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Magalang Lodge instituted. Officers of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands headed by Most Worshipful Grandmaster of the Philippines Peter Lim Lo Suy (seated, second from left) led the institution of the Magalang Lodge (UD) on October 8, 2009 at the Grand Lodge in Manila. With him are: (L-R) Worshipful Brother Raymond Rodriguez, Deputy District Grand Master Alfrito Mah, Magalang Lodge Worshipful Master or Charter Master Very Worshipful Antonio Guzman, Very Worshipful Eladio De La Cruz, and Worshipful Brother Gerardo Feliciano along with the members of the newly-instituted Magalang Lodge.

ANGELES CITY — A new Masonic Lodge has been instituted recently adding to the growing number of such lodges that are being organized for free and accepted masons in Masonic District Region-III A (R-III A) to advance the ideals advocated by the organization.

The Institution of the Magalang Lodge, the newest in the District R-III A, was held on October 8, 2009 at the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands headed by Most Worshipful Peter Lim Lo Suy, Grandmaster of the Philippines.

The Jose Abad Santos Memorial Lodge No. 333 headed by Worshipful Master Gerardo Feliciano sponsored the institution of the Magalang Lodge.

However, Feliciano said the lodge is still “under dispensation,” along with the Tiburcio Hilario Memorial Lodge.

“The term `under dispensation’ is used to describe a Masonic Lodge that has yet to receive a series number, unlike the earlier lodges that have already been issued identification numbers. Lodges under dispensation are not allowed to meet except for conferral purposes only,” he explained.

There are three duly-recognized Masonic Lodges in District R-III A. These are: the Pampanga Lodge No. 48; Leonard Wood Lodge No. 105; and, the Jose Abad Santos Memorial Lodge No. 333. All of these Masonic Lodges are under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of the Philippine Islands

The newly-instituted Magalang Lodge Officers are: Very Worshipful Antonio Guzman as Lodge Worshipful Master or Charter Master; Very Worshipful Eladio De La Cruz as Senior Warden; Worshipful Brother Raymond Rodriguez as Junior Warden; Bro. Angelito Cortez as treasurer; Bro. Ronnie Manuel as secretary; Very Worshipful Peter Uy as auditor; Bro. Edgar Guevarra as chaplain; Very Worshipful Lorenzo Detran Jr. as marshall; Worshipful Brother Beda Quiambao Jr. is Senior Deacon; Bro. Angelito Cura as Junior Deacon; Senior Steward is Bro. Rogelio Ilagan; Junior Steward is Bro. Nomer Canlas, and Worshipful Brother Gerardo Feliciano as Tyler.

“The institution of the Magalang Lodge is a milestone and a historic one for Masonic District R-IIIA of Pampanga because establishing new lodges within the district is a long-time dream of every District Deputy Grand Master to promote the ideals of freemasonry, considered a major accomplishment by members,” said District Deputy Grand Master Very Worshipful Alfrito “Bong” Mah said.

Masonry is an ancient and worldwide fraternity of, a brotherhood of men, under the fatherhood of God.

Lodge Chaplain Bro. Edgar M. Guevarra said the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines is a “Cradle of Famous Filipino Heroes and Builder of Nation.”

“Heroes that are masons include National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Gregorio del Pilar, Antonio Luna, Apolinario Mabini, and many others,” Guevarra said,

Guzman said that if Filipinos were all Masons and obeyed with all their hearts the gentle teachings of Masonry, the country would be a “Paradise.”

“There is more to Masonry than previously thought. For Masonry is the road that will lead us to order, unity, cooperation, self-mastery and above all, harmony, the strength and beauty of the fraternity as Masons are said to be men of ideals, imbued with a laudable sense of self-discipline and morality and possess benevolent and compassionate hearts,” Guzman stressed.