Service

Big Brothers' Bounty

Big Brothers’ Bounty is a project of UPLB (including VetMed) alumni Beta Sigmans that aims to help boost the recruitment of new resident brods through provision of scholarship for deserving brods.

From the recommendation of the resident Grand Princep and the Body, the group awards US$200 per semester each selected brod. The recipient will continually receive this stipend as long as he is able to recruit one new resident brod within two semesters. He must be able to enroll and pass a minimum of 15 units in every semester. A high average grade is not required.

This incentive program is our commitment to make our Fraternity truly a Brotherhood of Scholars. It is also through this that parents of the residents may have a good impression of the UPLB Beta Sigma Fraternity.

With an initial membership of 13 BBB boosters from North America , the project was launched in the 2nd semester of AY 2003-2004. Eric Catangay‘02c (BS Applied Math, Bataan ) was the first recipient. Soon after, more benefactors joined this noble cause.

Beginning AY 2004-2005 Marvic Pacoma‘00b (BS Ag Engineering, Cavite ) was added as the second scholar. By second semester Barry Jamora‘03d (BS Applied Math, Leyte ) became the third grantee. A short time later two more were added: Steve Ternura‘03e (Doctor of Vet Med or DVM, Cagayan) and John Mark Malaza‘00d (BS Soil Science, Surigao City ).

All five recipients were awarded during the incumbency of GP Phil Balagot‘00c. Likewise, BBB was able to fund 3 projects of the residents in 2004: Freshman Survival Guide, Tunog Kalye concert, and Operation Big Brother.

Under the term of GP Olympus Laforteza‘02a, the following were the recipients in the 1st semester, AY 2005-2006: Eric Catangay'02c, Barry Jamora'03d, Steve Ternura'03e, John Mark Malaza'00d, and John Michael Cabugauson'04d (DVM, Negros Occidental). Jamora and Malaza graduated that sem.

In the 2nd sem of AY 2005-2006, the following were the recipients: Ryan Romasanta'04d (BS Chemistry, Marinduque), Aurelio La Guardia III'04c (BS Civil Engineering, Nueva Viscaya), Jerico Gascon'04c (BS AgChem, Pangasinan), Ervin Ocampo'04e (DVM, Laguna) and John Michael Cabuguason '04d.

In 2005 the BBB boosters were in the forefront in raising funds for beleaguered Alden “Osort” Ambal ‘01a (who was fighting a legal battle against the administration) and Chito Velecina‘82d (who was down on his luck and suffered a heart attack). Even Sigma Betan Sis Marie Kris Peñaflor, who was in coma due to aneurism, was assisted.

In 2006 membership increased tremendously with the inclusion of Philippine-based brods. With Dennis Ruiz ‘04a as GP, the 1st sem AY 2006-2007 scholars were: Jerico Gascon‘04c, Ervin Ocampo‘04e, Jose Grezzlie Divino’06a (BS Agriculture), Mark Noel Balane’06a (BS Forestry, Laguna), Kelmer Resuelo’04b (BS Agriculture, Pangasinan) and Neil Garret Sumagang’03e (BS ChemEng, Laguna).

By 2nd sem AY2006-2007, seven were accomodated: Jerico Gascon'04c, Kelmer Resuelo’04b, Felizardo Almares’06f (BS AgBussManagement, Cavite ), John Mark Violeta’06b (BS Human Ecology, Camarines Norte), Charles Marvin Alo’06c (BS ChemEng), and James Philip de Jesus’06f (Certificate in Forestry, Laguna).

The 8 recipients for 1st sem AY2007-2008 are as follows: Jerico Gascon'04c, Kelmer Resuelo’04b, Felizardo Almares’06f, James Philip de Jesus’06f, Jose Grezzlie Divino’06a, Jonathon Arzadon’02c (BS Sociology, Manila ), Verman Guevara’05b (DVM), Ivan Alo’06d (BS IndustrialEng). Each received $220 due to inflation.

As a testament to BBB’s relevance and success, there are already several BBB recipients who have graduated from UPLB. They in turn have pledged their own time and effort to become full time donor members, thus giving back and sharing fruits of their success with the same institution that has helped them achieve their academic goals.

Big Brothers' Bounty Members