At the heart of the Middle East, the Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association in the UAE is a unique group of individuals committed to expanding the definitions of brotherhood and service. Established in July 2005 in Sharjah, this fraternity embodies a deep commitment to unity, support, and service, particularly among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
It all began on the digital forums of Malmon.net, where fraternity brothers from various university chapters first connected. This virtual meeting ground set the stage for a deeper connection, which was solidified in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Here, the foundational principles of the Beta Sigma Fraternity were transformed from online discussions into a tangible, united community within the UAE.
Visionary leadership: The architects of unity
From its inception, the fraternity benefited from the leadership of prominent figures such as Manny B. Ladinez+ UB 77A, and Jaime G. Dela Cruz Jr. TIP 91D, who became the first Grand Princep in 2006. Alongside him, leaders like Rexel Barros TIP 89C, Victor Gonda TIP 91, Ramere Villarama AMACU 02A, Jesse Tonet Magracia UST-L 98A, Dr. Antonio Ronaldo Fabian DMSF 83, Eli Bernaldez BU Main 88A, Edward Pinote, and Eugene Tan MSEUF 02B have all played pivotal roles in steering the association towards its goals.
A legacy of service: Commitment beyond borders
With a noble charter and a heart for the community, the Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association in the UAE quickly became a beacon of hope and support for OFWs across the Middle East. Accredited under the RA1985 Migrant Worker Act, their outreach initiatives extend well beyond mere social gatherings. The fraternity has organized annual clean-up drives, sponsored medical missions, and provided financial assistance to those in need.
Leaders like Mike Dela Cruz TSU 94A, Arnel M. Atis+ DLSU-EACM 90A, Rodrigo B. Vanguardia GAUF/DLSAU 89, John Reginalde NVSU 88A, Darwin Nilo PSU 90G, Franskhirl Andres NWU 94A, and Elbert Tizon UPang 02C have all upheld and enriched this legacy, demonstrating that the spirit of brotherhood knows no geographical limits.
Envisioning the future
As Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association UAE marches forward into the present and beyond, its dedication to service remains unwavering. Medical missions for distressed OFWs, tri-chapter basketball tournaments, and sponsorship of fraternity balls globally are just a glimpse into the myriad activities that Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association UAE spearheads. The pinnacle event thus far has been the inaugural Arabian Grand Fraternity Ball, hosted in Dubai in February 2024, uniting fraternity brothers from across the globe in celebration.
Looking ahead under the tutelage of Grand Princep Mark Lesther Sameñada MSU-IIT O1B, Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association UAE envisions a future filled with even greater opportunities for service and collaboration. Professional development seminars, expanded medical missions, and partnerships with other Filipino organizations in the U.A.E. are just a few of the initiatives on the horizon.
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 11 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.