I would like to thank and congratulate you for your valuable contributions to our society. Among your ranks are many of our most notable citizens--achievers, heroes, and nation-builders, whose works and accomplishments, have been instrumental in shaping our nation. Young long-standing traditions of brotherly love, relief, and truth have indeed helped, not only your members, but also the people who have benefitted from your civic projects and humanitarian programs.
You know for sure that your organization is really close to my heart. My younger brother Benjamin, son Paolo, and son-in-law Manases Carpio are members of your fraternity. I have much knowledge about how hard it is to become a Mason. You have undergone several degrees of learning before earning your membership and eventually---a title. And of course, I know how dedicated you are to the tenets and teaching of Freemasonry.
For the past years, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines has been a vital partner of the government in nation-building.
Its provision of educational assistance to deserving beneficiaries; its support to law enforcement agencies; its medical messions to depressed communities; and its emergency response to victims of natural calamities complement our government's effort to lessent the burden of our countrymen.
These undertakings would not have been successful without the solidarity and commitment of your members. May you strengthen the Brotherhood of Man, which has been the cornerstone of your institution since the beginning.
I ask you to remain committed to this partnership as we pursue a real and lasting change for the Filipino people. Indeed, change has come and I want you to be by our side as we sustain it and realize our dreams for our country.
Effective and efficient organization and leadership also serve as the foundations of your fraternity. The continuation of your 7-point agenda will help preserve the integrity of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines and maintain it as a unified and supreme Masonic authority in the succeeding years.
I also commend you for involving your family members---your wives and your children, in your fraternity. Engaging them in various organizational affairs as well as in socio-civic and charitable activities will further strengthen your resolve to uphold morality, unity, progress, and true service.
The greater participation of your families in your work at the Grand Lodge of the Philippines leads you, including your loved ones, to the ultimate purpose of Freemasonry---to make you a better man.
May you continue to transform yourselves into better persons every single day--in thoughts, in speech; in manner; and in every helpful way. Keep at heart your theme for this year and personify Freemasonry in all your pursuits.
I urge you to develop the outstanding trait of impeccable integrity by which all Masons are known for: admired and emulated. I need partners like you as we fight against the ills of society---illegal drugs, criminality, corruption and all forms of injustice that weaken our citizenry and hinder the growth of our nation.
Together, let us be exemplars of wisdom, dignity, and true service. Let these ideals reflect in our deeds as we strengthen our capacity to serve the Filipino people and as we lead our country towards lasting peace and meaningful development.
Again, good afternoon and long live the Freemasons!
(signed)
RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
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"A ritual is a work of art, and like all works of art is valuable not merely for what it represents, but mainly for what it suggests to the mind. This is true, whether the work be a poem, a painting, a piece of music, or statuary. The material representation may be good, and the technique beyond criticism, but if no thought or feeling is suggested, but little value attaches, and we soon tire of them; but a little picture of two poor peasants in a rough field, pausing in their work, with bowed heads, at the call of the bell in the little church beyond, tells the whole story of a life of toil, hardship and devotion. Men do not tire of such pictures and the grand lessons taught by them." - R.W.B. Michael H. Shirley
