Brief History on how the Phi Beta Epsilon was started.
Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, so the legend runs, sprang
from the brain of the mighty Jupiter of Mount Olympus. Jupiter is not the only proud parent on record. At Central Philippine
College (now Central Philippine University) we have one such fond father and one such bonny brainchild. I am referring to
Dean Juan Sornito and his magnificent obsession – The Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity. Just when this worthy first born
got his first airing on the Central Campus I don’t remember but one thing I know for certain. He was christened last
September 28, 1947 at Roblee Science Hall with Engineers Arturo Rivera, Jesus Cordero and Celestino Javier as sponsors. After
which he was formally presented to his illustrious grandfather, Grand Old Central, who received him with open arms and gave
him official recognition as heretofore lawful heir and co-sharer of all rights, privileges and blessings of his domain. Poor
Minerva! For all her supernatural wisdom, she will never feel thrill of a birthday, the love of a fond father, the indulgence
of four doting godfathers, and the protection of a benevolent grandfather. Phi Beta Epsilon . There is music, there is magic
in the name. It is Greek, but it simply means Fellowship of Brother Engineers. Its purpose is to bind the engineering students
of C.P.C together so they may work shoulder to shoulder for a common end. (Source: 1948 Centralite yearbook[1]written by: Engr.
Celestino Javier and the first PBE Fraternity Sweetheart Sis Lilia Garcia-Go).
Betans at Central Philippine University
The Betans, a short term for the members of this fraternity,
trace their humble beginnings on September 28, 1947 at Central Philippines University (CPU) where the famous mathematician,
Dean Juan Sornito together with Engrs. Arturo Rivera, Jesus Cordero and Celestino Javier joined forces in forming the fellowship
and called it the Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity (Fellowship of Brother Engineers). Follow this link[1][2] for the origins of the Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity as written on the pages
of the 1948 Centralite, CPU's yearbook.
Betans at University of Iloilo
In time, some members transferred from CPU to UI, formerly
Iloilo City College (ICC). The UI Chapter was organized by the founding brothers and faculty advisers on October 21, 1964
at the La Paz, Engineering Unit in La Paz, Iloilo City. The founders were Bros. Achilles Villa, Jose Robinson Umano Jr., Luis
Sustituido, Joelito Malolos, Rogelio Pontioso, Arsenio Fernandez, Rodolfo Tamayo and Wendell Latoza. Between the year 1964
and 1965, the Engineering Department was moved to the corner of Mapa Street, Iloilo City. Some of the brother advisers moved
to the newly founded Western Institute of Technology.
Betans at Western Institute of Technology
Incidentally, some faculty members of the College of Engineering
in ICC (now University of Iloilo) joined and founded Western Institute of Technology (WIT). Hence, student brothers from both
CPU and ICC joined hands and organized the WIT Chapter. Bros. Edmund Arias, Jessie Aling and George Pontino from CPU and Bros.
Rudy Tipanan and Freddie Ortiz from ICC were the organizers. Thus, in February 14, 1969 Batch I of WIT Chapter with fourteen
survived members, was formed and that was the start of the fraternal affair that has lured many to its fold.
Betans at University of San Agustin
The Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity of University of San Agustin
College of Technology was founded on September 21, 1978 by Bros. Johnny Rey Zerrudo and Eugene Tamayo, both transferees and
members of the Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity of Central Philippine University. The first members of the fraternity were Bros.
Carlos Sion, Ramy Pudadera and Fruto de la Flor. From the original three members, the membership flourished with close association
with the other chapters.
Conclusion
Martial Law was declared on September 21, 1972 in the
Philippines and all fraternities were ordered to stop operating. Despite this, the
Betans continued to exist and grow in numbers. At present, the three chapters of Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity of Central Philippine
University, University of San Agustin and Western Institute of Technology continue to exist. The University of Iloilo Chapter
unfortunately ceased to get new members because the school stopped offering 5-year Engineering Courses. The last batch (38th
batch) of brothers at the University of Iloilo were accepted at the end of their final rites ceremony on February 25, 1995
and were formally inducted to the fraternity during an Induction and Ball at The River Queen Hotel, on May 6, 1995. Today,
the UI fraternity is still inactive inside the university but actively exists within the city of Iloilo as its home base.
The brotherhood meets at least once a year in a grand reunion.
