Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I
consider this as another bonus year since I was supposed to retire in December
2020. And that would have been a total of 12 faithful and fruitful years in the whole of the PCC.
But Praise be to God Almighty! I am now nearing the end of my 14th year of active
service, along with Bishop Francisco, as an episcopal servant-leader. And at a time such as this!
Taking from the President’s Address of the past Council of Bishop’s President, Bishop
Cynthia Fierro Harvey, this period in our common history as a church continues to be
uncertain, due to complexities and the anxieties it creates.
This heightening in the internal strife in our worldwide family in the faith comes also at
a time of heightened challenges to communities and economies not only from the impact of the
Covid19 Pandemic, but by significant world events where United Methodist witness and service
can be a beacon of hope: food insecurity and famine in many parts of Africa and even Asia,
continuing humanitarian crises brought about by regime change in Afghanistan and other
conflicts around the world, now including that between Ukraine and Russia (where we have
significant presence), and the global climate crisis, to name a few. Just around our backyard are
increasing concerns on equitable access to food, water, and energy resources. Then, here at
home, we all know that earlier this month Filipinos, here and abroad chose the next group of
leaders who will hopefully usher the country to recovery.
Thus, I concur with Bp Harvey that “in a time of uncertainty, the tension and the heat
just continue to rise, and we must rise above the heat and instead rely on the certainty of the
presence of the Holy Spirit and the Love of God that sustain us in times such as these. We don’t
know the future. But we do know, that best of all, God is with us today and in all of our
tomorrows. We are blessed by the tie that binds us together in Christ Jesus and blessed by one
another sharing the journey with all its twists and turns. So how do we use this season of waiting?
This prolonged time of waiting has the potential to shift our focus from the very people we are
called to serve. Let us not ignore the amazing ministry that is happening day after day across the
United Methodist Church, as we continue to feed the hungry, care for the sick, reach out to the
immigrant, address issues of race, climate, justice, prepare a safe place for all of God’s children
as we continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
|Davao Epis copal Area
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
“It has been said that John Wesley was convinced that love for all humanity was a
central teaching of scriptures. And while he frequently preached from Romans, I Corinthians 13,
and Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, he also often preached from I John. He called I John the
Compendium of the Holy Scriptures, and described I John 4:19 as the sum of the whole Gospel.
We love because God first loved us. We must work to connect head and heart into our work
during this time. Besides, that’s what brought many of us to the Methodist Church, and I believe
that is what will keep many of us in the United Methodist Church. Our Methodist DNA calls us to
love, to experience love. TO BE LOVE IN A WORLD THAT DOESN’T KNOW AND SHOW LOVE.
It is no secret that I am working with everything I’ve got to shape the continuing United
Methodist Church, especially here in the Philippines. That is my call and it honors my ordination
and consecration vows. It is who I am. I was not called to lead the church to separate or
disaffiliate. And that hasn’t changed. I am, and will continue to be an elder, a bishop in the United
Methodist Church. Our energy must now be focused on defining WHO WE WILL BE? WHAT ARE
THE VALUES THAT WE HOLD? WHAT IS OUR IDENTITY? WHO DO THE PEOPLE SAY THAT WE ARE?
We must be a witness to the world that reclaims that IT IS LOVE THAT IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT
GUIDING COMMANDMENT, PRINCIPLE, AND VALUE. It defines who we are.
Our very best witness is to love each other as Christ first loved us. And I want to say
boldly, loudly, and clearly, I envision a future for the United Methodist Church where all of us
will have a home. If you consider yourselves liberal or evangelical, YOU HAVE A HOME. If you see
yourself as progressive or traditionalist, centrist or conservative, center-right, center-left, YOU
HAVE A HOME in the United Methodist Church. For you see, that is what I believe the Kingdom
of God looks like: all together, working from our deep rootedness in connection we will continue
to make disciples of Jesus Christ who transform the world. It will not be easy, but it will be
extraordinary holy work that will amplify the good news of Jesus Christ to a world that
experiences fracturing and uncertainty every day and needs to see, hear, and experience that in
Him there is no darkness at all, and that love is our guide.”
As for me, I will have come full circle this year 2022 in my episcopal journey as an active
bishop of the United Methodist Church. I tried to enter a new ministry calling into public service,
but I believe God’s message is, “It is not yet time, my son.” Many of you have joined and
supported our collective effort during the campaign period. Please accept my most heartfelt
thanks. On a personal note, I don’t think that what transpired was an entire failure. On the
contrary, the experiences of campaigning, new and renewed friendships and networks, and
most importantly, the learnings that I gained cannot be dampened by a first engagement falling
short. I believe and claim the promise of God in Romans 8:28, “that in all things God works for
the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
The 2020-2024 General Conference quadrennial theme calls us “… and KNOW that I
am GOD”. It reminds us that despite all the challenges we face at this juncture in history, may
they be from outside or within our beloved church, it is absolutely imperative that we stop
fearing the unknown, the uncontrollable factors, the differences we have, and instead
acknowledge that God is All and in All, and that we should trust God’s magnificence and love,
because God is our refuge and our strength.
