Apolinario B. Yap Memorial Lodge No. 328

The Name

           This lodge was named in honor of Bro. Apolinario Batol Yap, a Mason for 47 years up to the time of his death in January 1985. Bro. Yap was initiated, passed and raised in Isagani Lodge No. 96 in Tarlac in 1937 and is believed to be the first person from Victoria, Tarlac to join a Masonic lodge. He was a dual
member of Angalo Lodge No.63 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, a 32° Scottish Rite Mason and also a member of the Order of the Amaranth. His son, Jose V. Yap, became a Congressman and Governor of Tarlac.

The Lodge

           In 1998, some members of Pura Lodge and Anchor Lodge, two lodges in Tarlac, conceived the idea of organizing a Masonic lodge in Victoria, Tarlac hoping thereby to enhance the growth of Masonry in the area. After getting the unqualified support of Governor Jose V. Yap to their plan, they convinced other Masons to join the project. All in all, 33 Master Masons signed on as charter members of the lodge.

           The founders were issued a dispensation by Grand Master Enrique L. Locsin to organize Apolinario B. Yap Memorial Lodge in Victoria, Tarlac and on December 9, 1998, he personally instituted the lodge in public ceremonies at Victoria. Immediately thereafter the officers of the lodge, led by a highly regarded Mason in Tarlac, Erundino M. Cajucom, were installed into office.

           On April 23, 1999, during the annual communication held in General Santos City, the Committee on Charters, headed by MW Agustin V. Mateo recommended that the lodge be granted a charter as Lodge No. 328. On the same day the charter was granted. On July 3, 1999, MW Franklin J. Demonteverde duly constituted the lodge in public ceremonies at the Bulwagan ng Kalayaan in Victoria, Tarlac in the presence Masonic dignitaries and an appreciative audience. RW Napoleon A. Soriano, Senior Grand Warden, thereafter installed the first set of officers of the lodge under charter, namely, Erundino M. Cajucom, Worshipful Master, Jesus B. David, Senior Warden, and Rafael R. Ricafort- Junior Warden.

          The future looks bright for Apolinario B. Yap Memorial Lodge. While still under dispensation it initiated its first candidate, Jose Ariel G. Domingo, and raised its first Master Mason, Bro. Johnny Tan Po. Out of 24 petitioners, it initiated, passed and raised 23. Only one remained an Entered Apprentice Mason because of proficiency requirements.

Location: Victoria, Tarlac