Tradition and fellowship marked the Southern Luzon Multi–District Convention for the Masonic Year 2025 held in Batangas
The centuries-old brotherhood of Freemasons continued to play a visible role in communities across the Philippines. Last October 10-12,2025. Masonic leaders and members from across Southern Luzon gathered in Batangas for the Southern Luzon Multi-District Convention 2025, a three-day event celebrating tradition and camaraderie.
Hosted by the Masonic District Region 4 – Batangas under the leadership of its District Deputy Grand Master, Very Worshipful Irvin I. Estrada, and co-hosted by the Dr. Jose P. Laurel Masonic Lodge No. 325 led by Worshipful Master Alexander M. Onte, the convention was held from October 10 to 12, 2025, at LIMA Park in Lipa City, Batangas.
This year’s theme, “Bawat Isa sa Masoneriya ay Mahalaga,” underscored the importance of every member, family member, and subordinate organization within the Fraternity. Delegates of the convention took part in deliberations, elections, fraternal activities, and community events—all aimed at strengthening ties among Lodges and Districts while reaffirming the presence of Freemasons in the community.
“This convention was as much about rituals and practices as it was about coming together to reaffirm the values that guide Freemasons in their work within and beyond this ancient and honorable institution,” said Very Worshipful Mellord Ivan O. Zarraga, Grand Chaplain.
The SLMDC 2025 opened with a Ceremonial Fun Golf Fellowship at the Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas. The evening program included the awarding ceremony for the Fun Golf Fellowship, capped by the Grand Master’s Night.
The second day featured the presentation and deliberation of Approved District Resolutions, discussions on Masonic Education delivered by Very Worshipful Andrei C. Palacios, Senior Grand Lecturer, an Open Forum Session, and the Electoral Process for nominees for the position of Junior Grand Warden for the Masonic Year 2026.
A message from the Guest of Honor and Speaker, followed by the closing address of the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Atty. Raul E. Canon, Jr., punctuated the day’s proceedings.
Canon reflected on the event, quoting the Bible: “Bawat isang Mason ay mahalaga dahil bawat isa ay haligi ng Kapatiran.” The message echoed the verse from Ecclesiastes 4:10–12: “Kapag nabuwal ang isa, ay maitatayo siya ng kanyang kasama… Kung ang nag-iisa’y maaaring magtagumpay laban sa isa, lalo na ang dalawa. Ang lubid na may tatlong pilipit ng hibla ay hindi agad malalagot.”
The final day on October 12 shifted the focus from halls to open roads with the SLMDC 2025 Fun Run. The event concluded with an awarding ceremony, closing the three-day gathering on a note of energy and camaraderie.
“We wanted this convention to remind every Mason that each member, regardless of their accolades or positions, is valuable,” said Very Worshipful Irvin I. Estrada, District Deputy Grand Master.
As the convention gathered hundreds of members under one banner, it once again highlighted the enduring presence of Philippine Freemasonry in society—a network that stretches centuries back, yet continues to adapt to the times.—BY MELLOR IVAN O. ZARRAGA
Batangas as convention host
Batangas, with its rich history, tradition, and modern development, proved to be a fitting stage for the Southern Luzon Multi–District Convention. The province has long been a stronghold of Philippine Freemasonry, home to well-known leaders like President Dr. Jose P. Laurel, after whom the Host Lodge is named; Gat Apolinario Mabini, acknowledged as the “Brains of the Philippine Revolution”; Teodoro M. Kalaw, a Past Grand Master and noted scholar, historian, and statesman; Gen. Miguel Malvar, recognized as the last general who surrendered during the Philippine-American Revolution; and many others. The legacies of those who came before remain deeply embedded in Batangueño pride.
This was not the first time that the Province of Batangas hosted the Southern Luzon Multi–District Convention. In previous years, Very Worshipful Aristotle O. Liwag presided over the convention during the Centennial Celebration of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines in 2012. This was followed by Very Worshipful Silverio F. Montalbo, who hosted the event in 2021, when the region was still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The choice of Batangas once again reflected the Fraternity’s deep roots in Southern Luzon, where lodges serve not only as halls for fraternal bonds but also as centers for civic projects and charitable work.
As the convention brought together hundreds of members under one banner, it reaffirmed the enduring presence of Philippine Freemasonry in society—a network that has stretched across centuries yet continues to evolve with the times. With a theme that emphasized inclusivity and the importance of every member, the Southern Luzon Multi-District Convention for Masonic Year 2025 stood as both a celebration of tradition and a hopeful look toward the future.—BY ATTY. ARISTOTLE O. LIWAG
