2001, my batch year was 2001-C. I became from all over the world. Let us all use this to
a senior member in October 2002. our advantage.

10. APO Membership achievements/Contributions? May all the members of APO continue to reach
out to other members wherever they may
JDR: I was one of the members of APO Iota Eta be and may we all be true in upholding our
Chapter who produced many recruits. Many cardinal principles: Leadership, Friendship and
of these brothers are still active today. The Service for the benefit of APO and our nation.
highest position I held in the Chapter was as a May APO endure for thousands of years!
Prime Chancellor. While in college, I organized May we always be!
several projects/services co-sponsored by
APO and CAS Student Council, as I was the
latter’s Chairperson.

11. How and why did you join Alpha Phi Omega?

JDR: APO is famous in my native province Oriental
Mindoro. So while studying in UP, I always
wanted to be recruited by APO. Fortunately,
I was recruited by my classmate, Brod and
now Atty. Tom Lacson. I was very happy in
the chapter because many members were
“probinsyano” like me.

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Congratulations to our Dear
Brothers and Sisters of Alpha Phi
Omega Philippines for Passing the

2019 Bar Exam.

Mabuhay New APO Lawyers!

Atty Dexter Rojas (Iota Eta Chapter) - Top 9
Atty Honcel Destajo (Xi Alpha)

Atty Marlouis Planas (Alpha Delta)
Atty Fritz Sapon (Eta)

Atty Mel John Acuros (Delta Tau)
Atty Jan Michael Bondoc (Iota Psi)
Atty Dino Roel De Guzman (iota Eta/ eta affiliate)

Atty Marichie Alaras (Pi)
Atty Ruth Galang (Zeta Delta)
Atty Mary Ann De Vera (Eta Omicron)
Atty Manuel Satuito (Delta Kappa)
Atty May DL De Guzman (Theta)
Atty Mikhail Andrei Larios (Theta Chi/XiXi)
Atty Lee Ann Yabut (Xi Alpha)
Atty Florian Piedad II (Gamma)
Atty Jeff Antala (Lambda Sigma)
Atty Rana Bernardes (Theta Zeta)
Atty Vinci Petilos (Theta Zeta)
Atty Grafer-Carl Lentejas (Theta Zeta)

Atty Aidyl Perez (Iota Eta)
Atty Jay Baya (Eta)

Atty Justine Ria M. Almojuela (Gamma Omicron)
Atty. Tristan Adviento ( PUNP PC-093)

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Service

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APO BAYANIHAN LABAN SA COVID-19

by: NEVPNorma Singson-de Leon

In Alpha Phi Omega (APO), service is a way of life. • National Capital Region thru RD Richard Mark C.
An APO does not hesitate to spend precious time Bugarin (Php 53,000.00)
and personal resources, brave ruggedsometimes
dangerous terrain, endure heat, cold and typhoons, • Region 2-Cagayan Valley thru RD Mario R.
never weary, sans complaints, oblivious to hunger, Tagasa (Php 17,000.00)
if only to deliver much-needed relief to those
badly affected by a disaster. This is especially true • Region 3- Central Luzon thru RD Rommel G.
now that the whole world is faced with Covid-19, Santiago (Php 27,000.00)
the most serious health crisis in ages. So much is
changing. Many basic items are becoming scarce • Region 4A- CALABARZON thru RD Manolo L.
including protective gears for front-liners. Brothers Arasa (Php 47,000.00)
and sisters realize the great work ahead but they
are undaunted. And so they continue to serve. • Region 5-Bicol Region thru RD Ferdinand R.
Balcueva (Php 14,000.00)
There are times, though, when those who serve
must be served. Duringthis pandemic, many • Region 6- Western Visayas thru RD Kenneth D.
brothers and sisters have been adversely affected Garcia (Php 10, 000.00)
by the crisis. To temper the harmful effects of
Covid-19 on our fellow members, the Board of • Region 8- Eastern Visayas thru RD Nancy A. Go
Trustees (BOT) with the National President’s League (Php 40,000.00)
(NPL)embarked on an APO-wide campaign to raise
funds for distribution to brothers and sisters who • Region 12- SOCCSKSARGEN thru RD Sis. Sakina
qualify as beneficiaries pursuant to guidelines. In its Paglas (Php 2,500.00)
meeting held on Zoom on April 5, 2020, the Board
of Trustees created the APO Bayanihan Laban sa Said Regional Directors distributed the amount
Covid 19 Committee jointly chaired by Chairman of they received to qualified beneficiaries in their
the Board Brod Gerry Arbis and National President respective regions.
Brod Tatang Ferry with sis NEVP Norma Singson-
de Leon as Chair for Operations. Members are Many individual brothers and sisters and
NED Evelyn Evangelio, NES Alma SheillaEscarcha, Alumni Associations also heeded the call for
COME Chair Leonardo Cairo, Jr., Assistant National donationsas follows:
Treasurer Sis Benita Villanueva, Committee on
Auditor Chair Sis Jane Ibay. The National Collegiate • Bro. Marcelino S. Ferry
Officers—Sis Mary Catherine Gonzales, Sis • Sis. Norma De Leon
Romerlin Kristi Garcia, Bro Dennis Dumaup and Bro • Bro. Norly Capanzana, Zeta Xi Chapter
John Daviz de Chavez are also members of the • APO Eta Kappa AA
committee and they embarked on the sale of APO • ARME c/o Bro RD Jhun Bunda
Bayanihan commemorative Tshirts. The National • Bro Renato and Alma SheillaL iquigan Escarcha
Presidents’ League (NPL) through the initiative of • APO Marino Petitioning AA
PNP Jimmy de Castro, Brod Rod Mapoy remitted • Gamma Epsilon
the amount of Two Hundred Thirteen Thousand • Sis Jane Ibay, Theta Zeta Chapter
Pesos (Php 213,000.00) to the APO Philippines • APO Hongkong AA No. 82
special fund bank account from their “Tulong APO” • Sis Madel Kho & Bro Lesder Galdo
fund raising drive.The APO Philippines National • APO Brunei Darussalam AA c/o Bro Danie
Office, in turn distributed the same to the following
Regional Directors: Buendia
• APO Taiwan AA thru AA Pres. Bro Ernie Abello
• Cordillera Administrative Region thru Bro RD • APO Antipolo AA
Alejandro Pascual ( Php 3,000.00) • APO Bayanihan AA thru Sis Alma Drue
• APO Hollywood AA
• Sis. Joanne Ocasla
• Bro. Anthony Alvarado
• Bro. Wilson Dandoy
• Bro. Mon Gutierrez, Beta Kappa Chapter
• Bro. Jun Ilagan, Gamma Pi Chapter
• APO Singapore AA thru AAS Treas Bro. Jeffrey

