1st Joint District Convention

The 1st Joint District Convention was successfully conducted on July 26, 2025 at the municipality of Agoo, La Union. The event brought together representatives from participating lodges for a day of fellowship, a productive meeting, and ceremonial observances. Held at the newly constructed, beautifully designed Diego Silang Masonic Lodge, under the gracious hospitality of our generous and accommodating brethren: Worshipful Master James Jaben and members of his lodge, the venue comfortably accommodated all 100+ brethren from the different participating lodges.

Despite challenges, including typhoons "Dante" and "Emong", preparations proceeded tirelessly. Practices were conducted even during heavy rain, supervised by our energetic DDGM, VW Richard Chan, ensuring everyone is well-prepared, and there was even a point that the event was close to being postponed.

VW Merril Cliff Dy arrived at the location as early as 6:30 AM to make sure everything was well prepared. The petitioners of LTML:344 were also there early for the preparation.

At 10:00 a.m., Worshipful Master Exequiel P. Gonzalo and the members of La Trinidad Masonic Lodge No. 344 being the host: Bro SW Roderick Charles Chua, Bro JW Richard Bautista, VW Jose Wacangan, Bro Richard Tan, Bro Lawrence Borja, Bro Kenneth Farnican, Bro Anthony Sebastian and Bro Jaypee Buliyat officially opened the lodge, Tyled by VW Harry Christian Nool. 

Worshipful Master Exequiel P. Gonzalo put the lodge on recess for lunch.

Lunch was served with a selection of native Cordilleran delicacies: pinuneg, watwat-style pork, pinikpikan. Additionally, Ilocano dishes were also served like dinakdakan and pakbet. These were paired with inihaw na bangus, steamed bok choy, fresh vegetable salad, and more. During this time, participants from other lodges began to arrive, joining together to enjoy the bountiful meal.

At 2:00 pm, Worshipful Master Exequiel P. Gonzalo resumed the meeting:

• Followed by the reception of the DDGM, DGLs and GLIs of Benguet and La Union escorted by Bro Marshal Richard Tan.
• Worshipful Master Exequiel P. Gonzalo turned over the gavel to DDGM VW Richard Chan.
• Reception of the DDGM, DGLs and GLIs of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Abra escorted by Bro Marshal Richard Tan
• Reception of the Guest of Honor and Speaker: Right Worshipful Robert S. Moran, Deputy Grand Master escorted by Bro Marshal Richard Tan.
• Invocation by Bro Lawrence Anthony Borja.
• Flag Ceremony: presented by Bro Marshal Richard Tan, Bro SD Anthony Sebastian and Bro JD Jaypee Buliyat.
• Reading and Approval of the last District Convention: VW Merril Cliff Dy for Benguet and La Union, VW Edsel Abella for Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Abra.
• Presentation of Lodge Accomplishment Reports.
• Presentation of Lodge Resolution.
• Presentation of Awards and Tokens by DDGM VW Richard Chan and Worshipful Master Exequiel P. Gonzalo.
• Message of the Guest of Honor and Speaker: Right Worshipful Robert S. Moran, Deputy Grand Master.
• Closing remarks by VW Richard Chan.

The 1st Joint District Convention was officially concluded and the Lodge was closed at 5:00 p.m.

After the convention, the participants headed to Diego's Grill and Restaurant near the Agoo Arch, at the border between Agoo and Santo Tomas. There, they were served with an abundance of food and beverages, a variety of savory dishes and snacks; lechon baboy, lechon baka, mixed fruit salads, and a variety of spirited and non-spirited beverages.

Despite the cold inclement weather, the participants exchanged warm greetings, smiles and conversation; driven by their strong desire to meet their brothers in this craft. Everyone enjoyed the evening of good fellowship, refreshments, good food, music, and taking snapshots to capture moments with other brethren. 

The convention was a successful event,  with the whole team that put it together: DDGM VW Richard Chan, District Secretary VW Merril Cliff Dy, LTML 344 as the host, DSML 417 as the venue, and all the brethren who made the 1st Joint District Convention happen. 

All lodges of the district was well represented by their Worshipful Master.

By: Yeng Borja