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 from the Diliman campus, has grown into a lasting legacy of sisterhood, purpose, and excellence, inspiring generations of Sigma Betans.
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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.
Why Choose U.P. Sigma Beta Sorority?
LEADERSHIP
OUR ALUMNAE
LEADERSHIP
U.P. Sigma Betans pursue leadership roles to influence positive change, inspire others and contribute to the success of a larger cause. As leaders, we are accountable for the performance and well-being of everyone, fostering a culture of responsibility and trust.
EXCELLENCE
OUR ALUMNAE
LEADERSHIP
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.
OUR ALUMNAE
OUR ALUMNAE
OUR ALUMNAE
U.P. Sigma Beta alumnae are leaders in their fields and have gone on to achieve great things after graduation. As alumnae, we continue to cultivate nationalist consciousness and dedicate ourselves to the service of the sorority, to the University, and the country, upholding highest ideals of integrity, honesty, and human dignity.