Dela Cruz

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• Bro. Jeffrey dela Cruz • Bro Manuel Mapoy
• Bro. John Marvin Estrella • Bro Mar DL Dela Fuente
• Mr. & Mrs Engay • Alpha Mu
• ACNA thru Bro Jun de Castro • Bro. Wilgelmo Galura
• Bro. Edgar Ninofranco
National Presidents League donations and • Bro. Jojo Fajardo
pledges collected • Bro. Jun Diaz
• Sis Minviluz Payumo
• Bro Jimmy de Castro • APO Mu Delta AA
• Bro Rodrigo Mapoy • Sis Ruth Tolentino
• Sis Norma de Leon • Bro. Marnie Alquiza
• Bro Felix Mariñas, Jr. • APO Beta AA
• Bro Mel Adriano • Sis Loida Abrenica
• Bro Roel Fernandez • Bro ArnelEscobal
• Bro Frank Brosas • Anonymous c/o Bro Chato Mariñas
• Bro Teddie Rivera • Bro. Cesar Gonzales
• Sis Gigi Clave • Bro Romy Ripalda
• Bro Elmer Rillo • Bro. Gerry Arbis
• Bro Rudy Salazar
• Bro Obet Fajardo Our heartfelt gratitude to all donors. God bless
• Bro Cris Tiam Alpha Phi Omega. May we always be.

APO-EVAR initiates COVID-19 Relief Operations

By: Alfonso Alex C. Labrague, Jr. (Theta Alpha Chpater, Batch 18-A)

“The best way to find yourself is to lose virus and protecting the general populace from
yourself in the service of others.” acquiring it.

–Mahatma Gandhi

The Alpha Phi Omega – Eastern Visayas
Administrative Region (APO-EVAR) once more
quickly responds to the call of service amid
the global health crisis brought about by the
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus. This is
a clear proof of EVAR continually living up to the
ideals and principles that the fraternity/sorority
inculcated among its members.

The Theta Alpha Chapter organizes LIKAY COVID-19
(IWAS COVID-19), a health promotion initiative
and relief operation on March 27, 2020 at Pier 2
and Seawall Area of Catbalogan City. The activity
included the distribution of alternative disinfectants,
hygiene kits, flyers/infographics, food packs, as well
as the demonstration of proper handwashing to
the less fortunate as these are essential in helping
them cope with the pandemic. Moreover, the
chapter also gave food to the frontliners stationed
at Bryg. Socorro, Catbalogan City as a way of
acknowledging their efforts in helping contain the

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The activity is in partnership with the APO Maqueda LIKAY COVID-19 (IWAS-COVID-19):
Alumni Association #162 and APO-EVAR. HEALTH PROMOTION INITIATIVE AND RELIEF OPERATIONS
Meanwhile, it also sought the support and OF THETA ALPHA CHAPTER
assistance of the City of Catbalogan since there was
already a strict implementation of the Enhanced
Community Quarantine due to COVID-19.

