R-III Bulacan plant Environmental Legacy for GLP

By VW Joseph Harold W. Santiago, Grand Scribe

In support of the Philippine Government’s National Greening Program, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines entered into an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources (DENR), and Briquettor Association of the Phils. – a non-government organization (NGO) for a coordinated and effective tree-planting activity of denuded forestlands.

In a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on October 29, 2019 between the three parties, DENR entrusted GLP with 106 hectares of the IPO Dam Forest Reserve at Brgy. San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan under its protection and maintenance to be assisted by the Briquettor Association. It will be the site of future masonic tree-planting projects for years to come.

Project inception started from a caucus meeting by the District Officers of the Masonic District R-III Bulacan back in May 2019, as they plan out their district activities for Masonic Year 2019 – 2020 under the term of MW Agapito S. Suan, Jr. The suggestion came from VW Isagani M. Navalta, one of the District Grand Lecturers and a lead forester in Ipo Watershed, Brgy. San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan. On May 27, VW Elmer Vitug, District Deputy Grand Master led other Bulacan District Officers in a courtesy visit to the Grand Master to present the idea which captured the interest of MW Suan as the project can be national in scope.

On July 27, 2019 – the Masonic District of Bulacan conducted a Tree-Planting Activity in the proposed site. The Grand Master came, together with some 300 brethren and family members from different lodges in the Masonic Districts of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, and the National Capital Region. Around 500 seedlings of cacao, coffee, and narra were planted at the different sites of the designated area in IPO Dam. The idea sparked other tree planting initiatives in other Masonic Districts particularly in the area of Rizal.

Masonic District RIII Bulacan have undergone changes since with the issuance of Edict No. 327 on December 6, 2019 – Creating new Masonic Districts. The decree divided Bulacan into two districts namely Bulacan East and Bulacan West. Per Circular No. 21 issued 10 days later, VW Navalta was deputized to represent the Grand Master for the former with VW Vitug retaining leadership of the latter.

The MoA has long been circulated by the GLP under Circular 31 of MW Suan on February 21, 2020. Then came the Corona Virus Pandemic which led to the suspension of Masonic Activities and the extension of the term of MW Suan and his Grand Lodge appointees.

On January 30, 2021 - a masonic marker was unveiled at IPO Dam, in Norzagaray, Bulacan in commemoration of the Memorandum of Agreement. Leading the occasion was Grand Master Agapito S. Suan, Jr. who was assisted by his Bulacan Deputies – VW Elmer Vitug (Bulacan West) and VW Isagani Navalta (Bulacan

East). Also present were the Grand Master’s retinue composed of VW Lini Hernando, Senior Grand Steward; VW Diosdado Melegrito, Junior Grand Steward; VR Joel Porlares, Grand Chaplain; the Worshipful Masters of the different Bulacan Lodges; and other Brethren. The marker was installed in a masonic structure designed by Bro. Homer Cruz of Manuel Roxas 152)

“The massive area can be used by different Masonic Organizations for their Tree-Planting Activities for several years” Pitched VW Vitug. “Instead of sporadic tree-planting in scattered areas, the Brethren can concentrate their efforts in a specific area that can lead to significant results.” He added. As a bonus, shallow waters abound where eco-tourists can wash off their weariness after planting for Mother Nature. Refreshments can be brought along and enjoyed in the shades of trees.

According to VW Navalta, the area is ideal for the planting of coffee, madre cacao, and narra trees – all of which can be provided by the DENR. The Briquettor Association will assist in the maintenance and upkeep of the area through the help of the local communities. It will be the responsibility of the masons of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, to conduct continuous Tree-Planting activities as well as the distribution food and charity provisions for the locals as an incentive to their participation in the long-term project.

Incidentally, Angat Lodge, UD is the nearest lodge in the area. Instituted on November 27, 2020 – it is hoped that the said lodge shall be the overseer of GLP’s Environmental Legacy on this part of the Archipelago.

After the activity, the Grand Master and Brethren proceeded to Guiguinto, Bulacan where another Masonic Marker was unveiled, this time by Bulacan Lodge No. 400 led by their Worshipful Master Brigham Paul del Socorro. Located on a forked road in Brgy. Malis, the landmark symbolizes the presence of Freemasonry in the town of Guiguinto following the constitution of Bulacan Lodge as the 400th subordinate of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines on June 2, 2012.

Next in the itinerary was a visit at the Rider's Farm in San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan owned by Brother Deng Francisco of San Jose del Monte 357. For lunch and fellowship, the party then proceeded to Rosbellos Restobar in Brgy. Tigbe, Norzagaray. As a safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and proper health protocols were observed throughout these events.