NEPAC HOLDS 33rd REGULAR SESSION

The Northeast Philippines Annual Conference (NEPAC) held its 33 rd Regular Session at
Buenavista United Methodist Church, Santiago City from May 16 to 19, 2017 with the theme:
“Therefore Go.” It commenced with a Communion and Memorial Service with Rev. Dr. Pedro M. Torio
Jr., Bishop of Baguio Episcopal Area (BEA) giving the Message of Life, “Learning to Live and Love.”
Delegates from the four districts, South Nueva Vizcaya District (SNVD), North Nueva Vizcaya –
West Ifugao District (NNVWID), Quirino District (QD), and Metro Santiago District (MSD) attended the
conference session. From Bayombong UMC the delegates were Rev. Lay Ciriaco D. Galima, Mr.
Inocencio D. Basilio, Mr. Benedicto C. Llera, Jr. and Engr. Edmar D. Suguitan.
In the afternoon of the first day, Dr. Hector Caluya, NEPAC Lay Leader gave his Laity Address.
With much appreciation, he reported accomplishments of the different church lay organizations and
Clergy Spouses Association.
In his Episcopal Address, Bishop Torio expressed his gratefulness for the overwhelming support
of the NEPAC for the past conference year. He mentioned the construction of new churches as a
manifestation of faith. One of which is the Busilac Mission Congregation Church (which was also
recognized as a full-pledged local church on the 2 nd day of the conference.)
A very entertaining Welcome Program was given on the first night by the Host District, Metro
Santiago where musical and cultural presentations showed a display of God-given talents of church
workers and laymen. This was followed by the Bishop’s Session with the Clergy.
The activities of succeeding days started with morning devotions with messages on “Humility in
Serving the Lord” by Atty. Gideon Salatan and “Panagmaymaysa ken Panagtitimpuyog iti Panagserbi ken
Apo Dios” by Rev. Catalino Melegrito.
Reports that followed were the District Superintendents’ Accomplishment Reports enhanced
with video presentations; and those of the protestant institutions, the Union Theological Seminary,
Harris Memorial College, Aldersgate College and Wesleyan University.
Other matters taken up were Pension and Equitable Compensation presented by the General
Conference Board of Pension Chairperson and the Treasurer. Then, the Bishop’s session with the Laity
and Deaconesses .
On the third day, comprehensive accomplishment reports were presented by the presidents of
the NEPAC lay organizations – the United Methodist Men (UMM), Women Society of Christian Service
(WSCS), United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship (UMYAF) and United Methodist Young Fellowship
(UMYF) were given by their respective presidents. Among the presentors were Mr. Tomas B. Agustin of
the UMM and Mrs. Miriam Suguitan of the WSCS, both members of the Bayombong UMC.
Mrs. Cely B. Luna , chairperson of the Committee on Deaconess Services presented the full-
time Deaconesses and Rev. Dr. Rodel Claro J. Layugan, chairman of the Board on Ordained Ministers
announced the pastors to be ordained and lay leaders who will take up Masters of Divinity at Union
Theological Seminary, (among others was Engr. Edmar D. Suguitan from Bayombong UMC.) Dr. Leticia
B. Puguon, chairperson on Health and Welfare and Engr. Pedro V. Ramel – Board of Trustees gave
their accomplishment report.
The last day started with the Consecration, Commissioning & Ordination Service with Bishop
Pedro M. Torio , Jr. as preacher. The Annual Conference ended with the announcement of new
appointments of all NEPAC workers and of District Superintendents; DS Lilibeth A.Balagan, NNVWID,
DS Jonathan P. Razon, Sr., MSD , DS Noel Paul Eraña, QD and DS Talgued Andres, SNVD.
With God’s blessing, our church, the Bayombong UMC will work with our newly appointed
workers, Rev. Dr. Rodel Claro J. Layugan, Administrative Pastor, Rev. Evangeline R. Munda, Associate
Pastor and Rachelle Ann D. Labasan, Deaconess.
To God be the glory for a successful NEPAC 33 rd Regular Session!
-by Mr. Inocencio D. Basilio