Most prominent of these virtual connectedness were those related to the KALUSUGAN
Program of DEA. Over 170 webinars, fora and meetings dedicated to Mental Health
Awareness, Stress Management, and information on Covid19 and its vaccination were hosted
using the Zoom account of my office. The collaboration of the DEA Health Board, Sailor’s
10 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
The Area’s KALIKASAN Program continued with its annual tree planting/growing
activities in 13 districts last October, mobilizing some 963 participants, and planting an
estimated 8,958 trees of various uses and varieties. This was also occasion for some
conferences to incorporate clean-up drives. And in support of the campaign for creation care,
educational and advocacy activities particularly on extractive industries vis-à-vis sustainable
use of resources were also conducted.
11 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
A simultaneous Tree Planting activity conducted by Central Visayas,
Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas Districts last Oct 23 2021
A simultaneous Tree Planting activity conducted by Mindanao South and Mindanao South West
Districts last Oct 23 2021 at Campao Mission, Glan, Sarangani and Coloma, Ariel Miguel and
Enor’s Farm in Sultan Kudarat, and Mindanao Central District at Kabacan, North Cotabato
12 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
It is truly a blessing that despite the negative impact of the pandemic on the economy,
DEA was able to ramp up its support for sustaining the improvements on church facilities,
particularly for much needed repairs of sanctuaries and
parsonages. For the past year almost PhP1.5M in
support were extended to about 55 local churches for
various infrastructure needs. Also, nearly PhP1.7M was
extended in assistance to various ongoing works at the
Spottswood Methodist Center. I would like to extend my
Nabunturan Mission (EMPAC)
deepest heartfelt thanks to the leaderships of both the
Philippine Christian University and Wesley University – Philippines, and the spouses Engr Chito
and Irene Mungcal, and Ate Liz
Mariano for your extravagant
generosity and support in making
these developments happen
especially during these economically
challenging times. Let me also say
East Bicol District Parsonage (BicolPAC) that your expressions of love for our
beloved church have moreover touched the lives of those who were able to work on the
improvements of facilities whether as skilled workers, laborers, and volunteers, and am sure
that they and their families got relief from some of the economic challenges they were
experiencing during those times.
13 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Albiga UMC, Siaton, Negros Oriental Sabang UMC, Calabanga, CamSur
15 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
CLOSING STATEMENTS
I thank our sovereign God, whose love and faithfulness are new every morning, and all
of you, my friends and supporters of PEACE Partylist, for the wonderful journey of
campaigning. Though we were not successful, it was indeed a great experience to travel and
campaign all over the Philippines. I gained new learnings and insights in politics and I am
forever grateful for the bayanihan, accountability and love for each other that have grown
within us in this journey, which will continue as we advocate for QUALITY EDUCATION for ALL!
We must continue to be vigilant in all ways possible. Part of our commitment in this
journey is caring for our environment. Thus, I encourage everyone to help dismantle and
properly recycle/dispose of campaign materials. Words will never be enough to thank you all
for your support. Your efforts shall never be forgotten. Agyamanak unay! Daghang salamat to
our Bishops, DSes, DCMs, Pastors, Deaconesses, Lay Leaders, National Coordinators,
organizations and movements who supported us, and the PEACE Team (Mrs. Marie Paz
"Pepat" Abante, Cong. Benny Abante, Mr. Reiner Puno, Dr. Joey Sauco and Dr. Arnold Arellano,
Atty. Princess Abante, Ms. Rhoda Alegre, and all our STAFF).
Our history as a church started from being a Methodist movement that finds our
‘holiness’ in our expression of love and service for the betterment of our community. The
United Methodist Church Social Creed and Social Principles speak of the various ways that our
beloved church expresses our commitment to fully participate in building a more peaceful and
just world —the transformation of the world. Part of these principles relate to nation building.
“The church should continually exert a strong ethical influence upon the state, supporting
policies and programs deemed to be just, and opposing policies and programs that are unjust.”
16 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Matthew 5:15-16 express this for me ‘Gospelwise’: “Neither do people light a lamp and
put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and
glorify your Father in heaven.”