Similarly, the Delta Phi Chapter, on March 30, 2020,
also gave packs of rice, canned goods, noodles,
biscuits, and coffee to those in need along Tacloban
City, including pedicab drivers, workers, street
dwellers and the like. They are prioritized since
they are mostly the ones challenged in these times.
The said initiative became possible with the help of
Delta Phi Alumni Association.

We are challenged by times and our commitment
tested but the principles we have imbibed from the
collective will let us realize why we exist and for
whom the fraternity/sorority exists. It may be hard
for we cannot see the enemy but we make sure we
apply the necessary preventive measures to protect
ourselves just so we can extend our help. After all,
we shed light to people in darkness.

Staying outdoors for no reason is no good but
staying outdoors for a cause is worthwhile!

Let us continue being in the frontline of giving
services to the people in the aim of igniting and
strengthening the spirit of compassion and oneness
among us, as well as working for a better and safer
world. Strong The Circle We!

DELTA PHI CHAPTER COVID-19 RELIEF OPERATIONS
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APO-EVAR Members spearhead COVID-19 initiatives

By: Alfonso Alex C. Labrague, Jr. (Theta Alpha Chapter, Batch 18-A)

The time is still young for future innovators. 350 plastic bottles to be filled in by the alternative
disinfectant solution. Half of the bottles were used
This has been proven by the youth of Alpha Phi for the strong chlorine solution and the other half
Omega as they appeared to be at the frontline of for the mild one. These bottles have been properly
conducting services that would help prevent the labeled to help the beneficiaries avoid confusion
spread of COVID-19. This is in time for the strict and misuse of the said disinfectants. These were
implementation of community quarantine brought then distributed to the less fortunate households of
about by the worsening global health crisis. Pier 2 and Seawall Area of Catbalogan City as part
of LIKAY COVID-19 (IWAS COVID-19) service of
One great act has been exemplified by a resident the chapter.
sister, Gwyneth Nicole Pomarejos, Batch 19-A, of
Theta Zeta Chapter, University of the Philippines Furthermore, the Theta Alpha Chapter members
Visayas Tacloban College. also took the initiative of translating relevant
information about COVID-19 into Waray-Waray
Due to the shortage in the supply of alcohol and dialect and designing infographics. Among
disinfectants, she was able to look for a way to them are the Frequently Asked Questions about
create an alternative disinfectant. The solution has COVID-19 and Measures to Avoid COVID-19, both
been taken from a reputable source online which from the Department of Health, as well as data
uses 9 glasses of water and 1 glass of liquid bleach
to come up with a strong chlorine solution used to
disinfect surfaces; and 9 glasses of water added
with 1 glass of strong chlorine solution to formulate
the mild chlorine solution used as hand sanitizer.
Alternately, 2 liters of water and 1 tablespoon
of chlorine powder can be used for the strong
solution, for purposes of sanitizing surfaces, and 20
liters of water mixed thoroughly with 1 tablespoon
of chlorine power to arrive at the mild solution for
disinfecting hands. She put the mixtures in plastic
bottles properly labeled and distributed them to at
least 110 households in her locality – Sitio Cogon,
Taft, Eastern Samar. This move gained appreciation
online as well as from her brothers and sisters in the
fraternity/sorority.

In a similar vein, the resident members of Alpha
Phi Omega – Theta Alpha Chapter replicated the
same initiative. They were able to gather around

SIS GWYNETH OF THETA ZETA ON HER INITIATIVE TO
CREATE MIXTURES OF ALTERNATIVE DISINFECTANTS

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on the pandemic taken from the World Health
Organization. Those who took the challenge are
Brod. Alfonso Alex C. Labrague, Jr., Batch 18-A and
Sis Krystille Anne L. Sabio, Batch 15-A. The materials
were published online and eventually printed and
distributed to households so as to help them better
understand the dynamics of the virus and the
necessary preventive measures to avoid acquiring
such virus.
Indeed, there are a lot of ways in which we can be of
help to others. It need not be grand or expensive. It
just needs to fit what the people need. Simple acts,
when they suit the demand of a community, create
so much impact.
Let us not stop innovating. May we continue to be
of service to others even in our own little ways! May
We Always Be!

