Concluding its historic two-day evaluation on Sept. 15, the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) earned an 86.49 score, securing a “Very Satisfactory” rating from the joint treasury evaluation team of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD).
Atty. Evin Villaruben, associate treasurer for the SSD, announced the final results during the closing session, highlighting that the union ranked second among all divisions and conferences in financial reporting and timely remittances.
Evaluation Score and Findings
Of 78 total scorecard questions, 4 were deemed not applicable to ECPUC, bringing the base to 74 applicable items with a maximum possible score of 148. ECPUC finished with a total score of 128.
While commending the union for its financial foundation, healthy working capital, liquidity, and well-organized documentation, Atty. Villaruben noted that the evaluation is holistic, examining oversight across local missions, conferences, and institutions under the union.
Commendations
The evaluation team praised ECPUC for its strong spiritual commitment, unmodified audit opinions, and sound management of the tithe fund.
Meanwhile, Villaruben also announced the areas for improvement: Key recommendations include strengthening participatory budgeting, monitoring cash flow forecasts, harmonizing SEC-registered by-laws, addressing audit disclaimers in lower institutions, and expanding local church audit governance—noting that some local churches currently fall below a 30% audit coverage target.
Safety and Resources Evaluation
The evaluation also urged stricter fire safety protocols following hazard inspections and recommended intentional distribution plans to prevent the year-over-year accumulation of missionary books in warehouses.
Addressing practical matters like institutional risk management and insurance, Shekinah Sibala, risk management services director for the SSSD, said, “Adventist Risk Management (ARM) identifies these risks and helps safeguard church people and property, while God’s care anticipates our needs, gives wisdom, and places guardrails around our lives.”
Leadership Response and Commitment
In response to the evaluation results, Pastor Renito Inapan, ECPUC treasurer, humbly accepted the findings, viewing them as an essential opportunity to refine systems and strengthen accountability.
He thanked the evaluation team and affirmed the union’s commitment to address all recommendations by tightening internal controls and working closely with local conferences, missions, and institutions.
Inapan further emphasized that faithfulness and honesty remain paramount in managing sacred resources, quoting 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
Extending deep appreciation to his hardworking treasury staff, chief accountant, senior accountant, receiving and disbursing accountants, and the secretariat for their rigorous preparation and documentation, he also encouraged them to be faithful stewards.
“If we are only faithful and honest in doing God’s work, the Lord promised He will open the windows of heaven before our eyes,” Inapan added.
Next Steps and Cascading Evaluations
Villaruben encouraged the ECPUC administration to bridge the gap toward an “Excellent” rating (96–100) by tightening financial oversight and cascading similar evaluation instruments down to all local missions, conferences, and academies next year. He also advised the ECPUC leadership to maintain proactive monitoring of financially challenged organizations to ensure long-term sustainability and strict policy compliance.
Vision for the Future
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., the first ECPUC president, also encouraged the team to aim higher, expressing a collective resolve to move from a “Very Satisfactory” standing to an “Excellent” rating through divine guidance and dedicated stewardship.
In a closing message, Pastor Jacinth Adap, SSD treasurer, reminded the ECPUC workers that excellence in treasury reporting and administration is about much more than numbers, scores, or meeting compliance checklists. Beyond the findings and recommendations lies a deeper question: Does the way we do our work reflect the Christ we serve?
By Lyn Lucero ⎸ East Central Philippine Union Conference