In a ceremony held at the Goldenberg Mansion in Manila on February 8, 2025, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and current House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez were celebrated as recipients of the Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO) Awards by the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. accepted the posthumous award on behalf of his father, emphasizing the significant impact Marcos Sr. had on the nation’s governance, economy, and identity. The event was also attended by former First Lady Imelda Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta, Marcos Jr.’s sister.
Marcos Jr. used the occasion to inspire members of the Upsilon Sigma Phi to contribute positively to the Philippines, echoing his father’s call for Filipinos to love their country and strive to improve it. Marcos Sr., a 1937 inductee of the fraternity, was lauded for his academic excellence and his presidency, which was marked by infrastructure development, economic modernization, and diplomatic efforts.
Speaker Romualdez, honored alongside Marcos Sr., expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his dedication to serving the Filipino people. His leadership in the 19th Congress was highlighted, having overseen the filing of over 13,454 measures, the passage of 1,368 bills, and the enactment of 166 laws. His contributions to legislation, particularly in enhancing benefits for persons with disabilities and in corporate governance and finance, were also recognized.
Other notable recipients of the UNO Awards included Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Romeo Carlos, Ernesto de Castro, and posthumously, Jorge Gonzales. The Upsilon Sigma Phi, established in 1918, remains the oldest Greek-letter fraternity in Asia and a significant student organization at the University of the Philippines.