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LEGACY OF LEADERS IN FRIENDLY SERVICE
AMIDST PANDEMIC

(Torch and Trefoil Article by APO Theta Chapter)

The Alpha Phi Omega Theta Chapter (UPLB) PhP 80,000.00 had provided food packs and
enjoined with its Alumni Association (APO Theta relief goods to Talisay, Batangas evacuees who
AA) and its resident Fraternity and Sorority have took refuge at Brgy Bitin, Bay, Laguna. The
been in the forefront of several service projects and chapter also conducted donations of food relief
initiatives in 2019 up to present, despite the threat of packs and water drums to the disabled, elderly,
the pandemic due to COVID19. and pregnant evacuees in AFP-PNP Housing
Project at Talaibon, Ibaan, Batangas. Around
The year 2020 was a productive one for the APO 200 malongs were provided by APO Region IX
Theta Chapter. We were able to do several key to this project.
projects to assist the victims of the Taal volcanic
explosion, the front-liners and most vulnerable 2. THETA LABAN SA COVID - due to the extent
people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; of the COVID19 pandemic including a three-
assisted the victims of the super typhoons, and month total lockdown from March to June 2020,
distributed proceeds of the celebration of the prompted APO Theta Chapter to initiate five (5)
95th international founding anniversary through phases of service projects including distribution
service projects. Our alumni, the resident brothers of basic food necessities to the stranded UPLB
and sisters worked hand in hand in delivering dormers and residents of APO Theta Chapter;
the donations through various services. What an donation of a total of PhP 125,000.00 worth of
amazing synergy! washable masks to front-liners in 14 district and
community hospitals in the province of Laguna;
At the forefront of our services and initiatives last distribution of more than PhP 370,000.00
year are the following five (5) key projects: worth of personal protective equipment (PPEs),
scrub suits, face shields, 3-ply surgical masks,
1. TULONG TAAL – Last January 12 of 2020, the latex gloves, N95 masks, bread/snacks,
sudden eruption of Taal volcano in Batangas bottled water, and gallons of alcohol were
province caused heavy ashfall in neighboring donated at the Lung Center of the Philippines
provinces, including Metro Manila. The eruption (LCP), University Health Service (UHS-UPLB),
displaced more than 500,000 people living Langkawan Isolation Facility (UPLB Jamboree),
mostly within the 14-kilometre danger zone. Los Baños Health Care Center, COVID-19
APO Theta Chapter in collaboration with Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (UPLB
multiple organizations including UP Alumni Biotech), Baguio General Hospital and Medical
Association of Greater Chicago (UPAAGC), Center, St Jude Family Hospital, Los Baños, and
APO Zeta Theta, and the general membership Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). A very
of APO Theta AA; the service project has intensive 5-series project was implemented to
distributed more than 1,000 N95 masks to assist the nation in preventing the spread of the
evacuees, elderly, street sweepers, and coronavirus (COVID19) especially among the
volunteers. Monetary donations of more than most vulnerable sectors of our society and our
public hospital front-liners.
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3. MAGTANIM nAPO TAYO! - the project with the International Founding Anniversary. The project
theme, “Plant A Tree: Enhance Biodiversity” serenaded the alumni of the chapter that raised
established a 1-hectare plantation of native a total amount of PhP 125,000.00. This donation
and indigenous species at the Jamboree site proceeds provided noche buena packages,
in Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna. A total of relief goods, and drinking water containers
1,600 seedlings were planted on June 27, 2020 (6-liter with faucet) to a total of 150 families in
in celebration of the Philippine Environment Brgy Annafunnan, Tuguegarao City. In extension
month and Arbor day. The APO Theta AA will of the PAG-AHON project, the chapter has also
protect and maintain the area for a minimum provided a total of PhP 124,000.00 worth of
of 3 years as a tree park. A follow up visit was Christmas food packages, blankets, and seeds
conducted in the months that followed. to Brgy Tilod and Brgy Baras, Catanduanes.
This will not be possible without the
cooperation of the general membership of
Theta chapter as well as its localized members
in affected regions.

