CEBU CITY — Health directors and educators from missions, conferences, medical, and educational institutions within the Central Philippine Union Conference attended a two-day Strategic Planning & Alignment Advisory on July 13–14, 2026.
The event, themed “Every Member a Disciple – Every Disciple a Medical Missionary,” was held at the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) headquarters on Gorordo Ave., Cebu City.
Guided by the tagline “From Wholeness to Witness, from Compassion to Conversion,” the event included a strategic roadmap presentation by Dr. Ma. Rizaline Alfanoso, health ministries director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, in support of the One Voice 2027 initiative.
On the first day, participants discussed their five-year direction under the REAPS initiative (Reach 2026, Expand 2027, Advance 2028, Proclaim 2028, Seek, Serve, and Disciple 2030).
Each health representative was given time to report on practices from their respective missions, conferences, or institutions.
They also discussed strategic planning for health ministries, reviewed policies and guidelines, and addressed participation in the OneVoice27 initiative.
During a joint meeting of ECPUC workers, held both in person at the ECPUC chapel and virtually via Zoom, Alfanoso presented a five-phase strategy that uses the “universal language” of health. The strategy aims to reach new territories and connect physical well-being with the spiritual mission.
This approach leverages digital platforms for outreach, organizes collaborative LGU-funded health expos, and trains church members and pastors to transition from community health services to leading follow-up Bible studies.
The initiative ultimately focuses on sustainable long-term engagement and establishing permanent church plants to ensure lasting transformation from compassion to conversion.
Pastor Ricardo De Asis Jr., health ministries director for the East Visayan Conference, reflected on the event. He said, “Great missions are never accomplished by chance—they are built through prayerful planning, united leadership, and a shared vision.”
He shared that the advisory meeting was dedicated to strategically aligning all health programs so that, from the higher organization to every local church, everyone moves with one purpose and one mission.
“When leaders plan together, unity becomes strength, vision becomes action, and goals become reality. Together, we will accomplish more because we choose to move forward as one,” he added.
As part of their collaboration initiatives with the government, the health directors and educators visited the regional commander of Coast Guard District VII to finalize their partnership regarding future collaborations.
“This is the essence of urban ministry. We intentionally build relationships, create opportunities, and open doors for the gospel,” De Asis said.
Lyn Lucero ⎸ East Central Philippines Communications