The Legacy of Freemasons in Philippine History by Bro Rodel J Ramos

Following is an excerpt from an essay by the above author. Click title to read the full article.

"At the EDSA revolution, Worshipful Master Col. Tirzo Gador who was the provincial commander of Cagayan at that time led one hundred Cagayanos in defense of the rebellion. The so-called “Cavaliers” composed of Masons surrounded Gen. Rene Cruz, Senior Warden of Araw Lodge No. 18 in Camp Crame. Past Grand Master Rosendo Herrera - together with his family - defied tanks in that glorious EDSA experience. Past Grand Master Reynato S. Puno, Deputy Minister of Justice, met with Senator Jovito Salonga when Justice Estelito Mendoza was nowhere to be found.

MW Teodoro M. Kalaw, past Grand Master of the Philippines observed:

“In these days of peace and goodwill, under a government that neither condemns nor persecutes, but rather encourages and helps those who work for the benefit and progress of humanity, Masonry which is a universal institution to which many honest men belong, irrespective of religion, race or nationality, will be able to teach the Filipinos that the ideal life is that in which nobody interferes with the beliefs of others; in which everybody may profess the ideas that each considers best, if within the law; in which everyone is free to adore his God in his own way; in which all may practice as they deem advisable the commandment of “Love they neighbor as thyself; charity towards the needy, tolerance and humility towards the poor, justice and truth towards all; in which there is no hatred, but love, no division of classes, but fraternal cooperation, no monopolies for the few, but opportunities for everybody; and in which all will understand that morality is not expressed in words, or even in thoughts, but in daily deeds, in every industrial, commercial, agricultural activity, in every phase, in short, in human existence.”

Even today, Masons are working for the preservation of our freedom, equality, unity and peace. Truly, the words “Masonry is in the heart of great men among nations” was upheld. Perhaps if more Masons were involved in our Government and Filipino Communities abroad, our dream of unity will be hastened. But many seem to be content with following the blind rather than leading them."

The post by Bro Rodel J Ramos (Canada Lodge 532, Jose Rizal Lodge 23) is a historical account of some of the famous contribution of Masons in Philippine history. He is originally from San Narciso, Zambales. You can contact Bro Rodel via email on ramos123@rogers.com.