Manila: Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez were among this year’s recipients of the Upsilon Sigma Phi’s Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO) Awards.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. accepted the award on behalf of his late father during the ceremony on Feb. 8 at the Goldenberg Mansion in Malaca±ang Complex.
The award highlighted the late leader’s enduring influence on Philippine governance, economic policy, and national identity. President Marcos Jr. was accompanied by his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and sister, Irene Marcos-Araneta. In his speech, the President encouraged Upsilonians to contribute to the betterment of the country.
‘And now I could almost hear my father, once again, answering this question. Be a good Filipino. Be a Filipino who loves his fellow citizens and his motherland. Give what you can, sacrifice all that you can so we can proudly say we have left the Philippines a better place than we found it,’ he said.
The UNO Awards honor Upsilon Sigma Phi alumni who exemplify the fraternity’s values of brotherhood, integrity, excellence, leadership, and service. A 1937 inductee of Upsilon Sigma Phi, Marcos Sr. was recognized for his early achievements as a cum laude graduate of the UP College of Law and as the topnotcher of the 1939 Bar Examinations.
The citation highlighted his tenure as the country’s 10th president, recognizing him for infrastructure development, economic modernization, and diplomatic expansion. ‘He is a giant in Philippine history, and his impact as a leader and politician left an indelible mark in society that is felt to this day,’ the citation read.
Romualdez, meanwhile, also received the prestigious recognition and expressed gratitude for being honored alongside the late president. As Speaker of the House of Representatives, Romualdez was commended for his legislative leadership, guiding the 19th Congress to unprecedented productivity.
According to the award citation, under his stewardship, the 19th Congress filed more than 13,454 measures, passed 1,368 bills, and enacted 166 into law. ‘This award is not just a personal achievement but a reaffirmation of my commitment to serve the Filipino people with dedication, integrity, and excellence,’ Romualdez said.
The citation noted his leadership in passing key laws, including Republic Act 10754, which expanded benefits for persons with disabilities, and his contributions to corporate governance and finance. Other UNO awardees include Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Romeo Carlos, Ernesto de Castro, and posthumous recipient Jorge Gonzales.
Founded in 1918, Upsilon Sigma Phi is the oldest Greek-letter fraternity in Asia and the longest-standing student organization at the University of the Philippines.