Xavier University Chapter - Gamma Kappa Phi

The birth of Gamma Kappa Phi in Cagayan de oro

Gamma Kappa Phi was organized at Xavier University (XU) in 1974. This could be traced back to when Diosdado Legara (CMU-1972), a transferee from Central Mindanao University (CMU), advocated to organize the chapter in this school where he re-enrolled. The first batch of members was pioneered by ladies from the Cagayan Capitol College’s School of Midwifery and one Raul Agcopra, a classmate of Legara in XU College of Agriculture. The birth of Gamma Kappa Phi in Cagayan de Oro is a product of the close brotherhood of resident members who extended their camaraderie on their homecoming after leaving their faraway school. From Central Mindanao University (CMU) Legara brought his noble objective assisted by Abraham Fajardo (CMU-1971) and Samuel Guevara (CMU-1971) and planted the seed of their Fraternity, Gamma Kappa Phi. For their successful accomplishment, Legara was honored to be endorsed as the organizer as an enrolled student at Xavier University.
Profiles of the Xavier University organizers and co-organizers.

Diosdado Legara

CMU 1972

Abraham Fajardo

CMU 1971

Samuel Guevara

CMU 1971

Conrado Rabañes

CMU 1972

Ruel Bacarro

CMU 1972

The first pioneer batch

Raul Agcopra became the first XU Chapter fraternity member along with sorority members from Cagayan Capitol College were formally affiliated with the Xavier University Chapter. Among the ladies were Merlyn Hiponia, Evangeline Dumon, Edith Lozano, Amy Espila, Letty Concepcion, Bing Gabonada, Antonia Wayan, and Esmaldelita Esmalde. CMU Gamma Kappa Phi members who were residents of Cagayan de Oro aided in the initiation and recruitment. Along with Abraham Fajardo and Samuel Guevara, they were joined by Conrado Rabañes (CMU-1972) and Ruel Bacarro (CMU-1972). Thus, as they have been active players since the recruitments, , they were recognized as the five fathers of Gamma Kappa Phi in Cagayan de Oro or Epsilon as presently known. The Xavier University chapter, with the affiliation of Cagayan Capitol College (CCC) lady recruits, was organized and went further to conduct more recruitments.
With Raul Agcopra and the CCC lady members who have available profile except the rest with no information at hand.

Raul Agcopra

XU 1974

Evangeline Dumon

CCC–XU 1974

Antonia Wayan

CCC-XU 1974

Bing Gabonada

CCC-XU 1974

Merlyn Hiponia

CCC-XU 1974

The second and third pioneer batch

The second pioneer batch was undertaken in the same year in 1974. The batch consisted of Raymundo Luzano, Jr., Rey ‘Chong’ Uy, Ramon Tan, Leonardo Sia, Emmanuel Nuval, and Nestor Lomongo. Two successful initiations were conducted, and Xavier University was formed into the first Gamma Kappa Phi School Chapter in Cagayan de Oro. The third batch was during the school year 1975, with 9 gentlemen initiated. The recruits had four neophytes from different schools, most of whom were Xavier University students. Among of them are Jesus Cantones, Angelito Jim Jimenez, Valiente Miñoza, Manuel Belen, Mario Rabañes, George Tumulak, Danilo Guevara, Roger Clemeña, and Leonardo Corbita. Leonardo Corbita later became the organizer of the Rho-Pagadian Chapter in 1977, Angelito Jim Jimenez revived Xavier University in 1981, and one of the organizers of Cagayan de Oro College in 1977. However, this followed some fewer groups of initiations, and Lamberto Vasquez and Teotico Manganar were the last known to survive the initiation. Unfortunately, Xavier University became stagnant as a chapter after it ceased its recruitment in 1976. Mostly, the second and third batch of pioneers departed XU in 1976, while the first batch of CCC sorority members left earlier after finishing their studies and returning to their hometowns. Some members may have transferred to another school, like Raymundo Luzano, who proceeded to Cebu City to enroll in his medicine course. While Rey Uy engaged his political career in his home province of Davao del Norte. Rey became a Board Member and vice governor of the province, then ruled Tagum City as a long-term re-elected City Mayor and currently holds the position.
Profiles of second and third-batch members with available information except for the rest with no data.