MEDICAL & FEEDING MISSION '08

Feeding Mission

Inspired by the thought of a Noble Betan, Brod Eugenio "Gene" Gatmaitan, CLSU -71'B/Western USA and the persuasive efforts of the National BetaPhil, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos (UNO-R) Beta Sigma Fraternity had its first feeding mission activity at the parish of San Sebastian Cathedral on the 30th day of May, where Flores de Mayo, a Catholic festival, is annually held. It is also the day of the culmination of the children delegates of Flores de Mayo from all barangays in Bacolod City. The UNO-R Chapter headed by the leadership of the outgoing Grand Princep, Brod Stanley Bryan Yee, and the incoming Grand Princep for 2008-09, Brod Sharr Krissen Llera, directed the said activity. Resident Brods who were present and who helped in the preparation of the special Betan style "Arroz Caldo" and "Malmon juice" were the following: Brods Jeffrey Velez, Jeno Tamano, Edmer Agio, Ivan Bullos, Louie Dato-on, Ryan Montalvo RC, Junjie Genoves RC, Brod Mark Oyog, and Tom Gatuteo WNU. Also present that day were Alumni Brods, Andy Alipato, and Mode Canonero. The Sigma Beta Sorority sisters headed by MIS Charline Descutido RC, Pia Dano UNO-R, Andrea Alipato USLS, and Kathrina Gayas STI also gave their support to this mission.

More than 250 childrens and adults were fed on that half-day feeding activity including beggars and the disabled around the vicinity of the church. The priests and lay ministers were very happy and very thankful because the children enjoyed the last day of Flores De Mayo with a very satisfying meal. Even though it was just rice porridge, the children were entitled to an unlimited refill.

Medical and Feeding Mission @ Brgy. 33

In celebration of the founding anniversary of Beta Sigma Fraternity on July 14, 2008, the Beta Sigma Fraternity and the Sigma Beta Sorority in Bacolod City, together with the Brgy. 33 Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) officials headed by Brgy. 33 SK chairman hon. Nico Alipato (Son of Brod Andy Alipato UNO-R '76), had their joint Medical and Feeding Mission last July 11, 2008. Free services such as medical check-up for babies and adults, as well as blood pressure monitoring were conducted. Free vitamins, medicines, and free meals were given to all registered patients. Dra. Reyes also rendered her voluntary efforts in the said activity.

Even though 2 Betan Doctors weren't able to come due to other obligations, the mission still continued with the help of 5 nursing students from University of St. La Salle together with the help of Brods Ryan Monalvo RC, Ryan Retobis RC, Sharr Llera UNO-R, Bryan Buenconsejo UNO-R, Edmer Aguio UNO-R, Jeno Tamano UNO-R, Tom Gatuteo WNU, Jeffrey Velez UNO-R, Louie Dato-on UNO-R, Stanley Yee UNO-R, Ivan Bullos UNO-R, Mark Oyog BCC, Eugene Torres UNO-R, and Sisters Andrea Alipato USLS, Charline Descutido RC, Rita Ibrado UP-v, Katherine Montepio RC, Lianne Fernandez USLS and Rochelle Mangat RC. Alumni Brods who were present and supported the activity were Brods Andy Alipato '76, Boy Tupas and Brod Romy Sibolboro '76.

A total of 100 beneficiaries from Brgy. 33 were medically attended and more than 20 more from the other barangays came and received free medical services, vitamins, medicines, and free meals.

(Photos courtesy of Brods Ivan Bullos, Louie Dato-on, Sis Charline Descutido, and Sis Katherine Montepio. Article by Jomercris A. Soriente UNO-R 04A)
 

OPERATION BIG BROTHER '07

Photos courtesy of Chayen Descotido Bacolod'07S, Pia Dano UNO-R'07S, and Jomercris A. Soriente UNO-R 04A

UNO-R Beta Sigma residents and alumni, in cooperation with Sigma Beta Sorority sisters, sponsored the chapter's second activity--Operation Big Brother '07--held at Senor Santo Nino Homes at Fuentebella Subdivision, Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City on December 22, 2007. This activity was the first joint project of the Beta Sigma and Sigma Beta of UNO-R.

The event's objectives were to give gifts, to share a holiday meal, and to spend a day filled with fun with the 30 homeless children from the orphanage. A well-planned program included a song number from the Sigma Betans. A special feature was the Jollibee mascot who danced and played with the children.

The Operation Big Brother was headed by Brod Andy Alipato UNO-R '76 with the generosity of other alumni fraternity members. Present that day were Brod Wennie Labarro UNO-R '76, resident brothers Joey Calves, Martin Salazar, Louie Dato-on, Ivan Bullos, Sharr Llera, Ryan Retobis, Stanly Yee, Jeno Tamano, Andrew Alipato, Junjie Genoves, Eugene Torres, Jomercris Soriente, and two Bago City College brothers, Manny and Rites. Also present were Sigma Betan sisters Chayen Descotido, Rochelle Mangat, Andrea Alipato, Pia Dano, Lianne Fernandez, and Kathrina Gayas.

Perhaps, it was the happiest time of the year for these children and surely, an experience that would last a lifetime. A day may not be enough but at least, the little ones now know that people like the UNO-R Beta Sigmans and Sigma Betans do care.

--Jomercris A. Soriente UNO-R'04A

Betans volunteer at 1MB Gawad Kalinga Build

Even the hot temperatures couldn't wilt the spirits of the Beta Sigma Fraternity UNO-R Chapter volunteers. During the last weekend of October '06, these six Betans braved the elements and invested hours of labor or “sweaty equity” into building homes and helping the community. It is truly inspirational to be a small part of a much larger effort, knowing that Beta Sigma can impact a community in a positive way.

Last October 27-29, 2006 Friday-Sunday, the Beta Sigma Fraternity (UNO-R chapter) was invited to join the Gawad Kalinga 1MB (Isang Milyong Bayani) house building challenge in Sitio Bon-bon Brgy. E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Many organizations representing their schools like USLS, USLS-IS and Riverside College participated on this 3-day challenge in re-building people's lives and creating a slum-free nation. The organizers were very happy because we were the only fraternity who joined in the said activity. Even though our team comprised only of 6 members--Brod Ivan Bullos, Brod Stanley Yee, Brod Juan Corteza, Brod Brien Villarente, Brod Ryan Retobis, and myself--still they recognized our presence by informing everybody that their negative perceptions about fraternities changed because of our organization.

The 3-day activity was untiring due to the fact that the organizers motivated us to enjoy while working. We had group dance contest, amazing races, and other types of motivators. There were also fellowships wherein other teams enjoyed the disco and supper with other members of the team. On the last day, all the teams, organizers, and beneficiaries attended the mass offered to all the homeless people in the world.

After the mass was the Awarding Ceremony. Surprisingly, we managed to receive the award of being the fastest team to build wherein the other organizations were really stunned of. They didn’t really expect the outcome of our performance because there were just 6 of us and 3 from the other teams joined us. But the key to success is through "teamwork and perseverance.” The beneficiaries of the house turned over the 1MB banner to the Beta Sigma Fraternity with a "Big Thanks" for winning the Bayanihan Challenge.

It was a very enjoyable, once-in-a-lifetime experience to help people in rebuilding their lives and inspiring others to do the same.

Jomercris A. Soriente UNO-R 04A
Grand Princep UNO-R '06
Beta Sigma Fraternity
 

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