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LAZI, Siquijor — Adventist Elementary School in Lazi marked the first anniversary of its groundbreaking and construction with a two-day celebration held September 18–19 in Barangay Gabayan.

Guided by the theme “Faith is the Victory,” the event highlighted the role of Christian education in promoting students’ academic, spiritual, mental, physical, and social growth.

School board officers organized the milestone gathering, attended by church members, guests, and regional church leaders, as the institution prepares to open classes this school year.

Belce Glicere Baquilabat, administrative assistant for education and publishing, served as one of the keynote speakers. Discussing the theme “Why Choose Church School for Your Child,” she encouraged parents to consider faith-based education for their families.

“We are praying for its opening,” Belce Glicere said regarding the upcoming school launch. “I know that many children are waiting to avail Adventist Christian Education through our missionary teachers.”

To fulfill the desire for a Christian upbringing, she reminded attendees to remain steadfast. “Faith is demonstrated through obedience to God, trust in His guidance, and the willingness to stand firm despite challenges."

Meanwhile, Pastor Ildefonso Baquilbat, field secretary and stewardship director of the East Central Philippine Union Conference, delivered the divine hour message centered on the event’s theme.

He outlined three foundational principles of faith: “Faith to Obey,” “Faith to Trust,” and “Faith to Stand,” emphasizing obedience, trust, and resilience in spiritual life.

First, Pastor Baquilabat discussed “Faith to Obey,” explaining that true belief means following divine instructions even when the final outcome remains unseen. “Faith obeys God even when we cannot see the outcome, just as Noah did,” he told the congregation.

Second, he stressed the necessity of “Faith to Trust,” encouraging listeners to rely on God’s wisdom even when His commands seem impossible to understand, as Abraham did.

Finally, touching upon “Faith to Stand,” Pastor Baquilbat underscored the importance of remaining steadfast in Christian principles, reminding attendees that standing firm can sometimes demand a high price, akin to the trials faced by Daniel.

The celebration continued into the afternoon with messages, personal testimonies, presentations of the school’s early achievements, and fellowship activities. One highlight of the gathering was the baptism of four individuals who formally accepted their faith through the rite.

Pastor Archi Pedrita, district pastor of the Siquijor East District, officiated the baptism, which church members from across the district witnessed.

Reflecting on the school’s milestone, Mark Silva Cabasag from Siquijor South District shared a message of endurance: "To put our faith in God is to trust in His workings—His power to perform miracles and accomplish what seems impossible."

Attendee Mae Ann Paghasian echoed this sentiment, saying, “Vision to see the invisible, faith to believe the incredible, and power to achieve the impossible.”

As anticipation builds for the institution's upcoming opening, other church leaders shared similar reflections. Pastor Quejon Gervero of the Siquijor South District joined fellow members in expressing excitement for the school's future, emphasizing in a message that true faith trusts God to make all things possible in His time.

In closing, school board members and church leaders thanked everyone who joined the celebration, offered prayers for the school's development, and thanked the district media team and support staff for documenting the event.

“To God be all the glory,” they expressed, remaining expectant of divine providence through the individuals working toward the school’s full realization.

By Blezzie Mhyrl O. Ferrer and Lyka Borongan | Siquijor East District | Negros Oriental-Siquijor