PALO ALTO LODGE IN PANDEMIC TIME

By WM Sinsuat C. Andang, Jr.

For the past eight (8) months, this COVID-19 pandemic boggles me and our
brethren what activities are necessary for the operation of the lodge. This keeps me
awake at night. Morning would seem to provide trouble and agony to my thinking
mind. I’ve been hitting around with enthusiasm collecting ideas from our brethren,
many of whom are hesitant to contribute. Despite their indisposition, however, I was
triumphant in collating their ideas, though, some of it clashes with the fiat of our
government. “Stay Safe”, that’s the least our officials of the government could
pronounce to keep us away from contamination.

December is fast approaching and we are sidestepping yuletide season a little bit
while focusing on our lodge election of officers for Masonic Year 2021. Same with
President Trump on his heightened concern on America’s relief, not leaving an eye on
the political arena as he stares for re-election comes 2021.

Let us journey to a place where I was reared - the Philippines. Upon inquiry, I
was informed by my biological brethren (VW Jimmy C. Andang and VW Abdulkadir
C. Andang) who are officers of Daguma Mountain Range Lodge No. 244 under the
jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines that their Grand
Master, Most Worshipful Agapito S. Suan, Jr., has issued an Edict No. 334 entitled
“Cancellation of the Annual Election of Lodge Officers Scheduled in December
2020 and extending the term of Office of All incumbent Lodge Officers until
Masonic Year 2021-2022.” No election of officers for Masonic Year 2021. The
officers will continue to hold office for another one (1) year to proceed with their
programs and projects which are held in abeyance due to COVID-19.

Masonic works have been resumed in their jurisdiction but lodge meetings are
confined with 30% attendance of brethren to curb the spread of the virus. Despite this
Circular of the Grand Master of the Philippines, no one dares to open their lodges in
SOCSKSARGEN Masonic District (this is located in Mindanao) as they are most
alarmed of the contamination. Not that there is disobedience to the directive of the
Grand Master by our brethren thereat but public health to them is more flourishing
edict. As to the enlightenment given by them, the District Deputy Grand Master of
any Masonic Districts are given discretion whether or not to conduct stated meetings
or not. It just so happen that the District Deputy Grand Master of SOCSKSARGEN
Masonic District is a physician by profession that he did not dare to gamble the health
of his brethren. Health is wealth and no amount of encouragement could he bargain
away the health of his brethren.

In Palo Alto Lodge, we heed the call of our elders. I will still sit as Master of this
lodge for another year. I take commands from the wisdom of my brethren. As good
soldier, I will take the cudgel of doing the turns as Master of this Lodge for another
Masonic Year.

Programs and projects from the advice of my brethren are welcome. We will
journey together amidst this pandemic. We could no longer avoid it but we have live
with it. If we cannot beat ‘em, lick ‘em. But we have to plan for our journey towards
Masonic Year 2021.

Quo vadis Palo Alto Lodge? Whereto?

This is where the importance of planning comes in. We have to plan for our
activities/programs. The essence of planning is asking the question of QUO VADIS?
Where are we going? Where are we now? How are we going to get there?

The real question we have to answer is “Where are we heading?”

To answer this question, we have to plan ahead. The necessity of beckoning our
brethren to assist in the lodge planning of activities shall not be discounted. Every
member is part of a team of planners. Members’ contributions should initially focus
on evaluating the previous activities. What needs to be adopted and what needs to be
left behind are matters of prime importance. But, let us focus on our brethren welfare
vis-a-vis this pandemic. Let us be united in assisting for the welfare of our lodge, for
the welfare of our members and for the welfare of our people. Let us think outside of
the box. Together, we will make a difference!