SAN ANTONIO, Northern Samar – Over 1,300 delegates from 13 districts came together at Experience Beach Resort in Ward 3, San Antonio, Northern Samar, for the annual All-Samar Federation of Churches.
The weeklong event, held March 29–April 4, engaged every church department, with members participating actively from the early planning stages through the final program, reaping 34 baptisms.
Hosted by the North West Samar Island (NORWESA) District, the federation brought together Adventist Church members from across Samar, despite the challenges posed by difficult terrain and limited transportation.
Samar leaders called the gathering historic, as it featured a variety of activities like plenary sessions, sports competitions, and musical performances. For the first time in Samar Mission’s history, there were programs for all church departments, including children, women, youth, and widows.
“Unlike our previous federations, we only had sports outside of spiritual programs,” Pastor Placiente Patrick, district pastor of NORWESA, said. “But now, most of the church departments were involved. All of them have separate programs for each.”
Ivy Carpina, president of the Samar Mission Adventist Youth Federation, expressed gratitude for having attended the event. “Being part of the hands-on team was truly a journey,” she said. “Throughout the week, I saw His goodness in the joy of those who sacrificed just to attend, which filled my heart with gratitude.”
The week’s schedule of activities balanced physical activities, talent and skill showcases, and spiritual development. On the spiritual side, it included impromptu preaching, cultural presentations, and a “Care Group Festival.”
For some younger attendees, the impact was deeply personal. Johniel Jay G. Munoz, 15, of the Calbayog District, said the experience shifted his focus from recreation to reflection.
“I came excited for the sports and parlor games,” Munoz said. “But beyond the fun, the messages really touched my heart—they made me pause, reflect, and think about my relationship with God in a deeper way.”
The youth also expressed excitement about the fireworks displays on two separate occasions. “Through the years that we have held federations of churches, this is the first time we have had this. And it feels exciting and rewarding.”
On Friday, the church witnessed the ordination of Pastor Adones Carillo. A working student at Central Philippine Adventist College for eight years, he finally graduated in 2017 and began serving the Lord as a Bible worker in the East Visayan Conference. Today, he is assigned to Catbalogan as a district pastor.
The Samar-wide spiritual momentum culminated on Saturday with the baptism of 34 people, another addition to the family that the Samar brethren rejoiced in.
Attendees may have dealt with scorching sun, extreme humidity, limited water and toilet facilities, and long distances between the resort and the sports venues, yet most said the sense of fellowship made up for these difficulties.
“Despite the challenges of long travel time and high fares, I praise God that I was able to attend,” Robinson Pajares said, vice president for social affairs of the Samar Mission Adventist Youth Federation (SMAYF). “There were times when it was stressful and tiring, but through prayer, His wonderful presence sustained peace.”
The event featured several guest speakers, including Pastor Arnel Gabin and Dr. Irelyn Gabin from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD). They were also joined by administrators and directors from the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC), led by Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., and the leadership team of the Samar Mission, headed by Pastor Antonio Gobi.
“Their presence and inspiring messages energized the gathering, especially with the encouraging news they shared,” Pastor Armando Capangpangan, district of Northeastern Samar, Mapanas Area, said.
Church leaders emphasized that the federation’s main goal was to build unity and inspire members to engage in mission work.
Aira Paña, a youth delegate from Calbayog, shared that the event helped her appreciate discipline and service more. “This experience promotes fellowship and a positive environment that deeply impacted me,” Paña said.
The federation culminated with a commitment message and a dedicatory prayer offered by Pastor Renito Inapan, ECPUC treasurer. Inspired by the closing spiritual reminders, delegates expressed they were “better equipped for the mission” and more confident in their faith.
Pastor Barlizo, on the other hand, expressed his appreciation for the impressive leadership that drove the successful, massive gathering. “It was heartwarming to see the enthusiasm and unity of the church in Samar,” he remarked. “Despite the travel inconveniences and the heat of the sun, all I witnessed was pure joy, camaraderie, and faith.”