The next two years shall continue to be a very challenging time for our beloved church
as we continue to navigate our way forward while awaiting General Conference. But it should
not be an idle waiting. Paraphrasing from the recent statement of the Council of Bishops titled
A Narrative for the Continuing United Methodist Church: we must be more “committed to
strengthening every local church, where the word is preached and Christ is offered, and where
the table is set before all who hunger and thirst for righteousness, confident in the prayer we
have learned to say and share:
• Make us one with Christ—this is faithfulness.
• Make us one with each other—this is unity.
• Make us one in ministry to all the world—this is fruitfulness.
This is the United Methodist Church we love and serve!”
I commend the annual conferences that have started to heed the call of levelling-up their
ministries. Following the annual conference-level Ugnayan, they have taken the first major
step and come up with vision, mission, goals, and core values that will guide their mission work
and various ministries moving forward.
May our Faithful and Loving Creator bless us all. For the glory of God!
17 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
APPENDICES
VISION: An Annual Conference capable of carrying out the holistic mission of the church in
Bicol Region.
MISSION: An Annual Conference responding to the needs of districts and local churches in the
upliftment of spiritual commitment, human and resource development towards making disciples of
Jesus Christ for the transformation of church and society.
GOALS:
1. Start ____ new mission points.
2. Plant _____ new churches.
3. Recruit _____ new Local Pastors and Deaconesses.
4. Assist _____ local churches to become self sustaining.
5. Development of idle properties, including church buildings and parsonages.
6. Upliftment of church workers’ welfare.
CORE VALUES:
Professionalism (Time conscious, Disciplined)
Integrity
Compassion in service (pagmamalasakit)
Passion (alab sa paglilingkod, love of work)
Christian maturity
Excellence
VISION: The NWMINPAC envisions a transformed and vitalized annual conference with
empowered disciples, faithful stewardship, and financial stability leading to Christ.
MISSION: To create a community of faith that leads, forms, trains and equips people to become
strengthened, spirit-led disciples that are grounded in scriptures, faithful stewards of God's
creation, driven by hope, love and peace to do good, do no harm to ALL and stay in God's love at
ALL times. (in reference to the 3 General Rules of the UMC)
18 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
GOALS:
1. To empower the discipleship ministries through the NOW committees by offering
relevant programs that answer the need of the individual church members, family
and the community as a whole through spiritual discipline, education, connection and
ecumenism and life-giving services.
2. To strengthen faithful stewardship in all UMC churches upholding the principles of
Christian living and giving.
3. To maximize the resource development of the annual conference to support the
relevant ministries and innovate necessary programs for holistic transformation of
the church as the body of Christ.
4. To engage the people called Methodists into a life of mission that leads others to
have a committed relationship to Christ.
5. To produce empowered members to invite and nurture people to become actively
involved in all ministries of the church.
CORE VALUES:
Christ-centered
Holistic Transformation
Faithful Stewardship
Empowered Discipleship
Compassion and Justice
Dynamic Leadership
Resource Development
VISAYAS PAC
VISION: In 2026, we see empowered, self-reliant and sustaining local churches with
increased number of faithful disciples doing intentional church planting.
MISSION: All local churches will intensify their Stewardship ability especially in giving
capacity, Discipleship formation, Evangelistic spirit and are responsible in intentional church
planting.
GOALS:
1. Every Local Church shall increase 10 percent membership in every year (BOD)
2. Every local church is a nurturing, doing outreach and witnessing community. (BOD)
3. To increase clergy members and active deaconesses in 4 years. (BOOM)
4. To increase 10 % of every Local Church budget yearly. (CFA)
5. All church properties should have titles in the name of VPAC in 4 years. (BOT)
6. Establish a trust fund for church lot and building purposes. (BOT)
19 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
CORE VALUES: This mission evolves from core values that describe who we are. We are:
Growing in Christ through Intentional Discipleship.
Faithful servant and steward through giving our best.
Working with Integrity.
Innovative leaders and learning people.
Humble and enduring.
Corporate and Praying people.
MISSION: Proclaim Jesus Christ through dynamic faith, responsive discipleship, sustainable
stewardship in timely, proactive, and innovative ways.