4. PAG-AHON - a typhoon relief operation – 5. APO Theta Virtual Global Reunion - most
From October to November 2020, Typhoon recently the APO Theta Chapter celebrated its
Quinta, Super Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon 65th Founding Anniversary via Zoom online
Ulyssess devastated Region 5, Region 3 and platform. The virtual reunion was a 2-day event
Metro Manila, including provinces of Isabela, which was participated by over 180 alumni
Cagayan Valley, Catanduanes, and other of Theta mostly coming from USA, Canada,
parts of the Bicol Region. The APO Theta AA New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, and the
was able to quickly respond to the needs of Philippines. Truly, the pandemic cannot stop
the affected communities by sending around camaraderie and fruitful discussion throughout
PhP 180,000.00 worth of rubber boots, relief the general membership of the chapter. This
food packs, face masks, clothes, and APO event also marked the implementation of
PAG-AHON blankets. This project will not Kapatiran sa Theta: A Student Assistance
be possible without the donations from the Program (ASAP) that aims to aid financially
general membership of the APO Theta Chapter distressed residents of the chapter. This too
AA, and the UP Alumni Association of Greater shall be purposive to attract students to join
Chicago (UPAAGC). In relation to this initiative, Alpha Phi Omega in UPLB. A startup fund
the APO Theta resident fraternity and sorority around PhP 145,000.00 was collected from
conducted a project entitled HARANA PARA generous donations of the Theta alumni. Other
SA PAG-AHON in celebration of the APO projects initialized include Damayan nAPO tayo,
a bereavement support and medical subsidy
fund assistance to the general membership of
the chapter.

Indeed, the organization has been in the forefront
of several service projects, collaborations, and
initiatives. Other projects include educational
assistance for typhoon Yolanda victims, medical and

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dental missions, distribution of reading glasses and APO-ARA Fights COVID-19
groceries to the marginalized families, conduct of
ROVIC trainings, coastal clean ups and tree-planting Bro.RD Dhing Silang ~ Epsilon Xi
activities at Las Piñas–Parañaque Critical Habitat - Administrative Region of Asia
and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) in partnership and
collaboration with DENR-NCR, community caring Global Scale.
and gift giving in Los Baños, participation of the COVID-19 continues to spread in every nation
chapter in the annual AlmOSAlan hosted by the around the globe since the outbreak in December
Office of the Student Affairs (OSA-UPLB), conduct 2019 until it was declared by the World Health
of UPCAT assistance in partnership with the Organization as a global pandemic in March 2020.
University Student Council (UPLB-USC), conduct While it is positive to note that a few countries have
of annual caroling (Project Harana) to spread managed to control the disease, cases of infected
spirit of Christmas to marginalized communities, individuals are still climbing. A huge demand
participation of the chapter in the UPLB February for medical emergency supplies is an ongoing
Fair and the conduct of its annual Oblation Run, and challenge in its manufacture, transport and delivery.
provision of relief food packs to displaced jeepney And in a micro scale, the Philippines needs all the
drivers in Marikina. help it can get to fight COVID-19. This is when APO’s
truest sense of service to community and country is
best in action.

The chapter has also conducted various online National Scale.
workshops and webinars including sorority-led APO-ARA supports APO Philippines – Board
“Co-Musta ka?: How can Students Cope with of Trustees program, “Bayanihan Laban sa
COVID 19” which partnered with over 43 APO COVID-19” through monetary contribution towards
Chapters and other mental health organizations. procurement and distribution of personal protective
The resident sisters have also conducted donation equipment (PPE) and essential goods. APO-ARA
drives to provide essential kits to students all over commits to share its resources and talents to APO
the country to prepare them for modular approach PH to aid in its future national programs. APO-ARA
education. Their other activities include APO Open also champions the following individuals who are
Tambayan, Libreng Sakay, Exhibits, Free Exam Kits going above and beyond their call of duty as front
and many more. On the other hand, the resident liners in this global pandemic. From Singapore, They
fraternity has conducted an online webinar entitled are as follows: Sis Gladys Christie Neri Villanueva,
“QUARANTANIM: Agri-Entrepreneurship in the New Radiographer; Sis Susan Infante Fabic, Nurse, Sis
Normal”, conducted Brigada Eskwela for indigent Maerla Nares, Nurse, Sis Cleo L. Olario, Nurse, and
community schools in Los Baños, donation drives, Sis Chona Badillo, MD. and from Brunei Darussalam,
tree planting and caring, and many more! Bro. Saadoden Radiab, Nurse.

Truly, these projects reflected the chapter’s Personal Scale.
adjustment on the new normal despite quarantine Until community transmission is put to a halt and
restrictions and limitations. Now and therefore, a vaccine is commercially available can we return
we shall stay true to our commitment aligned to our previous way of life. In the meantime, be
to the fraternity’s cardinal principles in providing reminded that apart from monetary donations or
Leadership in Friendly Service to the fraternity, to being a front liner, we can certainly help everyday
the university, to the community and to the nation. by continuing to practice social distancing of at
Here is to 65 years of Leadership, Friendship, and least 1.5 meters, hand washing with soap for at
Service! Cheers! least 20 seconds, shopping responsibly only for
goods we need and eating healthy food and
39 T O R C H A N D T R E F O I L | I S S U E 0 0 2 exercising regularly.

APO-EVAR organizes donation drive for Taal victims

By: Alfonso Alex C. Labrague, Jr. (Theta Alpha Chapter, Batch 18-A)

In the spirit of solidarity and oneness, the Alpha Phi
Omega – Eastern Visayas Administrative Region
(APO-EVAR) takes leadership over conducting a
region-wide donation drive through its various
chapters in different universities and colleges. This
is aimed at gathering goods and items that will help
the victims expediently recover from the wrath of
natural occurrences. The initiative has been formed
after the eruption of Taal volcano in January, 2020.

One of the chapters that responds to the call of
service is the Theta Alpha Chapter of Samar State
University. It organizes BULIG SANGKAY (TULONG
KAIBIGAN), a week-long donation drive, which runs
from January 20-24 which successfully gathered
items like face towels, towels, mattress, blankets,
cleaning materials, hygiene kits, bottled water,
easy-open canned goods, cup noodles, and
other related goods essential for them to cope
and recover. The activity is in partnership with the
University Student Council, upon the proposal of
the fraternity/sorority.

This act of kindness is a testament to our genuine
compassion for others and of our undying
commitment to serve those in need. It also aims at
rekindling the inherent generosity among everyone,
especially in times of crisis.

Let us all sustain initiatives like this as an
embodiment of service-oriented organizations and
fraternities/sororities like Alpha Phi Omega. May We
Always Be!

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BAR SERVICE PROJECTS
DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Written and prepared by: Bro. Aran R. Escote | Noted: Bro. Engr. Ferdinand Balcueva

On March 11, 2020, the world Health Organization Collegiate Chapters and Alumni Associations from
characterized Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Sections 1-6 under the leadership of BAR adopting
as a pandemic. This means that the virus has spread the circumstances, act responsibly, and found
not just within the country where it originated but creative ways to be useful to their communities,
throughout the other countries in the world. schools, fellow fraternity and sorority, and the nation
The Philippines has not been excluded in the as a law-abiding citizen.
hundreds of countries affected by the deadly
disease. Hence, several measures have been Services of Alpha Phi Omega in the Bicol
initiated both by the national and local governments Region never stop even before the pandemic
to prevent of the virus. outbreak hit the Philippines. Here are following
accomplishments of different collegiate chapters
On March 16, 2020, following a report by the and alumni associations in BAR from January to
Department of Health of a local transmission April 2020;
in the country, President Rodrigo R. Duterte
declared a state of calamity throughout the On January 12, 2020, the APO Masbate AA installed
Philippines due to COVID-19 with the issuance of an APO Marker at Mayong Payong Park, Mobo,
Proclamation No. 929, for a period of six (6) months. Masbate, followed with a “Monthly Feeding Activity”
The same proclamation also placed the entire conducted by APO AroBal (petitioning) feeding the
Luzon under enhanced community quarantine, young athletes in Aroroy, Masbate held on January
beginning 12 midnight of March 16 until April 18, 2020.
12, 2020. The guidelines on the implementation
of the unprecedented enhanced community
quarantine are specified in the Memorandum
from the Executive Secretary, dated March 16,
2020. Local government units are enjoined to lead
the implementation of the enhanced community
quarantine in their respective localities.

Even during the pandemic, several individuals, Non-
Government Organizations (NGOs) and other Non-
Profit Organizations; such as Alpha Phi Omega (APO)
are keeping their doors open, providing personal
protective equipment to hospitals and front-
liners, distributing foods and ration to the needy,
conducting the “APO Bayanihan Laban sa Covid-19”
campaign to raise awareness and generate funds
to help the distress members of the organization
amidst Covid-19 outbreak.

In Bicol, the Alpha Phi Omega - Bicol Administrative
Region (APO-BAR) has continued to provide
protective gear to the front-liners and hospitals,
distributed food packs and other supplies to
different sectors of the community, and gave in-kind
or in-cash assistance to the distress APO members
following social distancing and lockdown norms.

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When Taal Volcano erupted on the afternoon Albay (Section 3) donating 100 roofing sheets to
of January 12, 2020, 43 years after its previous the school and feeding 400 grade 7 students of
eruption in 1977; APO-BAR made an initiative to Malabog National High School in Daraga, Albay.
help our fellowmen, creating “Oplan Taal: tabang This was aired through Z100.3 Zagitsit News FM,
kan mga APOng Bicolano para sa Batangueño” a local radio program.
to gather relief goods and cash donations from
several individuals and alumni organizations to be On March 16, 2020, the Enhanced Community
given to most affected Batangueños. Turn-over Quarantine (ECQ) was imposed due to a sudden
of collected donations were given in Batangas on increase in the number of reported Covid-19
February 1, 2020. cases in the Philippines. This ECQ aims to mitigate
or suppress the spread of the pandemic. The
challenges of supporting low- and middle-class
income in preparing and responding to ECQ is at
the forefront of thinking for NGOs and
Non-Profit Organizations.

Alpha Phi Omega, conducting the “APO Bayanihan
Laban sa Covid-19” campaign to raise funds and
awareness to support the distress members of
the organization, as well as to help the vulnerable
sectors of the communities.

After the devastating Typhoon Tisoy that struck the In Bicol, APO Alumni Associations (AA) and
Bicol Region last December 2019, a second wave Collegiate Chapters (CC) under the leadership of the
of “Relief Caravan” held on January 25, 2020, was Bicol Administrative Region (BAR), found creative
conducted by Sorsogon APO Alumni Association ways to lend help and conduct services to their
(SAPOAA) and Mu Epsilon Chapter in a way of respective localities following social distancing and
distributing goods, preparing foods, and donating lockdown norms.
toys to seventy (70) underprivileged children at
Brgy. Bitan-O, Sorsogon City. The first wave was BAR is focused on proper coordination and
done last December 23, 2019, were one hundred maintaining communication to ensure a more
(100) children benefited at Brgy. Sirangan and effective and efficient response to the crisis. Also,
Sugod, Sorsogon City. collaboration with other organizations and individual
partners is formed to address public needs in
On February 2, 2020, APO Delta Omicron AA communities and contribute to the control and
(petitioning) conducted “Rumrom Andoyug Project” mitigation of the outbreak.
in a way of distributing hygiene kits, food packs,
and offering free haircut to elderly inmates in BJMP, On March 23, 2020, “Donation of PPE” was
Iriga City. sponsored by APO Masbate AA distributing 250 face
shields and other personal protective equipment
to Masbate Provincial Hospital and front-liners in
Masbate City.

On March 2, 2020, celebrating the 70th National
Anniversary “Service to Senior Citizens” was
organized by APO Masbate AA giving relief
goods and used clothes to senior citizens at Brgy.
Cawayan, Masbate City.

On March 2, 2020, “Supplemental Feeding and (more story on our next issue)
Roofing Sheets Donation” was sponsored by APO
Alumni Associations and Collegiate Chapters in

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ETA in the Time of Covid19

Submitted by Francis Edward “Bong” Bayon, ETA ‘81C, Secretary General of APO ETA AA

“What is the essence of life? To serve The first donation salvo involved the distribution of
others and to do good.” surgical masks to the UP CSSP, UP Health Service
(UPHS), Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) and
–Aristotle Philippine Heart Center (PHC).

Subsequent waves of donation targeted the
following recipients - LCP, HCP, East Avenue
Medical Center, National Kidney Transplant
Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Kidney
Foundation at Rizal Medical Center, Salve Regina
Dialysis Center, Marikina Dialysis Center, Delos
Santos Medical Center, Marikina Valley Medical
Center, Taguig Pateros District Hospital, First
Cabuyao Hospital and Medical Center, Alpha Phi
Chapter Doctors and Residents, our brethren APO
Frontliners and several UP Diliman Communities.

As of this writing, delivery of more orders of medical
supplies for distribution to our beneficiary hospitals
and medical personnel is anticipated.

The total amount spent on donation items and
activities to date is a little over PhP 1.1M!

A huge thank you to all donors who heeded our call
for assistance, and Etans, residents and alumni and
alumnae alike, who worked tirelessly to make these
donations possible!!

As Harry Truman said: “It is amazing what you can
accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”.

With the characteristics of both an orchestra and
a jazz band, the Eta Chapter Alumni Association,
the UP APO Foundation and the UP APO Sorority
Alumnae Association, in partnership with the ETA
Alumni Association of North America (ETA-AANA)
and the APOLAW, mobilized their resources
immediately after the declaration of Enhanced
Community Quarantine in the whole island of
Luzon to purchase, donate and distribute medical
supplies for first responders and lead hospitals in
the continuing fight against CoVid-19.

Items donated include Personal Protective
Equipment, Isolation Gowns, Nitrile Masks,
Overshoe, Mobcap, Raincoats, surgical masks, cloth
masks, KN95 masks, face shields, alcohol, assorted
vitamins, two (2) ER isolation tents, and cash.

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NCAR Stepping up to help those in need
during pandemic

By Sis Jack Mascareñas, Epsilon Kappa - NCAR Sports Committee Chairman

People across the world were advised to stay at In an effort to promote community service and help
home and continue practicing social distancing due our members in need, NCAR also supports Board
to the covid 19 pandemic. NCAR directorate thru the Resolution No. 072 of the National Council also
leadership of RD Archie Bugarin and its members known as the APO Bayanihan Laban sa Covid,-19.
have found different ways to support the fight which aims to provide assistance to our brothers
against the effect of the virus. As early as February 7, and sisters in need in all regions of the Philippines.
NCAR implemented the hygiene caravan. Gallons of
alcohol were purchased and distributed to different
areas in Metro Manila.

When ecq was implemented last March, NCAR, in
partnership with different donors started delivering
groceries to our members residing in the region.
Distributions were made by volunteer brothers and
sisters from each section. Non APO members who
are considered to be part of the vulnerable sectors
were also provided with packed goods.

Different alumni associations, chapters and APO
groups are stepping up to help by donating tents,
PPEs and masks to chosen hospitals. Medicines
were donated to different health centers in NCR and
other provinces transported by Bro Jansen Lim’s
Transcare. There are alumni associations who are
dedicated in providing the frontliners with prepared
meals, as well as goods, which were personally
delivered and most of them have exhausted their
resources in the last couple of weeks.

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“Solidarity of Camaraderie and Service in Region X
Amidst Covid-19”

By: Sis Shykhen B. Yapac

The heated spirit of APO camaraderie and service They also have personally prepared and cooked
has again dominated the country amidst the onset complimentary meals for the frontliners of Don
of COVID-19 in the Philippines, reminding everyone Carlos, Bukidnon. In addtion to their admirable
that we are all shielding each other during this initiatives, APO-SoBuk has also donated two (2)
unfortunate time. Checkpoint Barricades to the Local Gov’t. Unit of
Don Carlos. These genuine acts were enough to
It can clearly be manifested that this pandemic proclaim them as one of the #KontraCovidHeroes
will not only cause health deterioration alone but by the LGU of Don Carlos, Bukidnon as posted on
will also throw the most financially vulnerable off the municipality’s official Facebook page.
the grid. Community restrictions and lockdown
guidelines implemented to control and contain Meanwhile, APO-Alpha Rho Chapter has shown
the spread of virus have been gradually digging their compassion to the most affected individuals
the country into a depth of adversity. As swift as of their home-university, CMU. Since classes have
Covid-19 annihilated the country, region-wide effort been suspended since the midweek of March,
by APO Region X was also made quickly in response the Motorela drivers’ whose daily income is solely
for the call of service. Over the past few months dependent on the existence of CMU students
since the pandemic paralyzes more than half of the and employees, have been greatly jeopardized.
region’s economic stability affecting huge business Because of that, the Alpha Rho collegiate and
owners and ordinary small-scale workers, different alumni have aided them with grocery items
initiatives and assistance have been extended to enough to spare their families a day’s meal.
different places all over the region by our brothers Apart from them, stranded CMU students were
and sisters to somehow alleviate the struggle of also given grocery items. Frontliners guarding
our fellowmen who were pushed into the extreme the Valencia-Maramag checkpoints were also
poverty line by this mishap. Relief operations such reached out and given ready-to eat snacks as
as distribution of grocery items or essential goods a form of appreciation for keeping the city and
to underprivileged communities and food packs to municipality safe.
the frontliners were done heartily by our brothers
and sisters. The APO-Xi Kappa Chapter also extended their
gratitude to the social wokers and armed forces
On March 27, 2020, the Theta Upsilon Chapter and tasked to safeguard the entry and exit points of
APO-Gingoog Alumni Association have shown their Brgy. Colonia, Valencia City by giving them a cool
gratitude to the armed troops and social health and cozy frappe. This act of service sure did put a
workers guarding the city boundaries to prevent genuine smile to the faces of our tired frontliners.
entry and exit by preparing and distributing food
packs especially for them. Not only that, they also One of the newly-organized alumni association
have embodied the spirit of voluntarism when they (community-based) known as APO-SAM or
willingly extended their assistance to the Local APO- Samahan ng Manolo, located at Manolo
Gov’t. Unit of Gingoog City in repacking goods at Fortich, Bukidnon which is presently headed by
the city relief center on April 06, 2020. This act of Bro. KM Tumala of Xi Nu Chapter, has also shown
service surely does reflect the Code of Ethics of an ample regards to the efforts of our frontliners
Alpha Phi Omega. guarding the border between CDO and Bukidnon
by giving them meals to eat. This is just a small way
Meanwhile, APO-South Bukidnon or APO-SoBuk of the APO-SAM to thank them for being one of the
has also answered the call for service without instruments in keeping the whole province safe.
any hesitation. Altruism was practiced evidently
when they chose to leave their homes despite On the other hand, creativity, resourcefulness, and
the risk to dispense relief goods to the chosen innovation were also exhibited by the limitless
barangays of Kadingilan and Don Carlos, Bukidnon. initiatives of our APO brothers and sisters amidst this

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