By: Ian Alfredo Magno  SECTION 8, Article III Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution puts it, to wit: “The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.” This has often been called the freedom of association. Under this clause, citizens are free to join or leave groups of their own choosing. Such groups are equally free to take collective action to pursue the interests of members. Similarly, the 1973 Constitution aptly inscribed this provision under Section 7, Article IV thereof. Although worded in a different fashion, in essence it nonetheless protected the right to association, thus: “The right to form association or societies not contrary to law shall not be abridged.” Indeed, private associations, groups, societies and organizations are recognized by the State as able partners in national development. These entities help shape the country’s economic and cultural landscape. To a certain extent, a few of these organizations strike a deeply personal chord among its members to the degree that they positively influence individual character and disposition.  Among them is Carmen Valley Lodge No. 250 (CVL 250) which is, in fact, celebrating its 35th year charter anniversary this month. Being under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, CVL 250 is home to friends and brothers, who share one strong fellowship of cherished brotherhood under the fatherhood of God (whatever name they call Him). Contrary to insinuations of conspiracy theories by the non-conversant, CVL 250 and Freemasonry in general is not an illegal or secret society.  It is not a secret society, but yes, it has well-guarded traditions accorded only to the initiated. During one public installation ceremonies, MW Reynato S. Puno, Past Grand Master of Masons and former Chief Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court, articulated: “Hindi po ito secret na society. Ang totoo po, ang Grand Lodge of the Philippines ay naka rehistro sa Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) bilang isang institusyon. Pangalawa po, ang aming mga meetings kagaya ng installation of officers, kagaya ng ginawa natin ngayon, yan ay bukas sa publiko.  Kaya po walang tinatago ang kapisanan ng masonerya.” In this part of the land, CVL 250 is the prime starter of worthy undertakings such as the:
  • Monthly feeding activity of elementary students of the Bulao Elementary school at Barangay Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City
  • Annual gift-giving at Linangohan, Baloy, Cagayan de Oro City
  • Scholarship of college students coming from under-privileged families in cooperation with the Asian Business Cabletow Cooperative Academy
  • Giving of monetary incentives to honor elementary students
  • Free safety driving courses and seminars to public utility drivers
  • Free personality development seminars to the students of Cagayan de Oro Bugo School of Arts and Trade
Earlier this year, CVL 250 managed the conduct of the 2nd Billy Walter Memorial Golf Tournament. This was made possible through the efforts of friends and brethren who extended their unparalleled support under the stewardship of Worshipful Master Adlai T. Elizaga. The proceeds generated from the activity are instrumental in sustaining the charitable designs of the Lodge. As Carmen Valley Lodge celebrates its 35th year charter anniversary, we are reminded not only of the blessings of democracy bestowed under the 1987 Consitution, but most significantly of our potential to become better men.  As Bernard Baruch, a businessman respected by both colleagues and competitors alike, tersely put it: “The greatest blessing of our democracy is freedom.  But in the last analysis, our only freedom is the freedom to discipline ourselves.” In this note, we humbly extend our felicitations to Brothers, particularly the brethren of Carmen Valley Lodge No. 250, withersoever dispersed. May the longevity of our brotherhood bear more fruit that the public may appreciate and emulate, or even surpass, in their own way. In that sense, we have done them service in the eyes of men and in the all-seeing eye of the Great Architect of the Universe.   (Lawyer Ian Alfredo T. Magno is an associate at Atty. Francis U. Ku & Associates, and is deputy legal officer at Philhealth. E-mail: ianalfredom@gmail.com)