A be-medalled war hero Many times cited for eminently meritorious services to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Manuel D. Mandac, Grand Master of Masons for 1980-1981, is truly an officer and a perfect gentleman. Retiring as AFP Brigadier General after more than three decades of military service, Mandac spent the best years of his life as a zealous guardian of his country and people in war and in peace. A much decorated officer, General Mandac’s decorations from the Philippine and U.S. governments included the Distinguished Service Star for eminently meritorious service to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in positions of major responsibility; the Gold Cross for gallantry in action in Mindanao; and a citation for “exceptional courage and exemplary leadership in combat which was an inspiration to all troops present.” Mandac has an impressive military record as commanding officer of engineering and combat teams, as well as the logistics, intelligence and supply branches of the armed forces. A native of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, where he was born on May 27, 1909, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) from the University of the Philippines; finished his ROTC at the state university and is a UP Vanguard. He immediately went to the officers’ service schools here and in the U.S. and never left the armed forces until his retirement. Typical of a worthy Master Mason, Mandac was equally involved in civic and religious activities. He served as YMCA National President; Member of the Commission on Human Development, World Alliance of YMCA (1971-1972); Director of the Mindanao Christian Science Foundation (1967-1968); and served the Rotary, Red Cross and Boy Scouts Chapters in Misamis Oriental. He was President, United Churchmen, lUCCP (1976-1978); the Commission on Evangelism and Ecumenical Relations, National Council of Churches; and many other civic and charitable organisations. His Masonic record indicated that he was raised at High Twelve Lodge No. 82 on February 14, 1959; affiliated with Maguindanao Lodge No. 40 in 1972 and became its Worshipful Master that year. In 1975 he was named District Deputy Grand Master, District 17; elected Junior Grand Warden in 1977; as Senior Grand Warden in 1978; and Deputy Grand Master, 1979. He was installed in the Grand Oriental Chair the following year (1980). Mandac was conferred the 32° by Mindanao Bodies (1961); elected Treasurer of the Mindanao Lodge of Perfection, 1973. He was invested the rank and decoration of 32° KCCH in the same year; and further elected Venerable Master of Mindanao Lodge of Perfection, 1974; coroneted 33° IGH in February 1977; elected SGIG, 33° in March of that year, and crowned in June 1977. The following year he became Deputy for the Valley of Northern Mindanao. He is a recipient of the prestigious Frederic Stevens Award for outstanding community service and other Masonic achievements in 1973 and 1977. His other Masonic involvement: Adviser, Advisory Council of the Wadih Saab Chapter, International Order of DeMolay (1975-1976); Charter Royal Patron, De Oro Court No. 15, Order of the Amaranth (1976-1977); Grand Associate Patron, Grand Court, Order of the Amaranth (1983) and Grand Royal Patron in 1984. Mandac is married to the former Noemi Lorenzana of Tagudin, llocos Sur, a UP BSHE graduate, with whom he has six children.