About U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority
The Beginning
On 1st February 1932, twelve university women gathered at the Florida Dormitory gardens, each with her own talents, charm, and interests. United by a shared vision of friendship and service, they founded what would become the U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority.
Led by Liwayway Gonzales, the group included: Pacita Pestaño, Medin Garcia, Rosalinda Cla
On 1st February 1932, twelve university women gathered at the Florida Dormitory gardens, each with her own talents, charm, and interests. United by a shared vision of friendship and service, they founded what would become the U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority.
Led by Liwayway Gonzales, the group included: Pacita Pestaño, Medin Garcia, Rosalinda Claudio, Nelly Burgos, Consuelo Salazar, Elvira Bocobo, Purificacion Sunico, Serafina Vinzons, Virginia Araullo, Remedios Trinidad, and Filipinas Salvosa. These pioneering women, soon to be known as Betans, established a sorority grounded in beauty, intellect, integrity, and civic commitment.
Formally recognized by the University of the Philippines on 14th February 1932, the Sorority embraced a mission of value enhancement and academic excellence. "To be invited in, and in those days, no one applied, one had to have brains, beauty or special talent. Social position or money did not count then," founder Consuelo Salazar-Perez recalls, reflecting the Sorority’s enduring commitment to merit and integrity over privilege.
The U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority, founded by twelve visionary women, has grown into a lasting legacy of sisterhood, purpose, and excellence, inspiring generations of Sigma Betans.
The Legacy
The U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority is the first and oldest recognized Greek-letter sorority in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Recognized by the University on 14th February 1932—before women in the Philippines had even won the right to vote—the Sorority emerged at a time when female voices were largely excluded from public life. Despite the
The U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority is the first and oldest recognized Greek-letter sorority in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Recognized by the University on 14th February 1932—before women in the Philippines had even won the right to vote—the Sorority emerged at a time when female voices were largely excluded from public life. Despite these challenges, our founding sisters boldly carved out a space for women in leadership, scholarship, and service—even before the women’s suffrage movement.
With its beginnings at the U.P. Diliman campus, the Sorority expanded alongside the University of the Philippines system:
- UP Los Baños chapter was founded on 15th August 1955,
- UP Visayas and UP Mindanao chapters followed on 3rd February and 26th October 1997 respectively, and
- UP Baguio chapter was established on 11th September 2004.
Now 94 years strong, U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority continues to uphold the legacy of its founding sisters—championing courage, beauty, wisdom, and grace.
Photo Credit: U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority, Philippinensian 1933 Edition, UP Diliman Main Library Archives.
Text Credit: Excerpt from testimonials of Sis Desi Fermin-Tomas Σβ '69.
Sisterhood in Excellence
Sis Atty. Marilyn Barua-Yap ΣΒ ΄70
Pillar Awardee for Institutional Development
24th Manuel Luis Quezon Gawad Parangal
Sis Mai was recognized for her outstanding contributions to public administration and her commitment to strengthening state institutions and upholding high standards of public service. Her work reflects the importance of good governance, resilient institutions, and delivering meaningful results that benefit the public. She exemplifies the spirit of UP Sigma Beta Sorority through her dedication to leadership, service, and making a lasting difference in the community.
Padayon, Sis Mai! 💜
27 October 2026
Sigma Beta Highlights
The Lanterns Pulled Up to UP Manila!
Salamat sa lahat ng Iskos, Iskas, and CASmates na dumaan! Beyond the freebies, we celebrate what UP Sigma Beta Sorority stands for: Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Service. 📚✊🏽 Here’s to serving campus realness, leading with purpose, and staying committed to excellence—because at UP Sigma Beta, we don’t just show up; we make an impact! ❤️🔥
23 October 2026
UP Manila College of Arts and Sciences
A Warm Cup of Support, A Kit Full of Care
The ISKOfee initiative served free coffee at the Lavender Corner in UP Diliman, and distributed midterm kits to help Iskolars power through exams. It continued at UP Manila in line with IKSP 2026: Interconnected Futures. ✨
A little caffeine, a little care, and a whole lot of sisterhood! ☕💜 Because academic excellence hits different when we show up for one another. 🎓
5–9 October 2026 — UP Diliman
9 &14 October 2026 — UP Manila
500 Meals, One Continued Commitment to Student Welfare
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, through the Eatskolar initiative, gratefully recognizes the UP Diliman Sigma Beta Sorority Elders Council for its generous donation of 500 meals, continuing its steadfast support for UP Diliman students and campus food security.
18 September 2026
Source: UP Diliman Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs | Quezon City | Facebook
That's a Fair!
The U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority brought the magic to the UPD Market and Org Fair on September 17–18! 🎪 From interactive games and exciting raffle prizes to take-home freebies and free sorbetes, the booth welcomed Iskolars ng Bayan and visitors for two fun-filled SIGMAgical days. What a BETA way to celebrate connections and make memories! 💜✨
17-18 September 2026
Sisterhood in Service
💜 Living out the spirit of sisterhood and service, the resident and alumnae sisters of UP Sigma Beta Sorority came together for a meaningful outreach program at the DSWD Reception and Study Center for Children. Through interactive games, toy giveaways, shared meals, and the donation of medicines and health supplies from The Generics Pharmacy, the sisters brought hope, care, and joy to the children—reflecting the sorority's enduring commitment to uplifting communities and making a positive impact through collective compassion. ✨
12 June 2026
The Lavender Corner
📍 The Third Space
Kamia Residence Hall, UP Diliman
Visit the Lavender Corner, a dedicated academic support space for Iskolars, in partnership with the Office of Student Projects and Activities and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, launched on 19 May 2026.
Study 🖥️ • Create 🖨️ • Recharge ☕
Why Choose U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority?
EXCELLENCE
EXCELLENCE
EXCELLENCE
U.P. Sigma Betans are experts in their fields, from renowned scholars to successful industry professionals. We strive for excellence rather than perfection, continually learning, and embracing the process of improvement. Our commitment to excellence fosters growth mindset and a sense of accomplishment.
LEADERSHIP
EXCELLENCE
EXCELLENCE
U.P. Sigma Betans pursue leadership roles to influence positive change, inspire others, and contribute to a greater cause. From Consuelo Salazar-Perez ΣΒ ’32 and Senator Santanina Tillah-Rasul ΣΒ ’51 to today’s leaders across the UP System and beyond, we exemplify a legacy of leadership and remain accountable for performance and well-being of those we serve, fostering responsibility and trust.
SERVICE
EXCELLENCE
SERVICE
U.P. Sigma Betans cultivate an ethos of service by turning our values into action through initiatives such as SISkolar, Lavender Corner, and Outreach for Young Children, alongside support for OVCSA EATSkolar, DepEd’s ARAL Reading Program, and the International Coastal Cleanup. Through these efforts, we strive to build a more compassionate, empowered, and socially responsible community.