An outstanding banker… The more-than-thirty-year civil-service career of this Ilongo from Barrio Lanas, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo was a constant and an arduous struggle of reaching the top – of moving from the position of forest guard to that of bank manager. His perseverance, nevertheless, handsomely paid off. Since he was a popular joiner, his Masonic record has been impressive. His mother Lodge was Sarangani Lodge No. 50 in Davao City, but he affiliated with Kutang Bato No. 110 in Cotabato in 1958. Two years later, he became the Worshipful Master of this Lodge. He was a Past Master and Honorary Member of Kidapawan Lodge No. 170 as well as a Past Master of St. John’s Corregidor Lodge No. 3. He became a member of Lodge Perla del Oriente No. 1034, S.C., Manila. He had other Blue Lodge affiliations: Mt. Matutum Lodge No. 156 and San Carlos Lodge No. 186. He was appointed Grand Lodge Inspector for Mt. Matutum No. 156, Davao No. 149, Kanlaon No. 64, and Iloilo-Acacia No. 11. He was once a District Deputy Grand Master for District No. 18. In 1968, he was appointed Grand Chaplain; in 1969, Grand Marshal. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1970, Senior Grand Warden in 1971, Deputy Grand Master in 1972, and then Grand Master in 1973. He was, by the way, cited as an outstanding Mason in this Jurisdiction in 1962. In the York Rite Masonry, his activities may be summed up, as follows: Grand High Priest, 1978; Illustrious Grand Master, 1978; Eminent Grand Commander, 1977. Conferred the honorary degree of the Red Cross of Constantine, Asoka Conclave No.25 in 1965. Awarded the International Distinguished Service Medal in 1967 by the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United States of America. His involvement in the Scottish Rite is summarized, as follows: joined the Davao Bodies, A. & A.S.R. in 1954; Venerable Master of Laong Laan Lodge of Perfection in 1956; invested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1962; coroneted 33°, Inspector General Honorary in 1966 by the Supreme Council; and Honorary Member of Bisayan Bodies, A. & A.S.R. Demonteverde, Sr was a member of Sampaguita Chapter No. 3, Order of the Eastern Star; a Shriner of the Nile Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., of Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., and a Past Royal Patron and one of the pillars of the Grand Court, Order of the Amaranth. He was likewise, very active in other civic and service clubs, such as the Rotary, YMCA, and the Y’s Men’s Club. During his term as Grand Master, Demonteverde, Sr. put out a Masonic Yearbook, issued one Edict and eleven circulars, restored the charters of two Lodges, issued dispensations for the formation of seven Lodges, and is credited with over ninety official visitations and official meetings. He was married to the former Nora Jaroda, with whom he had six children – three boys and three girls – all of whom became professionals. One of his sons – Franklin – was elected Grand Master in 1999. Demonteverde Sr. met his creator on June 16, 1983.