Every organization has traditions going back to their earliest days. Our traditions are important and reflect our rich history.
- Mission and Vision
- Cardinal Principles
- Insignia
- Motto
- Code of Conduct
- Symbols
- Toast Song
- Service Song
- APO Prayer
Mission and Vision Statement
We envision to be the leading international service organization committed to the development of a world class membership that cares for the quality of life with complete complement guided by the three cardinal principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service.
Cardinal Principles
Leadership
Realistically, leadership is a matter of development. Alpha Phi Omega develops leaders, and we are very proud of that. As we grow, we seek qualities of leadership, and throughout our lives, we pursue the development of those qualities and the development of other ‘well-rounding’ qualities. Through our leadership development program in Alpha Phi Omega, we are able to develop ourselves. And, as we aspire to greater things in life, we become aware of limiting factors – which we can’t control, the external forces that shape our destiny until we control and develop what we have inside of us. We discover our own talents and strive to better our skills. We study, we learn, we practice.
Friendship
Brotherhood is the spirit of friendship. It implies respect, honesty and dependability. It means that we overlook differences and emphasize similarities as we join together in unselfish service. It means listening to Brothers whose views on issues might differ from our own. It means working closely with people whom under other circumstances we might not choose as our friends.
Service
Our Chapter service program provides many opportunities for the development of social awareness, friendships and leadership skills. Participation in our service program helps make Alpha Phi Omega the unique fraternal organization that it is.
Insignia
This Badge (“Seal” for APO Philippines), worn by thousands of brothers of APO, is the “Emblem of Campus Service.” Students and faculty alike recognize and respect the activities for which it stands.
The ideals of Alpha Phi Omega are embodied in our coat-of-arms. As everyone who has passed through the ritual knows, the symbolism of the coat-of-arms stands for the very purpose of our brotherhood.
Motto
Be a Leader
Be a Friend
Be of Service
Code of Conduct
The 12 jewels of the Scout Law is a summary of character issues that a Member of ALPHA PHI OMEGA (PHILIPPINES) pledges to follow.
I. TRUSTWORTHY
He tells the truth and keeps his promises. Honesty is an integral part of his Code of Conduct. People can depend on him.
II. LOYAL
He is true to his family, leaders, friends, community, nation and other members of the fraternity.
III. HELPFUL
He is concerned about other people. He does things willingly and unselfishly for others.
IV. FRIENDLY
He is a friend to all. He is a Brother to other APO members. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
V. COURTEOUS
He is polite to everyone, regardless of age or position. He knows and understands that good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
VI. KIND
He understands that there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants others to treat him.
VII. OBEDIENT
He follows the rules of the fraternity, his family, his community and his nation. If he thinks the rules and laws are unfair, he will try to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disregard and disobey these.
VIII. CHEERFUL
He always looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks assigned to him. He always tries to make others happy.
IX. THRIFTY
He works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
X. BRAVE
He can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
XI. CLEAN
He keeps his body, mind and spirit as well as his dwelling and surroundings clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals with him.
XII. REVERENT
He is reverent towards God. He is faithful to his religious duties. He respects the religious beliefs of others.
Symbols
In the early days of our Fraternity our Founders chose recognizable objects that would be representative symbols of the spirit of our guiding principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. They selected items of historical and traditional value and notability. The meaning and definitions of these symbols have not changed in our lifetimes, and likely will not change in the future.
Jewel
Diamond
The most precious of all gemstones representing brilliance, luster, always increasing in value, and an expression of the greatest gift of love when given.
Flower
Forget-Me-Not
A perennial flower with royal blue blossoms. It is everlasting, always remembered.
Tree
Oak
We have all heard from a parent or mentor at least once in our lives the story of the sturdy oak tree that grew from a small acorn. The oak is stately, sturdy, and sheltering.
Colors
Blue and Gold
Our color of blue is a royal blue color. It is elegant, a sign of pure deed and thought. A color in our nation’s flag.
Our color of gold is called “old glory” gold. A color also found in the nation’s flag (fringe and tassels). It represents the high value, respect, royalty, and a sign of love.
Bird
Golden Eagle
At the 1976 USA National Convention the delegates chose another symbol to further this richness of our history and traditions. They declared the golden eagle as a new Fraternity symbol. An eagle is often found as a standard or as a part of the seal of a nation. The golden eagle symbolizes strength, gracefulness, keenness of vision, and endurance.
Toast Song
Here’s to Alpha Phi Omega,
Loyal brothers/sisters we.
True to self and to each other,
Firm in loyalty.
Daily working, daily striving,
Ever more to be
Here’s to Alpha Phi Omega,
Our fraternity/sorority.
Brothers/Sisters clasp the hands of brothers/sisters,
Strong the circle we
Ever mindful, ever serving
All humanity.
Now we raise our grateful voices,
In our song to thee,
True to Alpha Phi Omega,
May we always be.
Notes:
1. The Toast Song is the official fraternity song. It is usually sung at the end of all fraternity functions (meetings, ceremonies, conferences, etc.) to the tune of “Alma Mater.”
2. The lyrics to the first verse of this song were created in 1925 by Dale Bartlett of APO USA Omicron chapter at The University of Iowa. The second verse was written by Robert Northwood of APO USA Epsilon Mu at the University of Maryland and were adopted as part of the Toast Song at the US National Convention in 1964.
3. The APO USA National Fraternity acknowledges the importance of Brotherhood among all people. In 1976, the APO USA National Fraternity overwhelmingly voted to include women among its Brothers as full Members thus reference to “brother/s” means both men and women. In the Philippines, Brother/s is substituted with “Sister/s” at sorority functions.</span>
Service Song
(Tune: Auld Lang Syne)
Let’s raise our voices in a song
And sing our praise of thee,
For Leadership and service, too,
We’ll drink a toast to thee.
To nobler cause we’ll bind our lives
We’ll serve in friendships name
To bring to Alpha Phi Omega
Everlasting fame.
APO Prayer
Heres to Alpha Phi Omega
Our Fraternity/Sorority
May we always do as much for it
As it has done for us.
May Leadership be the life we lead
And Service be our goal
May Friendship always hold our heart
And continue to make us whole.
May we be there to hold our brothers/sisters hands
As they have often hold ours
May we all continue to love one GOD
And follow HIS grace divine.
May the spirit of love always fill our hearts
And govern all we do
May it always be the force that help us
Loyal brothers/sisters true, amen.