16/02/2025
WB GIL FERNANDO, PM
Mason, Marikenyo, Makabayan
Aside from his love for Family and devotion to the Almighty, these three words, juxtaposed. sums up the mission and passion of his noble and nonpareil life.
Marangal na Gurong Mason
WB Gil Estanisiao Fernando, PM served as Worshipful Master of Marikina Lodge No. 119 twice, from the periods 1969-1970 and 1973-1974. During his 1" term as Master, the late MW Manuel M. Crudo Sr.. PGM was Grand Master.
WB Gil agreed with MW Crudo's thoughts on giving more emphasis on Masonic fundamentals and zeroing in on the three basic tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. During WB Gil's 2m term, the late MW Ruperto S.
Demonteverde Sr, PGM was Grand Master. WB Gil shared MW Demonteverde's inclination towards civic and service clubs. Aside from Freemasonry, the MW was an active Rotarian and YMCA member. On the other hand, WB Gil was a valued member of the Marikina Valley Lions Club, being one of its co-founders. The memories of the Brethren fortunate to have met and rubbed elbows with WB Gil look up to him as their beacon of time-honored wisdom and exemplar for eloquence. As a Brother, he was firm, yet caring. As a disciplinarian, he was true-to-form. but full of humor and incandescent charm.
Taal na Kaangkang Marikenyo
WB Gil was born on 01 September 1905. The Fernando angkan (clan) did not begin in their present bailiwick of Calumpang, but in Malanday. It was WB Gil's mother who was from Calumpang; from the old Bautista and Estanisiao clans. The Fernando's fradition of public service dates back to WB Gil's grandfather on the paternal side.
Claro Fernando, a Cabeza de Barangay and farmer. But it was WB Gil who started the strong foundation of the present Fernando family. In his youth, WB Gil lived in their ancestral house near the river bank of Calumpang, a communal land known as Lupang Tagalog. He grew up in turbulent times, when post-Spanish era oligarchs were land-grabbing and pro-American geopolitics was in upheaval. WB Gil married Remedios Flores Fernando, an accomplished pianist and kin of Ambrosio Flores, revolutionary and founding father of Silanagan Lodge No. 19.
Their only son, Bayani Fernando, was the former Chairman, MMĐA: former Marikina City Mayor; and now 1" Distriet Representative. One of their daughters is Ligaya Fernando Amilbangsa, a folkdance avant-garde, 2015
Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, and spouse of Datu Punjungan Amilbangsa, a Freemason from Jolo.
Makabayang Alkalde at Akademiko
WB Gil's is a Filipino nationalist. He advocated full Philippine independence from the American Commonwealth. As a champion of the academe, he wanted the Filipino youth to be learned and cultured to help build the nation. He was elected Mayor of the Municipality of Marikina from 1945-1951, and again, from 1956-1959. Regarded as the "Father of Secondary Education" in Marikina, he established the Marikina High School with the Gabaldon-type edifices, built from scrap materials from the demolished military barracks used by the Americans during World War II. A staunch supporter of higher learning, WB Gil also established the Municipal Library in 1956. As Mayor, he was known for his integrity and discipline. His efficiency, transpareney and plain dealings distinguished his leadership style as a community and local government leader. When WB Gill dropped his working tools on 22 January 2001, the people of Marikina City bereaved the loss of an honest and dedicated public servant.
