SePUM Breaks Ground for Adventist Church Headquarters in Tacunan
Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered at Purok 3, Tacunan, Tugbok District, Davao City, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) headquarters. This new facility will serve as the administrative hub for five mission fields, two institutions, and the broader Adventist community in the Southeastern Philippines region.
SePUM will oversee the nurturing and growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in the Davao Mission (DM), Northern Davao Mission (NDM), South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM), Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM), Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM), South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC), and Adventist Hospital Davao (AHD), which encompass much of Mindanao.
A Long-Awaited Vision
The search for a permanent location for SePUM’s headquarters was meticulous. Since its organization, SePUM has temporarily operated from the third-floor children’s ward of Adventist Hospital Davao, a strategic and convenient arrangement.
According to SePUM President Pr. Danielo Palomares, Treasurer Elder Laurence Lamera, was instrumental in identifying the property—a serene former mango plantation. Its favorable weather, topography, and accessibility made it ideal for SePUM’s ministry needs. Faithful Adventist leader Bro Ramir Narvaez formerly owned the land.
In his privilege speech, Narvaez mentioned that the land area used to be very remote, with a rough and “potholed” barangay road. The proposed Adventist Church headquarters will wonderfully sit along the under-construction 45.62-kilometer four-lane bypass road spanning from Sirawan, Toril, Davao City to Panabo, Davao del Norte. It passes through the 2.3-kilometer twin mountain road tunnel, which, through divine providence, significantly improves connectivity.
A Historic Occasion
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of the church construction and a milestone in SePUM’s journey. Hon. Diolina Galupo, Barangay Kagawad of Tacunan, expressed gratitude on behalf of Barangay Tacunan for the Adventist Church’s investment in the community. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership,” she said.
Representing the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), Pr. Jacinth Adap, Division Treasurer, commended SePUM’s growth and shared a prayerful vision for the new headquarters: “This facility will be a beacon of hope, a center of influence, and a hub for empowering leaders and strengthening churches. May it be a space where lives are transformed, and the gospel takes root in hearts and homes.”
Pr. Adap also encouraged the attendees to dedicate the project to God’s glory, emphasizing the importance of building a spiritual foundation alongside the physical structure.
The event’s solemnity was underscored by heartfelt music from Primo Deo, symbolizing God’s presence and blessings. SSD and SePUM leaders and administrators from affiliated missions and institutions participated in the ceremonial ground breaking.
Notable attendees included SSD Vice President Pr. Stephen Salainti, Assoc. Secretary Pr. Mamerto Guingguing II, and directors Pr. Segundino Asoy (Sabbath School and Personal Ministries), Pr. Rey Cabañero (Publishing), Nazaida May Tabelisma (Asst. Secretary/Archives), June Darlene Adap (Risk Management), and Sir Anthony David Stanyer (Media Studio Director). They were joined by local mission leaders and members, who united in prayer and fellowship.
Pr. Edwin Magdadaro reflected on Psalm 127:1, reminding the gathering of the importance of God’s guidance: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
A Glimpse of the Future
The event also highlighted the architectural vision for the headquarters, designed by Architect Kirk Magdadaro. The stunning decorations, arranged by Ma’am Aida Lamera’s team, added to the day’s celebratory atmosphere. Sir Rhoen Shane Peralta Catolico, SePUM’s Communication and Media Director, and Ms. Ivan Mae Flores, Administrative Assistant for the Youth and Communication Departments, hosted the program.
The day closed with an inspiring message from Testimonies for the Church: “Our institutions should reflect the humility and spirit of Christ. Inside and outside, they must embody simplicity and sanctified judgment, aligned with the expression of our faith” (Ellen G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 92–93).