PostHeaderIcon Sarong Banggi

10/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


One can argue that the popular song Sarong Banggi carries meaning in each line that only a Bicolano can feel from his heart. It is also true with our Philippine flag. The brilliant colors of red, white, and blue---the golden sun and stars evoke meanings that only we Filipinos will ever know.

The seal above adopted by members of Sarong Banggi (SB,) the organization which started in UP Los Banos brings special significance to many Bicolanos as well. If SB members tell us that unity is important: “Sa pagkasararo, may kusog” ----Isn’t this what we all want? In all our affiliations, we know this by heart. Oneness truly brings strength on which our survival, health, and happiness stand.

Art Villamor demystifies Sarong Banggi



Originally from Pasacao, Camarines Sur and Naga City, Art Villamor is the current president of the Sarong Banggi Organization International, Inc, (SBOI) a group of Bicolanos, college students, and professionals whose founding in 1964 has spawned a network of tightly-knit members in the Philippines and abroad.

In this friendly interview by Ibalonian Augusto F. Mesia, M.D., Art---the former Bayer executive shares his insights culled from his deeply held personal experiences with the popular organization in UP Los Banos when he studied there in 1973 to 1978. In his youth, Art is part of the spark of idealism of the state university---a member of a Bicolano group which has morphed into an integrated global brotherhood with a mission.

What is Sarong Banggi?

We often think of Sarong Banggi as the old folk ditty that we heartily sing with pride as Bicolanos. It is regarded as a love song, but historian Jose Barrameda, Jr of Naga City thinks it’s a liberation song composed by Potenciano Gregorio of Sto Domingo, Albay at the time of the Philippine revolution. In 1964, some students from Bicol in UP Los Banos (UPLB) added a new dimension to the song’s love message and its patriotic ramifications when they started to call their group Sarong Banggi (SB).

Since then what happened?

Before UPLB became an autonomous university in 1973, the colleges of agriculture, forestry and graduate school drew a steady number of students from Bicol. As a group, the guys didn’t have a face in the campus. Bicolanos were basically in the shadows---disorganized and disparate. They popped out during elections or came together in loose crowds--- sometimes in socials and poorly organized induction balls. There was that void at that time. Sarong Banggi filled that void for the Bikols.

What was the organization’s purpose?



SB developed its constitution and set its objectives based on the prevailing conditions of the time. Aside from common love of Bikolandia, unity and academic excellence, SB inculcated to its members the virtues of brotherhood, leadership, loyalty. and humility. Over the years, its constitution was revised in 1979, 1984, 2001 and 2007 to suit the organization to the call of time.

Who were the original members of SB?

Most of the Bicolano founders were members of campus fraternities--- 3 Upsilonians, 3 Alpha Sigmans and the rest were “barbarians”---the UP term for those who have no organizational affiliation. Two Upsilonians, Mon Santiago and Romy Claveria, came from Ateneo de Naga HS’64.

The first faculty adviser was Uly Lustria, a Beta Sigman from Legazpi City. UP Diliman College of Law faculty member Loida Nicolas (Lewis) was the young guest speaker of SB's first anniversary and induction ball held in 1965.

It was told that before 1973, the UPCA (the predecessor of UPLB,) selections of Bikolanos served as swing votes for most Bikol region candidates--- the likes of Loida Nicolas-Lewis and Liwayway Vinzon-Chato grabbed slots in the UP student body. SB was at the forefront to solidify that elusive Bikol votes.

In 1970, under Bob Geronimo's leadership, also from AdenHS'64, dual memberships to SB and other organization were not allowed. Kung SB ka, SB ka lang. Under threat of expulsion, other linkages were banned unless a member joined an academic group. (Photo Credit: ArtV)

What is the association known for?



Early on, SB was active in campus politics and theater arts. Despite the students’ focus on their studies, our members were restless and dissent against Marcos dictatorship at that time was strong.

The organization recognized the stage could not only portray the current situation of the time but it also could serve as an effective tool of showing true Filipino culture. There were memorable theatre productions which SB produced and co-produced in UPLB and Bikol until the late '80s which I could remember.

