(National College of Public Administration and Governance)-- More than a hundred men from 11 prominent rival fraternities at UP Diliman recently put aside their differences and stood united against one major concern of Philippine society: poverty.
The project Fratwar: From Rumbles to Rubbles was held at the UP Iskolar ng Bayan GK Village in Central Avenue, Quezon City on July 21. Hailed as the biggest inter-fraternity event in UP history, it was participated in by the following: Alpha Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Sigma, Artist’s Circle, Beta Sigma, Epsilon Chi, Pan Xenia, Scintilla Juris, Sigma Rho, Tau Gamma Phi, Upsilon Sigma Phi.
More than its standard objective of building houses for the less fortunate, Fratwar sought to dispel the stereotyped negative image of fraternities and frat men as war freaks.
The project was organized by UP Gawad Kalinga (UPGK), National Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), JB Music and Globe Telecom as a contribution to UP’s Centennial celebration and was co-sponsired by Coca Cola Barkada and Pag-ibig Fund.
The day began with registration at the NCPAG. Later, the participants proceeded to the site, where fratmen assembled in the symbolic GK bayanihan line to pass construction materials from the entrance to the building site. They worked alternately so as to be acquainted with members of other fraternities.
The men found the morning ambiance bizarre. “I really felt paranoid that one split second, one might catch a fight. You really cannot say, it was the first time that this kind of event happened,”said one member of a fraternity.
UPGK members, meanwhile, were unaware of the strained atmosphere. “They (fraternity men) were actually cool people; they even sang songs to me while doing the tasks,” said one UPGK member assigned to a group. By afternoon, the men seemed to accept the idea that no violence will occur. “We are all enjoying (ourselves). I think no one would think to destroy the fun,” a fratman attested.
Lunch and snacks were served. Although they were eating in groups, some expressed their their interest to mingle with other fratmen. “I hope we’re going to be grouped in random so we can really get to know the others,”said one team leader of a fraternity.
By late afternoon, strong rain halted the operations. Everyone in the site sought cover under either of the two tents provided by Globe Telecom. While waiting for the rain to stop, everyone inside both tents was chatting and cracking jokes, regardless of what fraternity he belonged to.
Before the day ended, Luis Oquiqeña of GK National extended his sincere gratitude to the participating fraternities in making the unusual event happen the very first time in history. UPGK president Aiz Santiago also invited them for the second Fratwar next semester. The crowd nodded in approval.
The Fratwar project was launched on July 14 the NCPAG Atrium. Over dinner, speakers from the GK discussed with fraternities who responded to the invitation how GK has emerged to be the newest brand for nation-building and how fraternities can be part of it.
Tony Gloria, one of the producers of the GK movie Paraiso, lauded the dedication of the people behind the movie who lent their services for free. Dean Alex Brilliantes of NCPAG, being the topmost advocate of GK at UPD and a fraternity member himself, said he was anticipating convening fraternities for a worthwhile cause. Eric Pasion, chairman of UPGK, explained how powerful these fraternities actually are and how this power can facilitate the GK movement. Calling the impact of violence on the entire fraternity system “stereotyped,” he challenged his fellow fraternity men to live up the ideals of their respective organizations and ultimately break the stereotype. Representing the students, University Student Council Chairperson Shahana Abdulwahid answered the call of the speakers to actively participate in nation-building.
On July 17, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by the participating fraternities at the NCPAG GK office, led by by Laureen Lopez, project head of Fratwar. It was witnessed by Dr. Lediviña Cariño, Brilliantes, Raul Dizon of GK National and Santiago. “Your mere presence in the launch dinner was a blessing, putting you fratmen in one table is already a victory,” Brilliantes said.
“At first, it was really difficult to convince everyone that this project can push through,”said Lopez. People, even from the UP Administration, deemed the project too ideal to be possible. But with constant prayers and the UPGK members’ conviction to mobilize the entire UP community for nation-building, absolutely anything is possible. “Now, we can proudly say that GK can really make the impossible possible,” Lopez affirmed.
—Mario Cerilles Jr. and Maria Francesca Montes