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East Visayan Conference held its first Adventist Communication Training at Don Miguel Farm, Manggahan, Brgy. Libtong, San Miguel, Leyte, on March 28-29, 2025.

The event, organized by the communication department of EVC under the leadership of Pastor Bartman Barrientos, the youth ministries and communication director, drew over 68 communicators from all district churches across CVC. However, during the Sabbath, over 400 people joined for the Sabbath worship and training.

The training also featured distinguished speakers whose messages inspired and provided deep insights to the attendees. They were Pastor Heshbon Buscato, communication director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and Pastor Berdandino Maniego, communication director and Adventist-laymen Services and Industries/Adventist Professionals (ASI/Ad Pro) coordinator for the Central Philippine Union Conference.

Another invited speaker was Marilyn S. Lucero, CPUC newswriter and Mizpah editor.

"I am truly amazed by everything that has been presented and discussed. I previously thought the tasks of the brethren in the communication department were easy," said Jane Seno Amor.

Mrs. Amor serves as the communication department head of Tacloban Adventist Center, and a school board member of Tacloban Adventist Elementary School, Inc.

She presumed that the responsibilities of the communication department were the easiest, only to discover that there were many tasks to accomplish.

Pastor Maniego expounded on the significance of Adventist Communication Training (ACT) for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He said it aims to empower members, especially communication leaders, with the skills needed to share the Gospel effectively in today's multifaceted media environment.

This training focuses on developing crucial competencies such as media production, news curation, public relations, and crisis management, enabling the church to reach a broader audience through diverse platforms.

By strengthening communication efforts at all levels, ACT provides essential resources and support, ensuring the church's message is conveyed professionally and effectively in a rapidly evolving world.

Meanwhile, Pastor Buscato delved deeper into media evangelism and the significance of branding. He highlighted the importance of media evangelism for the church to effectively reach more people and keep up with modern communication trends.

"Using digital platforms allows the church to reach people beyond its boundaries. It enables them to engage various audiences through engaging multimedia content," Pastor Buscato said.

"By embracing media evangelism," he added, "the church ensures its message remains relevant and accessible in a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, thus maximizing its potential for global outreach."

On the other hand, on branding, Pastor Buscato emphasized the importance of having a cohesive and recognizable global identity, which is essential for effective communication and outreach in today's world.

He explained that consistent branding ensures that the church's message and values are communicated clearly, enhancing visibility and promoting a professional image. By establishing a strong, globally recognized brand, the church aims to protect its identity, prevent unauthorized use, and help individuals worldwide easily identify and connect with it. Ultimately, this effort strengthens its mission and impact.

In an effort to maintain communication, Lucero taught the attendees how to write news.

"If we talk about branding, then let's show the world that we know how to write articles properly," Lucero said.

At the end of her lecture, she encouraged everyone to write and submit articles about all the events of EVC so that the conference could also be heard."

Another attendee shared how she felt blessed by the learning and insights she gained. "I hope there will be another training about communication. Everything we learned today is relatively new, and we need more knowledge and guidance."

The training concluded with a commitment service led by Pastor Buscato, who encouraged everyone to keep their faith and desire to engage in the ministry.

"What matters today is that we leave with hearts full of His Spirit and recognize our significant roles in sharing the gospel with the world," he added.

By Mara C. Rodriguez, East Visayan Conference