Halting hazing

HAZING has been a chronic festering issue plaguing educational and training institutions. In the Philippines, it can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period. Such rituals were part of the "Guardias de Honor" initiation rites. Later, it emerged in student organizations like fraternities during the American colonial period.

In the early 20th century, hazing became a tradition of fraternities and sororities, especially in various Greek-letter organizations. The practice often involved harassment, abuse or humiliation meant to test the commitment, loyalty and resilience of the recruits. They had to "earn" their place in the group — all of which also went through the same grueling process before being accepted.