Mu Sigma Phi at 90: When women doctors unite
What began as a dream in August 1934 of seven female students of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine has blossomed into what is now known as the first and the largest medical sorority in the Philippines and in Asia — the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority.
At present, the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority boasts two National Scientists, two Cabinet secretaries, three chancellors of the UP Manila, four Deans of the UP College of Medicine, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee and the only female director of the Philippine General Hospital. It has proudly produced over 1,600 pioneering female physicians.
This year, the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority celebrates 90 years. To commemorate this milestone, the sorority is now in the thick of its celebration, A Heritage of Nine Decades, a lineup of activities set to foster togetherness and give back to the community.
Then and now, the sorority aims to “fortify connections, foster scholarly excellence and cultivate self-denying service.”
Dr. Regina Berba, head of the Philippine General Hospital’s Infection Control Unit, looks back at the sorority’s nine decades.
“In response to the pressing healthcare needs of the people during the turbulent and challenging ’30s and ’40s, the Mu Sigma Phi demonstrated resilience and dedication. They established the Mu Sigma Phi Charity Medical Bag, the Mu Sigma Phi Eye Bank, the Mu Sigma Phi Blood Bank, and the Mu Sigma Phi Drug Bank, all of which continue to operate to this day,” she says.
Throughout the 1990s, the sorority developed projects including Brainstorm, an inter-medical school quiz competition founded in 1991. The sorority was recognized as the UP Manila Gawad Chancellor’s “Most Outstanding Student Organization” from 1995 to 1997 and inducted into its Hall of Fame.
The sorority has consistently been an awardee of the Dr. Fernando S. Sanchez Ten Outstanding Medical Student Organizations, garnering the Top 1 award in 2024.
Paying the Gift Forward
Moved by the influence of Filipino mothers in shaping family awareness and health behaviors, the sorority launched a year-long activity dubbed “Project PROMISE” (PROactive Moms Inspired to be AMR Stewards Effectively). The initiative features the Project PROMISE Book, authored by Mu sorority sisters, which thoughtfully explores antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and strategies to combat it. Through this book and accompanying fieldwork activities in Filipino communities, Project PROMISE aims to empower mothers to care for their families more effectively and protect their communities.
One activity sure to spark excitement is Likha: Cradle of Womanhood, a benefit art auction to be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Henry Sy Sr. Medical Sciences Building of the University of the Philippines Manila. The event will feature one-of-a-kind masterpieces by renowned artists, including National Artist Abdulmari Imao and the “father of Philippine Glass Sculpture” Ramon Orlina. Open to the public, Likha will also be a platform to spotlight up-and-coming artists and promote interest in the vibrant and dynamic Philippine art landscape.
Guests will also have the unique opportunity to take home stunning works of art, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Sorority’s 90th anniversary beneficiary, the Philippine General Hospital-Child Protection Unit (CPU).
The PGH-CPU, widely acknowledged as a focal point in the national network of child protection units, provides a coordinated and comprehensive array of medical, legal, social, and mental health services for victims of child abuse and neglect and their families. Headed by Ramon Magsaysay Award-winning pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Bernadette J. Madrid, also a member of the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority, the PGH-CPU has provided safe havens for over 27,600 Filipino children throughout its history.
Capping off the year on a high note, the sorority will hold its 90th anniversary ball in December. “This highly anticipated gala celebrates a heritage that has stood the test of time, offering an evening where the opulence of history meets the grace of the present, paying homage to the sorority’s enduring values and contributions over the years,” says Dr. Berba.
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