Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, accompanied by his son Andrew, receives the Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO) Award from Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association officers at the Goldenberg Mansion in San Miguel, Manila Saturday afternoon (Feb. 8, 2025). Speaker Romualdez, who joined the brotherhood in 1985, was cited for being a visionary leader whose career in public service and business exemplifies Upsilon Sigma Phi’s ideals of Brotherhood, Integrity, Excellence, Leadership, and Service
FORMER President Ferdinand E. Marcos and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez have been named among this year’s recipients of the Upsilon Sigma Phi’s Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO) Awards.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received the award for his father and namesake, highlighting the former president’s lasting influence on Philippine governance, economic policy and national identity.
The President was accompanied in the event by his mother, former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, and his sister, Irene Marcos-Araneta.
This year’s ceremony was held Saturday afternoon, at the Goldenberg Mansion, Malacañang Complex, in conjunction with the 20th Biennial Congress of the fraternity at the Imelda Hall of Aguado Residence in San Miguel, Manila.
Thanking the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association for allowing him to receive the award on behalf of his father, President Marcos Jr. exhorted Upsilonians to seek ways on how they could contribute towards a better Philippines and uplift the lives of their fellow Filipinos.
“And now I could almost hear my father, once again, answering this question. Be a good Filipino. Be a Filipino who loves his fellow citizens and his motherland. Give what you can, sacrifice all that you can so we can proudly say we have left the Philippines a better place than we found it,” said President Marcos Jr.
For his part, Speaker Romualdez said he is truly honored to receive the prestigious recognition alongside former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, “whose leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on our nation.”
“This award is not just a personal achievement but a reaffirmation of my commitment to serve the Filipino people with dedication, integrity, and excellence,” said the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives.
The UNO Awards, conferred by the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association, honor Upsilonians whose lives and legacies exemplify the fraternity’s enduring values of Brotherhood, Integrity, Excellence, Leadership, and Service.
The prestigious recognition is given to exceptional members of the fraternity who have made a profound impact on governance, public service and national development.
Posthumous honor for the late President
A 1937 inductee of Upsilon Sigma Phi, President Marcos Sr. was noted for demonstrating early brilliance as a cum laude graduate of the UP College of Law and topnotcher of the 1939 Bar Examinations.
As the country’s 10th President, Marcos Sr. was recognized for having embarked on an ambitious agenda of infrastructure development, economic modernization and diplomatic expansion.
The citation noted that many Filipinos laud his significant contributions to nation-building, political stability and economic growth, a legacy that continues to shape the discourse on leadership and governance in the Philippines today.
“He is a giant in Philippine history and his impact as a leader and politician left an indelible mark in society that is felt to this day.”
Speaker Romualdez: Visionary leadership and Public Service
As Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez was lauded for his exemplary legislative leadership, spearheading unprecedented productivity in the 19th Congress.
“As the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, fellow Martin has redefined leadership by steering the House to achieve record-breaking milestones. Under his stewardship the 19th Congress filed over 13,454 measures, passed 1,368 bills, and enacted 166 into law,” the citation said.
Among the notable landmark legislative contributions of Speaker Romualdez was Republic Act 10754, which expanded the benefits for persons with disabilities, underscoring his dedication to inclusive development.
The award also cited Speaker Romualdez’ distinguished career in corporate governance and finance. He held executive roles in leading institutions such as Equitable PCI Bank and Philippine Commercial International Bank, among others.
Other UNO living awardees this year include Secretary of Justice Crispin Remulla, Romeo Carlos, Ernesto de Castro, Steve Yuviengco, Renato Tayag Jr., Robert Aranton, Romeo Liamzon Jr., Fernando Sanchez Jr., Alan Austriaco, and Cary Calimlim, while a posthumous award was also given to Jorge Gonzales.
Founded in 1918, Upsilon Sigma Phi is the oldest Greek-letter organization in Asia and the longest-standing student organization in the University of the Philippines.
About the Author
