Fraternities chime in on alternatives to violence

Even with the enactment of the Anti-Hazing Law in 1995, the fraternity system in the Philippines continues to be associated with deadly initiation rites.

 

The death of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde student Guillo Cesar Servando on June 28 after allegedly undergoing initiations with the Tau Gamma Phi appear to support the violence and notoriety associated with fraternities.

 

Fraternities that participated in a roundtable discussion organized by the National Youth Commission, however, swear they do not condone savagery in the course accepting new members.

 

They also provided insights on how to end violence among fraternities.

 

Kevin Romeo Lucas of the Phi Kappa Mu fraternity of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine said that instead of hitting their neophytes with paddles, they asked their neophytes to jog, do push-ups and other physical exercises.

 

"Since alam namin 'yung risks 'pag may hazing, binago namin siya," Lucas said during the forum. 

 

He added that their fraternity observes high standards in screening its applicants.

 

"Hindi kami tumatanggap ng sinuman, dapat committed siya para magtapos [ng pag-aaral]," he pointed out.

 

"Gusto namin physically, emotionally, and socially fit sila… Tinatanong nga namin kung nagpaalam ba sila sa parents nila," he added.

 

Frat for peace

 

For his part, Abdul Mudir Estrella of the Ateneo De Manila University Law School's  Aquila Legis cited the importance of fraternities specifically during Martial Law.

 

"Fraternities play a major role in mobilizing the youth during Marcos' time," he said.

 

Aquila Legis figured in the fatal hazing of law student Lenny Villa in 1991.

 

Based on his experience, Jason Balag-ey of Baguio's Brotherhood for Peace said that creation of an umbrella organization in a community could also be helpful to avoid fraternity rumbles in a community.

 

"Una, we look at the interest of the members of these different fraternities. Humanap kami ng epektibong programa para mapagkaisa sila at may nakita kaming isang formula, which is music," he explained.

 

The fraternities under the umbrella organization Brotherhood for Peace had a memorandum of understanding with each other that made fraternity-related violence rates drop in Baguio, he claimed.

 

Open up to the community

 

Manny Sipin, member of the council of elders of San Sebastian College's Scouts Royale Broherhood, suggested that fraternities be registered with  their schools, universities, colleges, or communities.

 

"We need to be registered so we can have acceptance from the community… in that way, fraternities and sororities will be accountable to their actions because they are known in the community," Sipin said.

 

"We need to capture the imagination of our brethren and sisters for them to be pro-active," he added.

 

Instead of violence, the group should channel their energy towards productive activity that caters to their community, he said.

 

Inter-frat council

 

Francesca Dalangin of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines echoed Sipin. 

 

Aside from school accreditation and registration, Dalangin suggested the creation of an inter-fraternity council in colleges and university that could be a venue for these organizations to lessen campus violence.

 

"We recognize the right of fraternities and sororities to organize itself… But we need a more localize approach [to this issue]," Dalangin said. 

 

"[Ang inter-frat council] ay isang venue sa mga fraternities and sororities na umupo at pag-usapan ang mga problema," she said.

 

Aside from that, the council may also work together to create a code of conduct among fraternities and sororities, she added. —NB, GMA News