Phi Kappa Phi @ 85

Melito S. Salazar Jr. The Phi Kappa Phi University of the Philippines (Chapter 045) was established at the University of the Philippines in 1933 by 14 scholars (four of whom became UP presidents), celebrated its 85thyears of excellence with Pagdayaw, a series of honor society activities including exhibit and auction of Hiraya; conversations, lectures and roundtable discussions with Phi Kappa Phi scientists and academicians culminating in an awards and recognition ceremony last Wednesdayhighlighting the Phi Kappa Phi Awards of Excellence and Exemplary Service. The Society honored 23 individuals in the fields of law; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); arts; social sciences and business. All of them are recognised for excellence exemplifying the values of the Honor Society. In Law, the awardees are Antonio T. Carpio, Myrna S. Feliciano, Mario Victor F. Leonen, Teodoro Alejandro Y. Kalaw IV and Loida Nicolas–Lewis. In STEM, the awardees are Estrella F. Alabastro, Romeo E. Capuno Jr., Fortunato de la Pena, Aura C. Matias, Manolo C. Mena, Rody G. Sy and Teodulo M. Topacio Jr. In Arts, the lone awardee is Ma. Christine M. Muyco. In Social Sciences, the awardees are Ofelia D. Regala-Angangco, Bernardita Reyes Churchill, Ma. Cecilia C. Gastardo-Conaco, Angelita M. Dizon, Raul V. Fabella, Milagros Camayon-Guerrero, Jonathan C. Maliksi, Teresa S. Encarnacion Tadem, and Elizabeth Ventura. In Business, the lone awardee is Melito S. Salazar Jr. To be included in this list is an honor for which I thank the Phi Kappa Phi UP Chapter. With this recognition comes the responsibility to continue a life of learning and sharing. Knowing that we are still “works in progress,” we commit to develop ourselves consistent with the ideals of the Honor Society so that we will be of greater service to the nation and the Filipino people. The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the oldest, largest and most selective honor society for all academic disciplines. Founded in 1897 in the University of Maine, it has evolved into a global network of the best and the brightest, a community of scholars and professionals building an enduring legacy for all generations. Originally named the Lambda Sigma Eta Society, it was renamed Phi Kappa Phi from the Greek letter words forming its motto, PhilosophiaKrateito Photon, “Let the love of learning rule humanity”. The society is guided by its Code of Ethics: 1. I will respect the rights, knowledge skills and individuality of all persons. 2. I will strive for excellence and promote the objectives of the honor society. 3. I will be honest, fair, trustworthy and ethical. 4. I will comply with all laws, bylaws, the employee handbook, or other relevant policies of the Society. 5. I will use the Society’s resources judiciously. 6. I will value and respect the history and traditions of the Society. 7. I will use sound judgement in all personal and professional undertakings. 8. I will achieve and maintain competency in my chosen field and/or endeavours. 9. I will let the love of learning guide my life. The Phi Kappa Phi initiates more than 30,000 members a year on 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. More than 1.5 million members have joined the ranks since 1897. Membership is earned. Admission is by invitation only to the top 7.5 percent of second semester juniors and 10 percent of senior and graduate students. It needs nomination approval by a chapter which considers the criteria of excellence and good moral character. melito.jr@gmail.com