Friday, April 24, 2009

Freemasonry is the oldest and largest world wide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. Although of a religious nature, Freemasonry is not a religion. It urges its members, however, to be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs.

The organization of Freemasonry is based on a system of Grand Lodges, each sovereign within its own territory. There is no central authority governing all Grand Lodges. However, to be acknowledged by others, acceptable traditions, standards and practices must be maintained.

In the history of Freemasonry around the world, Filipino Masonry may have one of the most unique, interesting, colorful and dramatic stories as it played a vital and aggressive role in our search for independence from foreign invaders.

Many of the prominent Filipinos who sacrificed their lives for the motherland during the Spanish, American and Japanese occupations were Freemasons. They are Dr. Jose Rizal - our National Hero, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Apolinario Mabini - the Brains of the Revolution, Andres Bonifacio - The Leader of the KKK, Emilio Aguinaldo - the First President of the Philippine Republic, Justice Jose Abad Santos, Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Manuel Roxas, and Jose P. Laurel, to name a few. Gen. Douglas McArthur, hero of World War II, was made a Mason in the Philippines.