SIBULAN, Negros Oriental — The family ministries department of the East-Central Philippine Union Conference successfully concluded the “Integrated for Mission” Family Ministries Advisory and Enrichment Meeting on July 19, 2026.
Held at the headquarters of the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission (NSM) in Tubtuban, Sibulan, the event was a collaborative effort between the family ministries department of the East Central Philippine Union Conference and the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission. It brought together family ministries leaders from 22 pastoral districts across the mission territories.
The event was designed to equip church leaders with strategic directions for the 2026–2030 quinquennium and to align local initiatives with the global church’s OneVoice27: Mission for All movement.
Strengthening Families for Global Mission
At the opening of the advisory on July 18, Pastor Elly Abejero, NSM president, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the biblical mandate to proclaim the everlasting gospel through the Three Angels’ messages. He underscored that Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White present the family as God’s primary training ground for developing faithful disciples.
“The mission of the church begins in the home,” Abejero stated, challenging leaders to promote spiritually healthy families equipped for both in-reach and outreach ministries.
Pastor Gaudencio C. Buque Jr., ECPUC director for ministerial association, family, ACM, and AM ministries, conducted the main training sessions. “Family ministries should be integrated across all church departments to support spiritual growth, marriage, parenting, and intergenerational discipleship as part of OneVoice27,” he said.
Expert Insights and Strategic Training
The advisory featured presentations from church leaders, including Pastor Anastacio Blase, a retired family and health ministries director, who presented sessions on biblical parenting across developmental stages and practical ministry approaches for parents.
Another guest speaker was Fe Pigon, retired women’s ministries director for the former Central Philippine Union Conference. She spoke on the crucial role of parents as intentional spiritual mentors within the home.
Topics discussed during the event included marriage enrichment, parent-child relationships, discipleship for children and youth, and ministry for senior adults. Leaders said a strong family foundation supports other areas of church life.
Leadership and Community Support
Laarni De Leon, NSM treasurer, and Caryl Abejero, NSM family, women’s, and children’s ministries director, coordinated logistical support, ground preparations, and hospitality for the event.
Pastor Gideon Napigkit, a former NSM president, and his wife, Lanie, led the commitment service, dedicating the family ministries leaders in prayer as they return to their respective duties.
The advisory ended with a recognition program for resource speakers and the presentation of certificates to delegates. Local leaders are expected to implement these strategies in their districts as part of the OneVoice27 global mission initiative.
Lyn Lucero | East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications