One Hundred Years Strong, One Brotherhood Moving Forward
To the Outgoing and Incoming Officers of the Different Administrative Regions and Committees, to the Council of Elders, to my fellow outgoing Board of Trustees led by Bro. Richard Mark Bugarin, to our Immediate Past President Bro. Kevin Faustin Dy, to the newly-inducted Board of Trustees headed by my ka-batch, Chairwoman Sis. Evelyn Cañete-Evangelio, my esteemed brothers and sisters in Alpha Phi Omega, respected elders, fellow servant leaders, guests, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit charged with responsibility. I am deeply honored to accept the trust you have placed in me as I humbly step into the role of National President of Alpha Phi Omega Philippines, Inc., during this extraordinary and historic moment in our journey — the year we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Alpha Phi Omega.
This is not merely a passing milestone. It is a resounding declaration of who we are, where we came from, and where we intend to go. One hundred years of service. One hundred years of brotherhood and sisterhood. One hundred years of turning ideals into action. What a legacy we have inherited.
It is impossible to speak of the present — much less the future — without reverently looking back at our past. Alpha Phi Omega was born from the noble ideals of scouting and fellowship, forged in times of great change, and strengthened through decades of both triumph and adversity.
We honor the glorious legacy of those who came before us — the founding members who gave form to our values, the countless brothers and sisters who carried our banner into communities needing hope, help, and healing.
Our journey has been nothing short of heroic. We’ve seen our members respond to calamities, build schools, lead campaigns, rise in government, shape education, start change. We are builders — of bridges, of dreams, of nations. That is the story of Alpha Phi Omega. And today, we write its next chapter.
The world we live in today is vastly different from the one in which APO began. We’ve faced enormous changes — social, political, technological — and along the way, we encountered challenges that shook the very foundation of our organization.
We were tested by internal divisions, external pressures, and the generational shifts that many organizations fail to survive. But we did not crumble. We listened. We evolved. We reconciled. We acted.
And we owe this triumph, this valiant strength, to the collective will of every member, and especially to the guidance of our senior brothers and sisters who carried this organization through difficult terrain with wisdom, dignity, and resolve.
To our elders: you are the bedrock of Alpha Phi Omega. You were there when the lights dimmed. You kept the flame burning. You gave your time, your guidance, and your loyalty — often without recognition, sometimes without thanks — but always with love.
Today, we say: Maraming Salamat Po.
To our dear collegiate members — you are the heartbeat, the energy, the very lifeblood of Alpha Phi Omega.
Your passion reminds us of our purpose. Your creativity brings fresh vision. Your daring spirit gives this organization its forward momentum.
Our future rests on your shoulders — and we have full faith in your strength. But know this: your leadership is not a burden you bear alone. As National President, I make this promise — we will support you, develop you, listen to you, and protect the values you fight to uphold.
We will expand leadership academies. We will invest in chapter development. We will create digital bridges so that geography never limits participation. Your voice matters — and under this administration, it will be heard.
No transition is complete without expressing our deepest gratitude to those who have led us this far.
To the outgoing National Board of Trustees, led by Brother Archie Bugarin — thank you for your leadership and the policies that created stability and meaningful change. Your commitment to inclusion, transparency, and innovation has left a lasting mark, and we stand on the strong foundation you built. Brod Archie, sabi mo kanina, you will not let my Presidency fail. We will not fail dahil nandyan ka.
To our Immediate Past President, Brother Kevin Faustin Dy — you served this organization with distinction during one of the most transformative periods in recent memory. Under your watch, we rose with dignity and admiration. You faced complexities with clarity, criticism with calm, and challenges with character.
You made choices that were not always easy, but always necessary. You reminded us that leadership is not about being popular — it’s about being principled. You led with vision and resolve, and Alpha Phi Omega is better because of you. Maraming maraming maraming salamat lodi! Pangulong Kevin Dy, under your steady watch, we were able to withstand all challenges. Because of you, we are ready now, more than ever to face the uncertain future.
To your loving family — First Lady Amie, Ina, and Tita Cha — thank you for being Kevin’s strength. Behind every great leader is a circle of support that carries the unspoken weight. Thank you for sharing Kevin with us. For the countless sacrifices that allowed him to lead, we are forever grateful.
To all outgoing officers, thank you for finishing well. Your term has brought accomplishments that will inspire future leaders. You served not for credit but for our fellowmen and for the cause of Alpha Phi Omega.
To all our supporters, my APO Cubao family, my Samahang Alpha Phi Omega ng Cainta (SAPOC) family, my APO Rosario Batangas family, my APO Fairview family (salamat Tata Mo for being our inducting officer), my APO Congress family, and my APO Mabalacat family, my batch 2002 family, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to you, whether through encouragement, advice, campaign help, or simply showing up and voting. You made this possible. This victory belongs to all of us, not just me.
Allow me to pay tribute to the place where it all began for me — Eta Chapter.
To my mentors, batchmates, and fellow members: thank you for honing me, challenging me, supporting me. You gave me the courage to speak up, the strength to lead, and the values that now guide my every decision.
Eta Chapter taught me that leadership is earned through service, and that friendship is proven in action. I carry your legacy with pride and I bring your spirit into this office. Eta for Excellence!
To my family, thank you for grounding me in faith, honesty, and humility. Every lesson you taught me in private became the compass that now guides me in public.
And to the woman who stands by my side — my wife, Sheine — thank you, my love, for being my peace in the storm.
Even now, as you carry the beautiful life of our child, you carry my dreams, my burdens, my battles. In every sleepless night, in every silent sacrifice, you have stood strong — without complaint, without conditions.
You are my anchor when the tides get rough, my balance when the world feels overwhelming. Your belief in me never wavers, even when I doubt myself. In your quiet strength, I find the resolve to face whatever lies ahead.
I may be the one wearing the title, but every step I take is a reflection of your love. Thank you for being my partner in this life and in this mission.
To the incoming officers — I say this with the utmost seriousness: Leadership is not a reward. It is a responsibility.
Let us not take lightly the trust that has been placed in our hands. Let us strive to be better — not for personal gain, but for the thousands of brothers and sisters who believe in this organization.
Let us lead with open hearts, open minds, and unshakable integrity. Let us honor the past, serve the present, and shape the future. Let us not be caretakers of the status quo — let us be builders of a bold and better APO.
Brothers and sisters,
I do not pretend to have all the answers. But I give you this solemn vow:
I will lead with integrity. I will govern with accountability. I will serve with deep and abiding love for Alpha Phi Omega.
In this Centennial Year, let us not only celebrate a hundred years gone by — let us start the next hundred with vision, purpose, and unity.
I am ready. We are ready.
I am humbled.
And I am honored to accept the challenge.
May God bless our journey ahead.
May Alpha Phi Omega live on in service, in strength, and in solidarity.
Mabuhay tayong lahat!
Mabuhay ang nag-iisang Alpha Phi Omega!
Atty. Fritz G. Sapon
Centennial National President DY 2025
