CALBAYOG CITY, Philippines — More than 250 delegates representing 14 districts gathered at the Calbayog Adventist Center Church from May 8–9 for the 2026 Samar-wide Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) and Adventist Professionals (AdPro) Convention.
With the theme “Grounded in the Word, Witnessing in the Marketplace and Workplace,” the two-day event focused on integrating spiritual mission into professional and business spheres. Attendees shared reports on their evangelism progress and personal testimonies about how faith connects with their work and business.
The convention also reported full support and participation of the ASI-Ad Pro officers across Samar Island, the leaders of the East Central Philippine Union Conference, represented by Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo, Jr., as well as the leaders of Samar Mission, led by Pastor Antonio Gobi Jr., the president.
Engr. Conrado C. Avila, vice president-elect for projects of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division for the ASI, opened the proceedings by asking, “Are you prepared for eternity?”
Avila’s question served as a call to prioritize spiritual readiness over earthly success. By referring to the “heavenly eternity” promised in scripture, he argued that deeper engagement in mission work is the primary key for the Second Coming of Christ, urging professionals to view their careers as a means to complete this global task.
Mayor Norman D. Sabdao, president of the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) ASI, followed with a message titled “You Have Been Called Into a Time as This.”
Sabdao utilized this phrase to highlight the unique challenges of the 21st century. He explained that while rapid advancements in technology and information have provided new tools for communication, they cannot replace divine intervention. His address suggested that professionals are strategically placed in their specific roles “for such a time” to provide a moral and spiritual compass in an increasingly secularized world.
Atty. Christian H. Abenir, PARL director for the ECPUC, addressed the legalities of faith, relating current labor issues to the prophetic themes of Revelation 13. Abenir emphasized the role of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) in protecting freedom of worship. He noted that legal protections are essential for ensuring that employees and students are not forced to compromise their conscience, framing religious liberty as a necessary safeguard against the biblical “mark” of coerced worship.
Jonathan Lamorin, a member of the General Conference Executive Committee, shared a message titled “We Are Almost Home,” citing Hebrews 11:9–10.
Lamorin’s use of the word “home” was an appeal to the delegates’ sense of spiritual identity as “sojourners.” By framing the present world as a temporary residence, he encouraged believers to maintain their integrity in business despite worldly pressures, focusing instead on the “city with foundations” promised to the faithful.
During the Divine Worship Service, ECPUC, Pastor Renito C. Inapan, CPUC treasurer, delivered a sermon titled “Faithfulness in Business, Powerful in Mission,” based on Romans 12:11.
Pastor Inapan’s message challenged conventional metrics of corporate success. He argued that God measures a professional’s value not through profit margins or titles, but through “faithfulness, integrity, sacrifice, and soul-winning.” He told the congregation that “God is more concerned with what we become than with what we achieve,” shifting the focus from career milestones to the development of Christ-like character through one’s work.
The convention concluded with a commitment charge from Pastor Jomar Compuesto, ECPUC executive secretary, followed by a dedicatory prayer for the newly elected ASI and AdPro officers led by ECPUC President Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr.
The event was supported by Samar Mission leaders, led by President Pastor Antonio Gobi Jr., and aimed to encourage delegates to serve as missionaries in their own workplaces.
Oliver Jon Dela Cerna ⎸ President ⎸ Samar Mission Communicators