In 1969, Sarong Banggi toured with the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC, now PUP). "Samahang Kamanyang," a progressive theater group from PCC came to the Bicol Region---hanggang sa Naga at Legazpi napadpad sila para mamulat ang mga Bikolanong estudyante sa mga nangyayari sa bansa noon.

In 1975 and 1976, SB also co-produced with the UPLB Student Council "Iskolar ng Bayan - Alay sa mga Bagong Salta." A tribute for UPLB new freshmen.

In 1977, with Kappa Phi Sigma and Tulisanes worked together for "ISKHO, ISKHA ATBP," again a tribute para sa mga bagong salta.

In late 1977, SB produced "SIGAW NG BAYAN" a full act play by Bonifacio Ilagan. It portayed the struggle of the Filipino people and the Katipunan during the oppressive Spanish regime.

In 1978, SB produced "JOE HILL," a play portraying the life and struggle of an American labor union during the early years of the 20th century.

In 1982, SB staged "FOLKSONG PARA SAINDO" in Naga City. A concert featuring nationalist musicians from Manila and Laguna.

In 1984, SB co-produced with Tulisanes and Haring Ibon "REKONSENTRADO"

In 1987, SB co-produced with UPSCA, Chi Epsilon, Epsilon Chi,Teatro Umalahokan, Tulisanes, Sigma Rho, Beta Kappa, and Kappa Phi Sigma the play "PIPOY"

In late 1987, SB produced "MAPAIT SA BAO," a full length play depicting the life a typical Filipino coconut farmer and his family.

SB was also active in student politics, a number of its members became Chairpersons and councilors of UPLB Student Council during the martial law years and during the mid to late '90s. SB was also in the forefront in the revival of the UPLB student publication (UPLB Perspective) during the martial law years. SB's Gabby Bordado (AdeNHS'71 and Naga City vice mayor) was one of the editors of UPLB Perspective in 1974.

How did SB become the organization that is now?

During the first quarter storm, SB was one of the visible associations aligned with the radical left at UPLB. A number of its members even went beyond campus politics and joined the people movement in the countryside.

In 1971, its first chapter was established in Bicol as Naga Sarong Banggi with early members from ADNU and UNC and former SB members from UPLB who went back to Naga before the declaration of 1081.

The years after the declaration of martial law, SB grew larger in Metro Manila mainly in GAUF now Araneta-La Salle University and Adamson University. It also established student chapters in Bicol University (BU)--- Legazpi, Guinobatan, and Tabaco campuses. Chapters were organized in Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC), Mabini, and La Consolacion Colleges in Daet, Camarines Norte and Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) of Daet and Labo.

Memberships were opened in University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) and University of St. Anthony (USANT) in Naga and Iriga respectively. Lately, the org recruited new members from BU, Polangui, and Partido State University in Goa, Camarines Sur.

Does SB have a chapter in UP Diliman?

In the early 2000, SB tried to put up membership there. But it was not sustained by the regular chapters of UPLB and Adamson U which comprise the bulk of SB Kamaynilaan.

According to some SB elders/alumni, there was an attempt to merge UP Sarong Banggi and UP Ibalon during the early '70s (before 1081) but the negotiation failed basically on the issue on which name will survive after the merger.

Can you describe the membership of SB now?

We have about 3,000 members---500 of them are from UPLB and the rest are from other chapters. About four-fifths of the members are in the Philippines and the rest are based abroad mainly in America.

How do the SB chapters function?



Each campus regular chapter has some degree of autonomy in terms of its campus activities which are based on different policies on student organization by the different colleges and universities but in terms of objectives, recruitment and acceptance rites, elections, organizational discipline etc... all regular and alumni or elders chapters are governed by policies and guidelines formulated by the SBOI Board of Trustees (2007 SB constitution).

Our alumni chapters are created per geographical distribution of the alumni members from different regular or student chapters. We have SB Kamaynilaan Council of Elders chapter, SB International Chapter (mainly US & Canada based elders or alumni), Naga City SB council of elders among others.