CORE VALUES:
Love of God (John 21:15-18)
Holy Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
Christ-likeness (John 13:15-17, 34-35)
Heritage (Deut. 6:4-7)
Servant Leadership (Luke 9: 23-24)
Integrity (2 Kings 12:15, 2 Cor 7:2)
Responsibility and Accountability (1 Cor 4:2, Matt. 25:35-36, 40, 45)
Inclusiveness, Diversity, and Identity (Gal. 3:26-29, 1 Cor. 12:12-31)
Dynamic clergy-laity partnership (TBP)
Transparency (TBP)
Stewardship (TBP)
20 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Generous Givers to the Mission Support Fund of DEA
for Social Concerns, Pastor's Monthly Support, Local
Church and Parsonage Repairs, Property Dev't
and Typhoon Odette Assistance
June 2021 – March 2022
DONOR AMOUNT
PCU 1,100,000.00
WUP 1,432,000.00
Liz Mariano 100,000.00
Won Sik Yi 60,000.00
Atty Carlos Cao & Family 100,000.00
Rev. & Mrs. Santos Hermano 5,000.00
Japan Methodist Mission Church 12,000.00
EMPAC 70,000.00
BPAC 20,000.00
June Belarmino 10,000.00
NCYPM - PCC UMC 20,500.00
Kamuning First UMC 90,000.00
CJ Tubayan 500.00
Metro Tarlac Dist/TARPAC BEA 47,400.00
Dept of Family & Community Medicine SIMC 5,000.00
Isabela North Dist. DRRM NCPAC 27,000.00
Direct deposit 17,800.00
PCED PPAC 31,600.00
Ilocos South District 15,000.00
BEA NPAC John Wesley College Kinder Dept 10,000.00
Christ UMC, Amas, Kidapawan City 885.00
ICMPD 31,000.00
Israel First UMC, 20,199.00
Methodist Int'l Church Hongkong 31,768.90
BEA NPAC Commission on Deaconess Service 10,000.00
Bukidnon District 10,000.00
Pandan UMC 1,500.00
21 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
DONOR AMOUNT
Central UMC, Manila 75,000.00
Sandmier UMC, PAC 20,000.00
PWCTU 30,000.00
ISIED 10,000.00
Francisco Homes UMC, Bulacan 7,500.00
Northeast Cagayan PAC 5,000.00
BulPAC UMYF 5,525.00
Sta Rosa UMC (STPPACE) 3,124.00
NWMinPAC: MOLDEN District 5,250.00
NWMinPAC: Bukidnon Distr Kilikili 500.00
Mission Society of Bishop Han 3,300.00
TOTAL PhP3,444,351.90
22 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
SUPPORT FOR CHURCHES/PARSONAGES PhP 988,547.00
MinPAC, MCED: New Baguio UMC
MinPAC, MCED: Sarayan UMC
MinPAC, MCED: District Parsonage
MinPAC, MCED: Kaburonan, Sarayan
MinPAC, MCED: New Baguio UMC
MinPAC, MCED: New Bulatukan UMC
MinPAC, MCED: Branscomb Memorial UMC
MinPAC, MCED: Little Cochran UMC
MinPAC, MCED: Green Pasture UMC
MinPAC, MCED: Healing Grace UMC, Malatab
MinPAC, MCED: Hope Valley UMC, Tumanding
MinPAC, MCED Beho Umor Mission
MinPAC, MSD: Surallah UMC
MinPAC, MSD: Kiamba UMC
MinPAC, MSD: Tablao UMC
MinPAC, MSD: Cabales UMC
MinPAC, MSD: Living Hope Mission, Pangi, Maitum
MinPAC, MSWD: Pagasa Methodist Learning
MinPAC, MSWD: Sadsalan UMC, Lambayong
MinPAC, MSWD: Maligaya UMC, Lambayong
MinPAC, MSWD: Living Water Mission, Brgy Bato
MinPAC, MSWD: Lilit UMC
MinPAC, MSWD: San Emmanuel
MinPAC, MSWD: Isulan UMC
MinPAC, MSWD: Columbio UMC
MinPAC, MCD: Guintales UMC
NWMinPAC, ZPD: Zamboanga UMC
NWMinPAC, ZPD: Maniha UMC
NWMinPAC, ZPD: Sta Barbara UMC
NWMinPAC, ZPD: Balingasan UMC
NWMinPAC, ZPD: Glorious UMC, Sta Cruz, Plaridel
NWMinPAC, ZPD: Malipayon UMC
NWMinPAC, ZPD: Faithway UMC
NWMinPAC, Bukidnon: Kalilangan UMC
NWMinPAC, Bukidnon: Managok UMC
NWMinPAC, Bukidnon: Kabatangan UMC
23 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS
NWMinPAC, MOLDEN: Agusan UMC
NWMinPAC, MOLDEN: Magoong Lanao
NWMinPAC, MOLDEN: Ililihon UMC
VPAC, CVD: Kabulakan UMC, Sta Catalina, Negros
VPAC, CVD: Sibulan Learning Center
VPAC, CVD
VPAC, EVD: Cordova UMC
VPAC, EVD: Hansarang UMC
VPAC, WVD: 4th Galilee Tiblao Antique
VPAC, WVD: Antique UMC property
EMPAC, NED: Trento Mission, Agusan
Outside DEA: Mustard Seed UMC, Silang, Cavite
24 | D a v a o E p i s c o p a l A r e a
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS to the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS