ALEGRIA, Murcia — The historic Bi-Union Biblical and Theological Conference officially opened Thursday evening at the Central Philippine Adventist College (CPAC), drawing delegates from across two union territories to deepen their understanding of Adventist identity and spiritual commitment.
The four-day event, themed “Committed to Our Identity,” runs through Sept. 27. Attendees include pastors, chaplains, administrative officers, and directors from missions, conferences, and healthcare and educational institutions representing both the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) and the West Central Philippine Union Mission (WCPUM).
The energy-filled opening ceremonies commenced with a vibrant grand processional. Headed by the CPAC Masterguide Band Band and Color Guards, delegations from various missions, conferences, schools, and medical institutions marched onto the grounds, proudly displaying their banners in colorful, elegant Filipiniana attire. Serving as the opening ceremony’s emcee, Melodie Mae Inapan, director for children’s and women’s ministries of the ECPUC, enthusiastically announced and welcomed each organization’s entry.
Welcoming Remarks and Institutional Milestones
Leaders from the hosting institutions, local conferences, and unions delivered warm welcome addresses, highlighting both hospitality and recent milestones granted through divine providence:
Pastor Jophone Galanza, president of the Negros Occidental Conference, welcomed the delegates and encouraged them to experience local attractions, highlighting the iconic “Campuestohan Highland Resort” and local delicacies that make Negros famous.
Dr. Neda June Salazar, CPAC president, welcomed participants to the host campus, celebrating recent institutional achievements, including a 100% passing rate in the recent Psychometrician Board Examination.
Pastor Mamerto Guingguing II, WCPUM president, invited participants to enjoy the theological sessions while noting the growth of health ministries in their union with the recent development of two new hospitals.
Pastor Eliezer Barlizo Jr., ECPUC president, highlighted the historic nature of the gathering, noting that this event marks the first grand reunion of the two unions following their recent ecclesiastical bifurcation, now united once again for a monumental joint biblical and theological conference.
Keynote Addresses and Theological Focus
Delivering the main keynote address, Pastor Felixian Felicitas, field secretary of the Southern Asia Pacific Division, tackled the conference’s central theme by posing a fundamental reflective question to the audience: “Who Are We?”Unpacking the narrative of Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3), Pastor Felicitas challenged the audience to examine the roots of spiritual complacency.
“Ordinary things become ordinary,” he warned, emphasizing how easily sacred responsibilities lose their wonder. He pointed out that like Moses—who suffered from an identity crisis when told to face Pharaoh and asked, “Who am I?”—believers often look inward at their own inadequacies rather than upward.
Reminding the congregation that “when the call came, it was personal,” Pastor Felicitas anchored the conference’s message in the divine response given to Moses: “Our identity does not rest on who we are, but on who God is.” Just as God assured Moses with the promise of His eternal presence (“I AM WHO I AM”), Pastor Felicitas emphasized that the cornerstone of Adventist ministry is found not in human capability, but in firm reliance on God.
As the opening program drew to a close, Pastor Eldyn Toledo, field secretary and Spirit of Prophecy director for the WCPUM, alongside Pastor Ildefonso Baquilbat, stewardship and field secretary for Adventist identity of the ECPUC, officially declared the conference open.
Plenary sessions and specialized learning programs will continue through Sept. 27 at the CPAC Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Lyn Lucero ⎸ East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications