The Peace Rock sculpture that the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity created at the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UP-Diliman) 19 years ago was initially intended to commemorate peace and the end to campus fraternity wars. For some, APO is known for the Oblation Run; often referred to as “bird watching” with spectators feasting their eyes on male genitalia. However, the event is more than that. It tackles social issues and raises awareness on the country’s societal problems – it symbolizes solidarity with society.
Unknown to many, the brotherhood celebrating its 93rd anniversary on Sunday, December 16, has produced individuals who have contributed a lot to nation-building; not through violence but by upholding the groups’ motto: “Leadership, Friendship, Service.”
These are some of the proud alumni who have lived up to those cardinal principles.
Leadership
Jesse Robredo (Alpha Nu Chapter ’92), a former Naga City mayor and Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary, exhibited excellent leadership skills when he served as the younger mayor of Naga City. His paradigm-shifting campaign transformed Naga into a “progressive city.” Under his administration, he championed the interests of the urban poor, encouraged public schools to perform better, and believed in the capabilities of the disabled community.
Serving as mayor at 29 years old, he changed City’s Hall culture of mediocrity into a culture of excellence with a merit-based system of hiring and promotion; everybody took a skills test and was rewarded with salary adjustments. He also told every person that joined his administration: One instance of tardiness means dismissal from office.
Robredo’s legacy marked the “Golden age of Naga.” He was a model of good governance and lived by his mantra: “The most important ingredient of leadership is a character. Most of the proficiencies can be learned, but what’s inside you is something that’s difficult to change.”
Friendship
Often referred to as ‘Tatay Butch,’ Adrian ‘Butch’ Nerja (Beta Tau Chapter ’85) was a street kid whose life changed after meeting a Jesuit priest. As a street educator, his mission was to teach and help street kids who have gone astray. He guides them by saying, “Children are very vulnerable to the environment they live in,” and offers assistance with feeding and education expenses through donations. His acts of kindness earned him the title of “Tatay,” a term of endearment used when one earns the full respect and trust of others.
Nerja’s friendship extends into personal care. He treats street children as his own kids and convinces them to abandon life on the streets, where they are potentially exposed to violence and hazards. In some cases, he allows them to live with his family where he takes care of them until they are sent to a Department of Social Welfare and Development shelter.
Through his actions, Nerja has changed the lives of former street children who have gone on to help other street children. His principles exemplify the APO slogan, “Do a good turn daily.”
Service
Former UP-Diliman law professor and Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient Haydee Yorac (Eta Chapter ‘59) exhibited competence, integrity, and passion for justice. Dubbed the “lawyer for the oppressed,” she was fearsome and fearless in her fight against the Ferdinand Marcos administration when defending Lino Brocka and others who were arrested for demonstrating and upheld their constitutional freedoms.
In 2001, Yorac was named the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) chair and tasked with recovering the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family. During her tenure, they seized P683 million of hidden assets from Swiss banks. An example of good public service, she was incorruptible. In her acceptance speech for the Ramon Magsaysay Award, she said: “Our values and personal convictions dictate the direction that we take and the stand that we make on moral issues that affect our work, in particular, and the country, in general. The desire to make government more effective and efficient in its mandate of good governance is of paramount importance. It is the driving force that compels many of us to accept responsibilities in government, despite the odds.”
These individuals are just some of the few members who made a significant impact on the lives of others. However, the connotation of violence remains a stigma with the word “fraternity.” APO is committed to the development of leadership skills, strong bonds of camaraderie, and service to others.
Historically, fraternities did not exist from time immemorial. During the Victorian era, “gentlemen groups” prided themselves as service-oriented – “Noblemen of noble cause for a noble purpose.” APO members always act with integrity and are passionate about building a prosperous and just society.
Members care not only about success but care deeply about our country, especially the poor, as summarized in the lyrics of the toast song: “Ever mindful, ever serving, All humanity. Now we raise our grateful voices, In our song to thee, True to Alpha Phi Omega, May we always be.”/WDJ