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Adventist Academy Cebu (AAC) earned high commendations from an evaluation team during its Pathfinder Club Tactical Inspection 2026, conducted Wednesday, Feb. 18. While an area for improvement was identified, the club earned silver marks in most categories.

The evaluation team from the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) included Ana Liza Facon, education and Adventist Possibility Ministries director; Pastor Von John Sanchez, youth and health ministries director; and Pastor Godofredo Romanillos Jr., communication and Adventist-laymen’s Services (ASI) director. They were joined by youth and education directors from missions and conferences under ECPUC.

Pastor Sanchez opened the day’s events with an inspiring message during the morning devotional. He spoke about Gideon’s 300 soldiers, metaphorically linking the story to the "Christian warfare" students face today. 

“How come they were so victorious?” Sanchez asked the audience, faculty, parents, and guests. “There is one feature that made them different from the skillful ones.”

He emphasized that God does not always call the most skilled or elite, but rather those with a heart to obey. This message served as a reminder that the day's evaluation was about more than just outward tactics—it was about the inner discipline of following God’s commands.

Following the morning’s spiritual charge, the event shifted toward the practical demonstration of these values through the formal inspection process.

The Pathfinder Club, a worldwide initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, serves as a vital alternative to Citizens Army Training (CAT) in many Philippine Adventist schools, such as AAC. 

Central to this program is the Tactical Inspection. Held annually, this comprehensive assessment scrutinizes the club’s mastery of drills and outdoor skills, ensuring that every Pathfinder embodies the global organization's standards.

The heightened thrill and excitement were palpable among the students, faculty, and parents, even amid the scorching sun that made a few faint, and the keen eyes of the inspectors assigned to different divisions. 

From the “Pass and Review”, drill and ceremonies, theoretical test,  skill demonstrations, and the club records, the evaluators commended the pathfinders as “excellent” or doing their best despite the short notice and preparation. 

During the closing ceremony, the entire panel of inspectors rose to express their admiration for the Pathfinders’ performance, highlighting the club's impressive discipline.

Moreover, during the evaluation report, Masterguide Facon outlined the five key inspection areas and their respective scores. Beyond the technical metrics, she expressed high commendation for the Pathfinders' spirit. She was particularly moved by one student’s response when asked why they chose to join the AAC: “Because I want to know more about Jesus.”

Citing the students' admirable traits, Facon said, “Our sincere appreciation goes to the school, its administrators, and the faculty.”

Masterguide Noreen Rhea Sumalpong, communication and education Director of the Samar Mission, also publicly lauded a student’s integrity for honestly admitting when they did not know the answer. 

Additionally, Masterguide Pastor Romanillos praised a unit's knot-tying precision, noting that some completed the task in just two seconds. “This reflects the discipline and diligence instilled in these learners by the school’s club directors,” he remarked.

Pastor Romanillos’ wife, Mae Den, the education director of the East Visayan Conference, also expressed appreciation for the Pathfinders' performances. “Your demonstration reflects not only your hard work and consistent training but also your commitment to the Pathfinder ideals of order, leadership, and service. Truly, you have made your club, your leaders, teachers, and your school proud."

The event concluded with a spirit of celebration and thanksgiving. While the "silver" evaluation highlights current achievements, it also serves as a benchmark for the AAC Pathfinder Club as they continue to refine their skills and spiritual discipline for the year ahead.

Lyn Lucero ⎸ ECPUC Communication Department