Ariel T. Cayanan: Transforming Freemasonry in the Philippines with innovative initiatives

ARIEL T. CAYANAN, the newly installed Grandmaster of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the Philippines, is diligently developing innovative initiatives for the organization. These programs aim to emphasize a return to the fundamental principles for its members, while dispelling unfounded conspiracy theories surrounding its rituals. Additionally, they aim to perpetuate the noble objective of fostering personal growth and character development, ultimately striving to transform good men into even better individuals.

Cayanan, a former undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture, is poised to emulate the exemplary practices of the past 10 Grandmasters of the Masons. He seeks to guide the group with their wisdom while also introducing fresh initiatives will revolve around his slogan: “Together, brethren, we survive, recover, grow, and heal as one.”

Firstly, Cayanan is emphasizing the need to institutionalize the Masonic principles that center on timeless tenets, values, and philosophies. Freemasonry in the Philippines dates back to 1856, and Cayanan aims to strengthen this tradition. To this end, he is proposing a “ladderized” system to empower lecturers and equip new brethren with deeper Masonic

Cayanan is emphasizing the need to institutionalize the Masonic principles that center on timeless tenets, values, and philosophies. Freemasonry in the Philippines dates back to 1856, and Cayanan aims to strengthen this tradition.

knowledge.

In addition to implementing the go-back-to-basics program, Cayanan is introducing an arbitration tribunal within the group. This tribunal aims to handle and resolve grievances among masons in a manner that eliminates the necessity for formal court disputes. According to Cayanan, this Masonic Judicial System will be staffed by trained and qualified brethren with a fixed term of office.

We understand that former Chief Justice Reynato Puno is reportedly set to head the Masonic Judicial System, which mandates a resolution of complaints in three months. This new system could potentially help reduce court backlogs, as disputes would be processed more quickly through this Masonicaffiliated process.

For this program, Cayanan said: “We believe that our Masonic Laws and Edicts are better interpreted, enforced and defended by masons and not by non-masons.” The said arbitration tribunal will have its own rulebook that will address all the requirements for the filing of a complaint and its resolution. It also includes a listing of a roster of Masonic counsels who will assist the parties in a dispute.

Cayanan has outstanding credentials in computer engineering, teaching, and public service that are expected to help him accomplish what he has set out for his stewardship of the masons. He told me that he wants to update his fellow brethren on his accomplishments and the progress made compared to the objectives he initially set, once he completes his term as Grandmaster.

Before his assumption into office, Cayanan visited almost all the lodges in the Philippines to familiarize himself with the issues that each lodge is facing. This has allowed