HERITAGE

     In May 2009, at a fellowship held in Moreno’s Restaurant, Baler, Aurora, the brethren composed mainly of members of Manuel Luis Quezon Memorial Lodge No. 262, unanimously decided to formally announce their intention to organize KASIGURUHAN Lodge. The brethren unanimously designated VW JONALD E. HERNANDEZ, PDGL to oversee and spearhead the organization of the new lodge. On June 13, 2009, during the stated meeting of MLQ 262 and in the presence of the officers of Masonic District RIII-D, VW EDUARDO M. YAMBOT, Sr., PDGL, took the floor and formally put to vote the creation of KASIGURUHAN LODGE. On July 11, 2009, the brethren of MLQ led by its then Worshipful Master, NOEL DV. VEDAD, trooped to CASIGURAN, Aurora to conduct its stated meeting under dispensation at the NFA Compound, BRGY. CALANGCUASAN, CASIGURAN, AURORA. Thereafter, the MLQ 262, being the nearest and most convenient lodge, approved a resolution formally recommending the formation of KASIGURUHAN LODGE. However, supervening events transpired to the leading to the temporary suspension of the organization of the new lodge that led to its withdrawal of its Petition from the GLP in 2011. After a few years, the brethren, having the prosperity of the Craft in mind, have decided to initiate the necessary steps that would finally lead to the creation of KASIGURUHAN LODGE. A Petition for Dispensation to Organize a New Lodge was submitted before the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, which was subsequently approved by the GLP. KASIGURUHAN LODGE, UD was formally instituted on October 8, 2014 at the new PLARIDEL MASONIC TEMPLE in MANILA. The Rite of Institution was officiated by no less than MW DANILO D. ANGELES, PGM,’ Grand Lodge Secretary with VW JUANITO B. VANO, Jr., Senior Grand Lecturer acting as Master of Ceremonies. Thereafter, a Lodge of Master Mason was opened by Charter Worshipful Master, ELMER G. KUIZON assisted by WB SIMOEN A. DE CASTRO, Charter Senior Warden and WB DANIEL L. DUASCO, Charter Junior Warden. Distinguished Guest Speaker was MW ALAN LM. PURISIMA, then Grand Master, The lodge was granted A Charter during the Annual Communications in April 2015 at LEGASPI City upon the favorable recommendation of MW TOMAS G. RENTOY III, who became the first Honorary Member of the Lodge when it was constituted by him on May 15, 2015. The Lodge was assigned the number “423” fittingly denoting the date the lodge was granted its charter, which was on April 23.

HERALDRY

     According to folk legend, during the 1300s and before the Spanish colonizers SAT foot in our islands, the natives of what is now known as ‘CASIGURAN, were constantly besieged by MORO pirates who confiscated their products, raped their women and pillaged the town. To protect themselves from these attacks, the natives banded together and started to construct a fortress against the marauders. This fortress was located somewhere in a place what residents now call “ERMITA HILL”, a sacred sanctuary for religious activities. After the construction of the structure, the natives would then climb the fortress to defend themselves. They would often times, acclaim: “ITO NA ANG ATING KASIGURUHAN LABAN SA KANILA!” This acclamation was said to have given rise to the name “CASIGURAN”, a progressive town a hundred kilometers away from Baler, capital town of the Province of AURORA. The name of the lodge was taken from the above-quoted declaration of the natives which was said to be the old name of CASIGURAN. The seal of the lodge is primarily adorned by the square and compass, one of the identifying Symbol of Freemasonry. The square and compass seen together reminds of the lodge to “square” their actions and “circumscribe” all their passions and desires within due bounds. The thirty-four (34) charter members of the lodge whose, passionate intent in promoting the beneficent principles of Freemasonry in Northern AURORA is ably represented by the thirty-four (34) rays of the sun. The beauty of CASIGURAN is represented by the shimmering waters of CASIGURAN Sound, a bay enclosed by the CASIGURAN landmass and the SAN ILDEFONSO PENINSULA. The CABLE-TOW which encompasses the whole seal reminds the brethren that they are bound by the mystic tie of brotherhood. The Gavel and the Trowel, both principal implements of a Master Mason reminds the brethren of KASIGURUHAN LODGE to always spread the cement of affection, kindness and brotherly love that unites all the members of the Masonic family and divesting the hearts and consciences of the brethren of all the vices and superfluities of life. The date the lodge was constituted as well as its location are’ conspicuously seen in the seal.

HEART

     Notables among its members are WB GERARDO A. NOVERAS, incumbent Governor of the Province of AURORA, Bro. ROMMEL RICO T. ANGARA, the current Vice-Governor of the Province of AURORA, ATTY. CHRISTIAN M. NOVERAS, Senior Board Member of the SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN of AURORA and WB PEDRO M. ONG, Jr., Vice-Mayor of the town of BALER. Despite many challenges and limited resources available to this relatively new lodge, the brethren of the lodge, majority of whom resides in BALER, do not mind travelling literally along rough and rugged roads just to converge as a lodge located a hundred kilometers from the capital town of BALER. Always having the prosperity of the craft in mind, the brethren continuously find ways and means to improve themselves in masonry. The Lodge would soon have its temple built courtesy of Bro. ROMMEL RICO T. ANGARA, Junior Warden, who is set to donate a thousand square meters located along the beautiful beach of CASIGURAN, AURORA.