“A sorority by whatever name it is called should live up to its high ideals and principles. And it should uphold its traditions that have taken many years to build.”

- Jesusa Joven Besido, Kappa Phi Omega Grand Lady Chancellor ’64

During the ’50s and ’60s, it was Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity and Kappa Phi Omega Sorority that ruled the university. They were partners…brods and sis.

The Kappa Phi Omega was organized in 1957 to provide the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity a partner in its activities in campus as well as to soften the macho image then being portrayed by the brothers. It was acclaimed the best sorority of UP in 1950s having the same principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service.

The application process to KPO is no ordinary. Every batch should produce a talent show, usually at the Philippine General Hospital or in other public hospitals for their patients. One of the major requirements in entering the sorority is talent. Kappa Phi Omega neophytes practiced regularly for this service project. The Sorority also had an annual blood letting and volunteered at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. For fundraising, KPO also sponsored premier shows and organized benifit dances.

The Sorority would eventually produce such great names like Bellaflor Angara-Castillo (former Aurora congresswoman and now Governor), Ma. Alicia Austria-Martinez (former Court of Appeals associate justice and now Supreme Court justice), Fe Paredes-Rosales (Cultural Attache of Philippine Consulate in Vancouver, B. C.), Consuelo Ynares-Santiago (Supreme Court Associate Justice), Marcelita Ordonez, and Hayde Yorac (COMELEC commissioner and Presidential Commission on Good Government chairwoman).

Roll of KPO Grand Lady Chancellors