CEBU CITY — Adventist Hospital-Cebu (AH-C) celebrated its 70th founding anniversary Thursday with a formal thanksgiving night, marking the midpoint of a month-long series of events and honoring the institution’s legacy of medical service and community ministry.
The anniversary gala, attended by the hospital’s board of trustees, Brgy. Captain Clifford Niñal of San Nicolas, hospital staff, retirees, and guests, served as a moment of reflection on the hospital’s journey since its 1956 founding by Dr. Harry Willis Miller.
The evening program highlighted the institution’s transition from the H.W. Miller Sanitarium and Hospital to a modern medical facility grounded in its mission of “Touching lives through the healing ministry of Christ.”
The celebration began with the distribution of books to inpatients and outpatients, including cinnamon bread and soya milk, highlighting AH-C’s commitment to the ministry and Miller Health Foods’ flagship products that promote a healthy lifestyle.
With the premises lavishly decorated for the event, the distribution set the celebratory mood, with patients and their families thankful for the gifts.
During the Thanksgiving program, Dr. Evelyn Pepito, AH-C president, welcomed guests and staff to the celebration, sharing her joy for the cooperation and participation of every staff member and leader in the preparations.
“Our workers are so talented, from the preparation, the social committee, to the activities and program presentation. So, in your cooperation, our unity means a lot. That’s why we have reached this 70th anniversary. Thank you,” Pepito said.
She also recognized the presence of retirees, all in yellow attire, bearing the nostalgia of being part of the institution for a long time. Having donned a green attire, she humorously stated, “Later, next year, I will be in yellow.” It earned a welcoming round of applause from the retirees, whom she described as “the ones who shaped the institution on how it has become today.”
Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., first president of the East Central Philippine Union Conference and chairman of the hospital’s board of Trustees, also expressed gratitude for the 70th year of God’s goodness and Pepito’s leadership, during which she has personally witnessed God’s guidance throughout her years of service as a leader.
In his keynote message, he emphasized that the Lord has given His children special gifts that they can also give back to Him in gratitude. “As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of AH-C, let us remember these gifts: time, talent, and treasure.”
The celebration continued with congratulatory messages, serenades, and a grand dinner. In addition, hospital leaders organized an appreciation program, recognizing the years of service workers have dedicated, ranging from five to 35 years.
Retirees recognized included Joyce Alolor from the laboratory department, Weddie Aranco from Miller Health Foods, and Pablito Mahilum from the central Services and supply unit.
Other workers also received tokens and giveaways in appreciation for their dedication.
The month of festivities began with a community outreach at Adventist Academy-Cebu, where staff served soya milk and wheat bread to more than 200 people.
This day was followed by a week of successive community outreach programs and other activities, beginning with a special morning devotional April 6, during which the keynote speaker was Pastor Renito Inapan, treasurer of the East Central Philippine Union Conference.
On April 7, the hospital conducted free medical and optical missions for more than 200 people from the neighboring barangays. AH-C leaders recognized the participation of Dr. Jerry Arrogante, an optometrist, and his wife, Grace.
On April 8, AH-C teamed up with Southwestern University-PHINMA College of Dentistry, represented by Dr. Rodivick Docor, the college’s dean. With her were 21 volunteers who joined the dental mission, providing free fluoride applications, teeth cleanings, and extractions to over 230 patients.
The following day, April 9, when the entire nation commemorated the “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor), the hospital held a free “Operation Tuli” (circumcision) for 106 children. Joining the minor surgical force were the hospital’s nurses and doctors, led by Dr. Ted Gallo, and the senior high school students of AAC.
While the gala served as the month’s formal centerpiece, the celebrations are scheduled to continue through late April.
The hospital will transition from community service to internal recognition, hosting employee appreciation beach outings on April 21 and 23 to honor the frontline workers and support staff.
The celebration will also feature the launch of the Miller Food Station. A joint project with the Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), the station is designed to provide the public with affordable, plant-based food, further extending Dr. Miller’s early work in nutrition-based wellness.
Alphonse Yap, Emergency, Cardiology, Endoscopy, and Physical Rehabilitation Unit supervisor, shared his appreciation for AH-C’s leadership and gratitude for God’s goodness throughout his years serving as head of multiple departments.
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our hospital administrators, led by Dr. Evelyn Pepito, for their exceptional support and guidance. Their leadership encourages collaboration and strengthens every department. Thus, we are motivated to provide better care and work in a positive, empowering environment. Your leadership truly makes a difference every day.”
As the 70th-anniversary events draw to a close at the end of the month, Adventist Hospital-Cebu remains dedicated to its founding mission of service. By combining modern medical care with ongoing community services and evangelism, the institution honors its past while looking forward to many more years of healing and ministry.
Lyn Lucero | Writer | ECPUC Communication Department