On November 26, 2024, UP Diliman fraternities gathered for the Gender and Development (GAD) Assembly, Bro Code: Usapang Masculinity, organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA), together with the Office of Student Projects and Activities (OSPA), and the Diliman Gender Office – Gender and Development Program (DGO). This event engaged fraternity members in meaningful discussions on the evolving concepts of masculinity and the role of fraternities in promoting gender-equal safe spaces. 

Held at the Student Union Building from 2:30PM to 5:30PM, the assembly was attended by representatives from 13 university-wide and college-based fraternities in UP Diliman: 

1. UP EMC² Fraternity
2. Sigma Kappa Pi Fraternity
3. UP Epsilon Chi Fraternity 
4. Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity – Eta Chapter
5. Upsilon Sigma Phi
6. Iuvenis Orbis Geological Fraternity
7. Artists’ Circle Fraternity
8. UP Beta Epsilon Fraternity
9. UP Tau Rho Xi – Fraternity
10. UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity
11. UP Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity 
12. Sigma Rho Fraternity
13. Tau Alpha Fraternity 
    

In the Assembly, the attendees engaged in an active discussion that examined and addressed the traditional beliefs about masculinity, and explored practical steps for building more progressive and inclusive fraternity cultures. The program featured key discussions which were led by facilitators Mr. Cabring Cabrera and Mr. Michael Non. 

The Assembly encouraged attendees to reflect on their personal and collective practices, and every participant was given a chance to engage in thought-provoking discussion on how to create real and actionable change within and outside their fraternities. While opinions varied, they suggested and agreed on similar ideas, such as actively participating in community-driven initiatives focused on gender sensitivity, mentorship, and education. They also emphasized the importance of collaborating with other student organizations to demonstrate a commitment to service and inclusivity. For instance, one suggestion was to partner with gender-advocacy organizations to conduct SOGIE sensitivity workshops. Another effort brought up was to revive the Inter-Fraternity-Sorority Council, a promising step toward fostering collaboration and positive engagement among fraternities and sororities.  

The program ended with a closing remark by then OVCSA Officer-in-Charge Prof.  Jay-Ar M. Igno, reminding everyone on the importance of the role of all student formations in fostering inclusivity within UP Diliman. The OVCSA looks forward to seeing these discussions evolve into tangible initiatives, with fraternities leading the way in reshaping the narrative on masculinity and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable campus environment.