Freemasonry in the Philippines

Freemasonry was introduced in the Philippine archipelago in 1856 during the Spanish Colonial Period, which began with various jurisdictions. With roots on Continental Freemasonry in the late 19th century, Freemasonry in the Philippines has played a significant and often pivotal role in the nation's political and intellectual history, distinguishing itself early on as a key incubator for nationalist thought.

Freemasonry in the Philippines started with lodges organized by Filipino expatriates in Spain under the Spanish obedience, particularly the Grande Oriente Español, it became a vital and clandestine avenue for intellectual discussion and a room for the pursuit of independence. Prominent figures of the Propaganda Movement and the subsequent revolution, such as José Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Andrés Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini, were Masons who used the principles and structure of the fraternity to champion social and political reforms against colonial rule.

The modern-day Masonic landscape in the Philippines is characterized by several major, distinct obediences.

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