SIGMA DELTA PHI Sorority, with its beginnings at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; was organized at the University of the Philippines in 1933. Mariang Maya Awards are bestowed on outstanding Sigma Deltans in recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of their professions, communities, people, country, Sorority, its Alumnae Association, and Filipino womanhood.
Introduced by Sigma Delta Phi Alumnae Association of the Philippines in 1983, the first award honored ten outstanding Sigma Deltans in different fields of endeavor. The Association coordinates the Award through its National Mariang Maya Awards Committee that selects a board of judges from among Mariang Maya awardees.
The Award is named after Mariang Maya, the Filipino zarzuela written by renowned and multi-awarded literary and cultural writer Virginia R. Moreno for the Sorority’s 1953 musical production. Since August 2983, Mariang Maya Awards are given every five years to honor outstanding sister achievers of Sigma Delta Phi. To date, thirty Sigma Deltans are proud owners of Mariang Maya statuettes that was designed and sculpted by National Artist Napoleon Abueva.
