LANDMARKS
What does it mean to be an engineer for others? For the Betans, it is simply taking the initiative to help the community using their engineering prowess.
The Beta Epsilon Way
Guided by the basic Euclidean geometry principle which states that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, the brotherhood constructed what soon became one of the most treasured contributions of the fraternity to the university.
It was after the end of the second World War when the University of the Philippines found its new home in Diliman, Quezon City. Two of the largest buildings of the university, Melchor Hall and Palma Hall, were built on the opposite sides of a wide marshy terrain which made transferring between these buildings a strenuous task back then.
The brothers of the Beta Epsilon Fraternity, staying true to its aims as a brotherhood, recognized this challenge and initiated the construction of a pathway to connect these buildings - the Beta Epsilon Way. In 1953, under the leadership of Joe S. Arvisu BE’49, the brothers labored on weekends to create the pathway which was originally made of gravel and sand. From 1960 to 1961, the Beta Way underwent a renovation led by Dennis T. Quinto BE’58 to upgrade the gravel-paved path to a concrete block-paved walkway. This project was inaugurated on November 15, 1961 under the term of UP President Vicente G. Sinco.
Truly an application of engineering knowledge, the 240 meter long and 1.58 meter wide concrete pathway bagged the fraternity the Vinzons Achievement Award in 1962, which is given in recognition for “campus spirited projects”. This award was presented by the UP University Student Union chaired by National Artist Eric de Guia, more popularly known as Kidlat Tahimik.
Beta Way 2019
The Beta Epsilon Way remains the crown jewel of the fraternity, becoming a well-known landmark in UP Diliman. For Beta Epsolon’s 90th year, the beta way was renovated with the soft opening to the public done in July 2019. The renovation aims to not only beautify the Beta Way, but also expanded the walkway itself so it would be more comfortable to use. Access rails have been installed, along with park-style fixed stools for use by passers-by.