CATBALOGAN CITY– The Delta Epsilon Fraternity and Sorority (DEFAS) Delta Epsilon Fraternity and Sorority Alumni Association, Inc. (DEFASAAI) celebrated its founding anniversary, very recently, the 27th Founding Anniversary of the Samar State University (SSU) in Catbalogan City.
The celebration, which was simultaneous with the acceptance ceremonies of new members, was held at Lucas Wharf Restaurant and Bar here.
The ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic caused the stagnation of membership in all student chapters. The situation became the primary challenge to DEFASAAI considering that the continued growth in membership in the existing school chapters has always been its primordial concern.
It aims to sustain the existing school chapters in Leyte, Samar, Iloilo, Bacolod and Cebu. On a positive note, the COVID-19 pandemic brought its alumni in virtually connected through online social media platforms despite their separation since the time they left the portals of their respective alma mater due to further studies, practice of profession and work.
The linkage among alumni members in various places of the country and across the globe led to the voluntary pooling of financial contributions aimed at helping the members and the students in need. It later resulted in the formal organization through a virtual election of its first board of trustees and officers.
In 2020, the set of officers decided to register the organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit association. One of its vital decision is the launching of a scholarship program which was initially implemented at EVSU Tacloban Main Campus.
During the DEFAS 55th Anniversary and DEFASAAI 1st General Assembly on 24 September 2022 held at Ritz Tower de Leyte in Tacloban City, the DEFASAAI board of trustees decided to implement its scholarship program by raising the scholarship fund through donations from among its members who committed to be sponsors.
Subsequently, the scholarship committee conducted a screening of aspiring students who want to avail of financial assistance and become active members of the student chapter.
Already, the scholarship recognition and awarding was implemented on February 25, 2023 through a virtual program.
The scholarship committee recognized five scholars from EVSU Tacloban Main Campus and two scholars from EVSU Tanauan Satellite Campus.
The financial assistance of P1,000 per month equivalent to P 5,000 for the first semester was released by DEFASAAI Assistant Treasurer, Engr. Juna Cardona-Aruta. The lone scholar from SSU had been granted the same financial assistance earlier that the formal recognition and awarding ceremonies.
The scholars as well as their parents/guardians who were present during the recognition and awarding program, expressed their appreciation and sincere gratitude to DEFASAAI for implementing the scholarship program.
They shared their common view that the program is a great help to alleviate the financial needs of the students and their families. The DEFASAAI board of trustees and officers are aiming to sustain the program and replicate it in its other school chapters.
(AL ELLEMA)
