EDICT NO. 297

THE USE OF FILIPINO DURING OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE LODGE IN THE STATED MEETINGS IN CELEBRATION OF "BUWAN NG WIKANG PAMBANSA"

WHEREAS, a common language unifies a nation and is an important element in shaping national identity; however, promoting the widespread use of Filipino as a national language continues to be a major challenge in an archipelago where dozens of dialects are spoken;

WHEREAS, Proklamasyon Blg. 1041, s. 1997, mandates the celebration of "Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa" from August 1-31 of each year;

WHEREAS, "Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa", the special month, which coincides with the birth anniversary of President Manuel L. Quezon, PGM and known as "Ama ng Wikang Pambansa" dedicated to the Philippines' national language to spur more programs to promote the widespread use of the Filipino language;

WHEREFORE, to show our love and concern for our country there is a need to incorporate the use of Filipino language in our Masonic rites and ceremonies to promote the proper use of the national language as Freemasons' contribution to help in the intellectualization of the national language;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ABRAHAM N. TOLENTINO, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby promulgate and decree that the following shall, henceforth, be strictly observed:

I. All stated meetings of lodges during the month of August celebrating the "Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa" shall use the Filipino language during the Opening and Closing of the Lodge per attached opening and closing of the lodge in Filipino;

II. Filipino language may also be used during the said period for the discussion of the Order of Business and other matters during the stated meeting.

All provisions of the Constitution, edicts, circulars and other issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

This Edict shall take effect immediately and shall be read in open lodge at the Stated meeting following its receipt and shall be recorded in the Minutes. Likewise, the same shall be read in open lodge at the stated meeting prior to the month observing the "Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa".

Given under my hand and the seal of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines in the City of Manila on this 23rd day of May 2017.

ABRAHAM N. TOLENTINO Grand Master

Attest:

DANILO D. ANGELES, PGM Grand Secretary