“HYBRID” ANCOM 2021

By VW Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr.

It was only a matter of days, and the fruit of months, nay, years of preparations would have seen its execution, flawless, precise and so smooth it could have set the bar for future Annual Communications. Nature would not have it, however, as the Covid-19 Pandemic, already over a year since it started to wreak havoc on people’s lives worldwide, took an upward turn in major parts of the country. “Kung kailan handang-handa na tayo, saka pa tumaas ang protocol classification” VW Lyle Aquino, District Deputy Grandmaster of host Masonic District R-III Zambales told The Cable Tow, “and as Masons, we are supposed to be shining examples of what is good and right, thus, we comply to what is required for everyone’s sake.” The unprecedented spike of up to some 15,000 daily Covid-19 infections has prompted the government to place MetroManila and other provinces and cities in the country under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status as part of efforts to curb the spread of the deadly virus. Noting the implications of the prevailing protocol on the AnCom, itself, Most Worshipful Agapito S. Suan, Grand Master of Masons in the Philippines, issued Edict 340-A, further amending the modified procedures for AnCom 2021, the 104th Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP). “While the City of Olongapo is already under the low-risk protocol classification of MGCQ, safety precautions dictate that entry of visitors from areas still considered high risk such as the NCR Plus areas, be discouraged at this time,” Most Worshipful Suan said in his Edict. “It turned out that last year’s AnCom postponement was not enough as we still very much have the Covid-19 virus around,” VW Aquino said, “but we are no longer willing to have another year of delay because we are not inclined to let the Pandemic rule over us,” the DDGM added, “life and service goes on.”

“Originally, we were expecting no less than 10,000 visitors, including Masons, their families and guests from all over the country and the world, with hotel accommodations already booked, most of which have already been paid for,” VW Aquino said, “however, we had to cancel and work out the refunds.”

“This time, we only had around 600 reservations scattered all over the capacityreduced Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport hotels,” VW Aquino explained, “and yet we had to finally cancel everything.” Incoming Grand Master Rolen C. Paulino said the brethren’s safety is paramount.

“I am willing to do away with the pomp and celebrations,” RW Paulino said, “ang mahalaga, walang malalagay sa panganib at walang mapapahamak na buhay. Basta tayo, magta-trabaho para sa kapatiran at mamamayan.”

MW Suan’s Edict, in consultations with the Past Grand Masters, incumbent officers and other stakeholders, has shortened the AnCom into a couple of days, April 22-23, with the opening and election of officers, except that of the Junior Grand Warden, to be held at the Grand Lodge of the Philippine’s Headquarters in Manila, and the installation of elected and appointed officers at Lincoln Masonic Temple in Olongapo City a day later, both with limited physical attendance, most other participants joining via online links. “The deferral of the election of a Junior Grand Warden (is) in order to come up with a highly credible and acceptable system on full electronic or remote voting,” MW Suan explained, “within 60 days… the Grand Master shall call a Special Communication for the conduct of election of the Junior Grand Warden, laying down the conditions and other particulars thereof through a covering Edict. We call it ‘hybrid’ AnCom kasi combination ng physical at virtual attendance,” RW Paulino said, “and with the spirit of Pusong Mason that we have, we will make it work.” (VVV)