SBOI under the 2007 constitution has an elected the Board of Trustees (BOT) as the policy making body of the organization. It has 3 independent commissions (election, audit and discipline) appointed by the BOT. They formulate and apply regulations according to its nature or scope of work.

Two types of chapters work hand in hand----the student or regular chapters in campus and the elder or alumni chapters outside school. The organization’s non-campus projects are identified, funded, and implemented by the elder or alumni chapters with the help of the nearest regular or student chapters.

Was SB a positive influence your life?

Definitely! Aside from my Ateneo and UP education, SB is the third classroom that honed my personality---a family man not only for oneself, but for others as well. The experience helped me manage home and work. The group helped my decision-making. Keeping the core values of SB made me what I am now--- a responsible, humble and fair person to everyone.

The state university influenced me a lot in running the group. A national and international organization, SB must be relevant to society. It must be critical and analytical to the events of the time just the way we learned in school. Di ba tinuru’an tayong di lang mano’od? Dapat maki-alam din tayo sa nangyayari sa ating lipunan.

What are your plans for SB?

I want to harness the pool of expertise and resources of the organization. Majority of SB members have assumed key positions in their respective professions. I wish I could tap them to help in education. We can work on livelihood projects for the poor. We can maximize our role in environmentalism and cultural preservation particularly in Bicol.

Why are there so many organizations in Bicol and elsewhere?

I think it is a normal sociological phenomenon. Everybody needs a company and it is natural for someone to look for his "kalahi" for full expression of oneself. He comes to know the norms and taboos of his kababayan. Not only does he eat the same food, he acquires similar values and experiences. Mas comfortable siya na kasama ang kababayan brods or sisses di ba?

What is an interesting SB story you want to share?




Gulpihon. Thirty six (36) years of affiliation with SB since my freshman year at UPLB, I picked up some of the org’s virtues. We practice self-criticism, brotherhood, loyalty, leadership and humility--- nagamit ko sa personal na buhay ko---- sa pamilya sagkod trabaho.

Por ejemplo, an maging magpakumbaba, an pag-ako ning kasalan o pagkukulang ay nanudan ko sa grupo. An pagiging ama kan pamilya, maging pamayo nin trabaho asin ibang orgs.---mga mahalagang lecciones na dae ko nano’odan sa la’og kan klase, pero natuparan ko sa SB.

Si enot na girl friend ko sa UPLB was a sis, a former up gov't scholar. So pati pag-ilusyon nanudan ko sa la'og kan org nagpu’on. Kaya pag ilusyon ko sa luwas kan SB (of course mayo na kami kan sis ko ta siya nagtransfer sa sarong university sa Manila,) dae na ako murtugo kundi astig na.

How do you balance SB with your friends and family?



Now that I am the national president of SB Organization International, Inc. (our SEC registered name,) 15% of my time is devoted to it, 15% with other friends including my golf schedule, and 70% pa rin ang pamilya. Igua na akong mga maku-apo that we can enjoy. In retirement, I find being active in the group very satisfying.

Anything new with the group?

The major change with SB since it started was its SEC registration in 2004 as non-government organization or corporation. This was to make the international organization more active outside the campus. Education, the environment, and culture preservation had been the group’s priorities.

Our focus is to increase our presence to the colleges and universities so we can carry on the SB mission. How to maintain the quality of our current membership is a concern. We want to have quality SB alumni so we can implement more projects.

How do the members deal with politics?

SB is not partisan---- kaya okay lang na may members kami na mataas ang katungkulan---in the military, police, leftist movement, legal and medical professions, engineering, forestry , agriculture, urban planning, finance etc... kun baga, maski pa ano ang pagtubod, pag-abot sa la'og nin grupo magturugang pa man guiraray.

We have a vice governor, a city vice mayor, a provincial board member and a number of municipal councilors who need our support, but we do it on individual basis.

What is the biggest challenge facing SB today?

We need to recruit quality members among the students and encourage more involvement from our alumni members. We work to reach out to other individuals and organizations in the community---- to spread the unity, goodwill, and peace we committed ourselves as Filipinos from Bicol. =0=

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