Negros Island Masons Welcome the Grand Master

The brethren of the eight lodges comprising Masonic District R VIII, Negros Island Region, were recently honored by the official visit of Most Worshipful Raul E. Canon, Jr., the 107th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.

He was warmly received by District Deputy Grand Master Laurence Christian Valdeviezo, together with officers and members of the District. Representatives of youth organizations sponsored by Freemasonry — including the International Order of DeMolay and Job’s Daughters International — also joined in extending their welcome.

During his visit, the Grand Master toured three Masonic temples across Negros Island — Bacolod City, Silay City, and San Carlos City — where lodges hold their regular stated meetings. Beyond meeting the brethren, he conducted a town hall-style session, engaging members in an open exchange of views and reflections on Freemasonry in the Philippines.

The visit underscored the unity and vitality of Freemasonry in Negros Island, strengthening bonds among lodges and reaffirming the enduring values of brotherhood, leadership and service.* (Robert Harland)