ORMOC 234 acquires Property

By WB Lloyd U. Tellidua (IPM) / Lodge Secretary (243)

Formally conceived by thirty (30) Master Masons who petitioned the Grand Lodge of the Philippines to organize a lodge in Ormoc City, they were given a dispensation by then MW Desiderio F. Dalisay Sr., on 9 February 1979. That same year, on 27 April, the GLP, after satisfying itself that the lodge had complied with all requirements, granted its charter, and became the 234th subordinate. On August 17, a Special Communication was opened in Ormoc City for the purpose of constituting Ormoc Lodge No. 234 and install its officers. MW Jolly R. Bugarin signed the Charter. The lodge currently has thirty seven (37) members in good standing and one (1) honorary member. It is a part of the Masonic District RVIII – Leyte.

Ormoc City is the 4th District of Leyte with 110 Barangays. Incumbent City Mayor is Richard I. Gomez, while Mrs. Lucy Marie M. Torres – Gomez is the district representative. It is a first class independent component city in the Eastern Visayas region. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 215,031 inhabitants, making it the second most – populous city in the province after the provincial capital of Tacloban. Having a land area of 613.60 square kilometers or 236.91 square miles - Ormoc constitutes 9.72% of Leyte’s total area. The most common local produce are Pineapple, Sugarcane, Rice, Coconuts, and aqua products. The City has the third largest geothermal power generation with 1500 megawatts output run by the ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, formerly the “Philippine National Oil Company” (PNOC).

Prior to the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, the Lodge hold their meetings at Tongos Hotel. While Leyte recovers from the 2013 catastrophe, the Brethren of Ormoc 234 assemble at Badminton City in Ormoc City owned by Bro. Manuel Chua where the lodge was given a brotherly discount of 50% in rent. The Lodge meets every 3rd Friday of the month at 5:00 pm. On top of the usual Regular Stated Meetings (RSM) and degree works, extra-ordinary events are recorded from time to time. Below is a Calendar leading to our Lodge’s Special Milestone:

In an RSM during my incumbency as WM, our then Senior Warden David “Dave” P. Martinez, Jr. submitted a motion in response to a longoverdue need, that of having our own Temple. He offered himself to create and organize a

corporation solely for the purpose of Temple – Building. It was seconded and then approved.

ORMOC MASONIC LODGE No. 234, TEMPLE – BUILDING ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED was born and chaired by Bro Dave. It was duly registered and approved by Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), followed by the approvals of BIR, Office of the City Mayor, and complied the rest of requirements.

Launching of our Temple-Building Association. Monetary donations have started to flow as fund raising had started to flourish. Two Teams were created, a Solicitations Team led by Bro. Christian Roy Dadios, and another for Raffle Tickets under the care of Bro. Dave Martinez. While scouting for a parcel of land within the city, we found many opportunities but could not afford the price. Our search for a suitable property continued.

Lodge Election for Masonic Year 2020 – 2021. Brother SW Dave Martinez had garnered 100% of the voting brothers present, to become the next WM. As we continued searching for a cheap parcel of land, the FLUKE came. A brother, who kept on riding with us in search of a parcel of land whispered to us that he has a land somewhere in Brgy. Valencia - 12 kilometers from the City. He showed us his property, 10,000 square meters to be exact and in a very low tone of voice said: “I will donate this land to our lodge.” We were all stunned and later ecstatic. Me, the incoming WM, and our Brother JW, jumped and yelled like a CUB SCOUTS…… YEHEEEEY!

During the Public Installation of WM David P. Martinez, Jr., our benevolent benefactor was introduced - VW RAFAEL NOVAL LUCERO, PDDGM. The soft spoken medical doctor was recognized together with his family. The WM invited him to the East for a speech. He then made the following announcement that the 1 Hectare Property will be divided into the following shares:

1,000 sq mts Lodge Temple 2,000 sq mts Masonic cemetery 1,000 sq mts Firing range 2,000 sq mts Home for the Aged / Orphanage / Charitable works 1,000 sq mts Recreational facility 3,000 sq mts Business Establishments

Two (2) days later, the Government declared the on-set of the Corona Virus Pandemic and our LGU had set restrictions. Ormoc Lodge 243 started the distribution of basic commodities to front-liners in all checkpoints and to some indigents. During the middle of Community Quarantine until November 2020, Basic Commodities were again distributed to Barangays that the lodge considered as most indigent.

The “Deed of Absolute Donation” was signed by concerned parties in my residence as all pertinent documents were presented to the proces-

sor for facilitating the transfer.

The land area was cleaned-up and the cadastral survey started.

The Lodge constructed a temporary facility (temfacil) where the brethren can meet, cook, and have fellowship. When Temple Donors would like to visit the property for a view, they can be entertained at the temfacil.

We were instructed by our then DDGM, VW Trumata to submit reports of lodge’s activities and achievements.

The corner-stone laying ceremony was administered by VW Jose Lito P. Trumata at 10am, being notified and instructed by our then MWGM Agapito S. Suan, Jr. as he and his party could not come due to travel restrictions. The event was both emotional and successful.

During the RSM, the Worshipful Master announced his intention to travel all-over-the country to sell the tickets primarily to brother Masons whithersoever dispersed.

The construction of our TEMPLE had started. Its continuity will depend on the incoming funds.

WM David P. Martinez, Jr. went to Manila for a two (2) month journey to sell the raffle tickets, staying at Red Doors inside the GLP Compound. He was able to attend several stated meetings in Cavite and NCR Districts. Unfortunately, the issuance of Circ. 60 - Mandatory Suspension of Stated Meeting and other Masonic Activities for NCR, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, & Laguna from 22 March to 04 April 2021 due the surge in Covid-19 cases in the said area cut short his mission and was forced to return to Leyte.

We have received a copy of the finalists for MOST OUTSTANDING LODGES and WORSHIPFUL MASTERS and have found our lodge’s name ORMOC MASONIC LODGE NO. 234 and WM David P. Martinez, Jr., as recipients! On behalf of our Worshipful Master, we enjoin the brethren to help our lodge achieve its goals by purchasing our Raffle Tickets which can be bought at 1,000 php each. Our 10 plus 1 promo gives Lodges 11 tickets at the price of 10,000 php. The Lodge Name shall be inscribed in a Donors Wall as well as in our Lodge Archives. For further inquiries, contact us at: 0917 144 1967 or send an email to glp234@grandlodge.ph or dave1717martinez@gmail.com