Brief History of Balangay Nine Masonic Lodge No. 493

The Balangay is an ancient wooden vessel unearthed in Barangay Libertad, Butuan City, Philippines. The first Balangay was discovered in 1976. It is a plank-built boat, constructed by joining carved-out planks using pins and dowels—a remarkable testament to the craftsmanship of our ancestors. Also referred to as the “Butuan Boat,” as recognized by the Honorable Lawrence Lemuel Fortun, Representative of Agusan del Norte and a Brother Mason, this vessel played a vital role in sustaining trade relations among the islands within the Philippine archipelago.

The term barangay or balangay was among the earliest native words recorded by the Spanish upon their arrival in the Philippines. To date, nine (9) balangay boats have been excavated by local inhabitants along the Masao River in Butuan City, during their search for treasures such as gold, jewelry, ancient coins, and pottery.

In honor of this rich cultural heritage, our Lodge proudly bears the name: Balangay Nine Masonic Lodge.

In December 2022, upon the surrender of the Dispensation granted for the formation of Mahogany Masonic Lodge, U.D., a majority of the Charter Members, during a duly convened caucus, resolved to establish a new Lodge to be known as Balangay Nine Masonic Lodge.

This newly constituted Lodge complements the two existing Masonic Lodges in Butuan City: Agusan Valley Masonic Lodge No. 160, chartered in 1961, and Butuan Masonic Lodge No. 299, chartered in 1993. The Brethren unanimously recognized that Butuan City—now a Highly Urbanized City with a population of 372,910 as of the 2020 census and encompassing an area of approximately 817 square kilometers—warrants the establishment of an additional Lodge to accommodate its growing Masonic community. As the regional hub of the Caraga Region, with its expanding population and vibrant economy, Butuan City and its neighboring municipalities present a significant potential for the Craft. Given that only two Lodges have been created since 1993, the formation of another Lodge is both timely and necessary.

The two old Lodges are both located on the west bank of the Agusan River, while Balangay Nine Masonic Lodge No. 493 is the first lodge situated on the east bank of the Agusan River.

On September 22, 2023, Ariano V. Pates Masonic Hall was Consecrated & Dedicated, followed by the Institution of Balangay Nine Masonic Lodge U.D. led by MW Don Terng Ramas Uypitching, the incumbent Grand Master during that time. On April 26,2024, during the 107th Annual Communication in Pampanga Clark, Balangay Nine Masonic Lodge was granted a Charter and was assigned the No. 493. Balangay Nine Masonic Lodge No. 493 was eventually Constituted on May 15,2024 at the Jose Abad Santos Hall at the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines by MW Ariel T. Cayanan. On May 18, 2024, the Charter Officers led by VW Brian S. Pates, PDDGM were installed as the regular officers of the lodge.