DDGM Alfred in July: Unveiling a Masonic Monument, a Final Official Visit in Baler, and Hosting the Grand Master's Caravan

An obelisk is a reverential monument connecting heaven and earth. It symbolizes regeneration and creation, and represents strength and stability. Thus was how Freemasons were hewn from rough stones into perfect ashlars.

To remind the brethren of MD Nueva Ecija South and Aurora and all Masons of Freemasonry’s aspiration for perfection and of its mission of making good men better and uniting them into a brotherhood that aims to create a better world for everyone, Past DDGM Jebong initiated the erection of an obelisk during his incumbency.  

The project however took some time and was completed when he already turned over the gavel of the District's leadership to incumbent DDGM Alfred.

Thus, both PDDGM Jebong and DDGM Alfred jointly unveiled this Masonic edifice --- a somber reminder of Freemasonry's reason for existence --- on July 3 in the historic town of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija with representative's from the District's 8 Subordinate Lodges in attendance.  

In his speech during the unveiling, DDGM Alfred conveyed the District's congratulations and gratitude to DDGM Jebong and his District Grand Lectuers, to the immediate Past Masters of the District's 8 Subordinate Lodges, and to VW Mayor Ric Padilla of Bongabon for their initiative and support in erecting MD Nueva Ecija South and Aurora's Masonic obelisk.

Manuel L. Quezon Masonic Lodge No. 262

Baler, Aurora

12 July 2025

And finally on July 12, DDGM Alfred concluded his official Lodge visits to all his 8 subordinate Lodges at Manuel L. Quezon Masonic Lodge No. 262 where he was warmly received by the brethren of Baler, Aurora and WM Jovito Flores Jr. 

Capping off DDGM Alfred's Masonic schedule for the month of July is hosting MW Grand Master Raul Canon Jr.'s Masonic Caravan that touched down with the brethren of Palayan City Masonic Lodge No. visited 331, Allium Cepa Masonic Lodge No. 453, Pantabangan-Bonari Masonic Lodge No. 203, Ang Bagong Bayan Masonic Lodge No. 463, and Talavera Masonic Lodge No. 273 on July 26; and Model Masonic Lodge No. 373 on  July 27.

From his perspective, DDGM Alfred believes that the Masonic Caravan is the Grand Master's operationalization of “Bawat Isa Mahalaga”, by bringing the Grand Lodge to the Lodges and the brethren, a manifesttion their appreciation and their importance, and empowering Subordinate Lodges by “leading from behind”. 

Because of the distance and the Grand Master’s tight schedule, he was not able to visit Manuel L. Quezon Masonic Lodge No. 262 in  Baler and Kasiguruhan Masonic Lodge No. 423 in Casiguran, both in the province in Aurora, but will compensate for that by gracing the  historic Quad Discon of Masonic Districts Nueva Ecija East and Aurora, Nueva Ecija West, Nueva Ecija North, and Nueva Ecija South that will be hosted by both Lodges in August 2.