The PGBI Logo

The 2023 PGBI Constitution, Article I, The Organization, Section 5. LOGO: The seal of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. shall consist of a bold letter “G,” which stands for GUARDIANS, and within the confines of the letter “G,” the handshaking symbolizes brotherhood, solidarity, and unity of purpose. The torch represents enlightenment (information). It is meant to light the way to freedom and guide us toward the path of righteousness. The three (3) colors, red, yellow, and blue, stand for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and at the same time represent the flag of our country. The GLOBE symbolizes the unity of knowledge, power, and a perfect base of solid territories and discoveries. It signifies that the organization is going for global expansion.

The seal is designed herein below:

The Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. Logo: An Emblem of Identity and Contention

The logo of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) serves as a potent symbol of unity, strength, and loyalty for its members. Established in the early 1990s amid the socio-political dynamics of the Philippines, the PGBI’s emblem has, over the years, come to represent more than just the organization itself; it embodies the ideals and values that the Brotherhood espouses. However, for more than two decades, the logo has become a source of contention, with various factions claiming ownership and rights over its use.

The Significance of the Logo

The PGBI logo is rich in symbolism. Typically featuring elements that represent brotherhood, empowerment, and patriotism, the design is a visual narrative of the organization’s mission. At its core, the logo signifies commitment to community service, camaraderie, and the protection of the marginalized.

Members of PGBI often wear the logo on their attire, making it a badge of pride and belonging. This emblem serves not only as an identification marker but also as a rallying point for the Brotherhood’s collective objectives, reinforcing the ideals of loyalty and service among its members.

Ownership Disputes and Fragmentation

Despite its significance, ownership disputes surrounding the PGBI logo have plagued the organization since its inception. Following a series of internal conflicts, the PGBI faced fragmentation, leading to the emergence of various splinter groups. Each faction claims to be the legitimate bearer of the Brotherhood’s legacy and, by extension, the rightful owner of the logo.

The internal disputes have been exacerbated by a lack of formal mechanisms to establish trademark rights or ownership claims legally. Many groups often lack the necessary documentation, such as registered trademarks or legal charters, to substantiate their claims over the emblem. This absence of formal recognition has resulted in confusion not only among the varying factions but also among the general public, diluting the distinct identity that the logo was intended to convey.

In their attempts to resolve these issues, the PGBI made several efforts to register the old logo with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). Unfortunately, these attempts were met with challenges due to the multitude of claimants and various factors affecting the logo’s registration. As a result, a legal adviser suggested a proactive approach: redesigning the logo to create a new, unified emblem that can be more easily owned and recognized.

A Collaborative Redesign Process

Following this advice, the PGBI undertook a collaborative redesign of its logo. This effort was a collective undertaking involving the National Executive Council members, many members of the National Founders’ Council, including the three Incorporators. The collaborative nature of this initiative ensured that the redesign was representative of the diverse voices and experiences within the Brotherhood.

Finally, during the 19th National Convention”  held in Odiongan, Romblon, on September 21, 2023, the new PGBI logo was officially launched. This event marked a significant milestone for the organization, signifying not only a fresh start but also the finality of the old logo’s legacy. The launch celebrated the Brotherhood’s resilience and commitment to moving forward together as one unified entity.

Challenges of Uniformity and Misuse

Despite the adoption of the new logo, a pervasive challenge remains: the inconsistent and often improper use of the emblem among many PGBI members. Numerous individuals display the logo without a proper understanding of the guidelines for its usage, leading to a lack of uniformity across the Brotherhood.

Many members have been seen wearing the logo in varied sizes and locations on their uniforms, disregarding the established protocols for when and where the emblem should be placed. In some cases, inappropriate designs have been added in areas close to the logo, with instances of additional decorative elements being placed within six inches of it. This misuse not only undermines the logo’s integrity but also dilutes the meaning and significance that it carries for the organization as a whole.

The Path Forward

The transition to the new logo highlights the importance of unity and collaboration within the PGBI. With a renewed emblem, the organization is now better positioned to engage its members and the broader community, reinforcing its commitments to service and brotherhood.

To address the misuse of the logo, it is essential to implement educational programs for members that outline the correct usage and display of the emblem. Establishing clear guidelines for uniformity in size, location, and design will not only enhance the organization’s image but also foster a deeper understanding and respect for the logo among all members.

Incorporating the new logo into the PGBI Constitution and By-Laws will further solidify its significance and facilitate the registration process with IPOPHL, safeguarding its identity and preventing future disputes. Educating members about their rights and responsibilities concerning the new emblem will be crucial in preserving the integrity and unity of the Brotherhood moving forward.

In conclusion, the PGBI logo stands as a testament to over two decades of brotherhood and resilience. The recent redesign and celebration of the new emblem symbolize a renewed commitment to the organization’s foundational values. By fostering unity and a shared sense of purpose among all its members, while also promoting proper usage guidelines, the PGBI can continue to empower its community and embody the ideals of service and loyalty that are at the heart of its mission. – GSM