Early Beginnings
The Adventist message first reached the southern islands of the Philippines in the early 20th century. Missionaries and lay workers disseminated the gospel through literature, personal Bible studies, and medical services.
As membership increased, local missions were established to support the growing Adventist presence in Mindanao and its surrounding islands. By the mid-1900s, the expansion of Adventist work in Southern Philippines had become so significant that the Adventist Church recognized the need to create a higher administrative structure. This structure was intended to coordinate the growing local missions and institutions, transitioning from its original headquarters in Cebu to Davao, and now in Cagayan de Oro.
Formation of SePUM
The Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) was officially organized in 2023, emerging from the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC), which had previously overseen the entire Mindanao region. This reorganization was approved by the General Conference and the Southern Asia-Pacific Division to improve focus on evangelism, nurturing, and growth in the southeastern territories of Mindanao and its surrounding island groups.
SePUM is one of the youngest union missions in the Philippines, established in response to the need for more localized administration, mission emphasis, and leadership development in the area.
Territorial Coverage
SePUM covers a vast territory in Mindanao, with its headquarters located in Davao City, Philippines. Its field includes several local missions and conferences, including the Davao Mission, Northern Davao Mission, Southern Mindanao Mission, South-Central Mindanao Mission, and Southeastern Caraga Mission.
These local fields represent the Adventist presence among diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious communities.
Institutions and Ministries
In addition to its local missions, SePUM oversees several institutions and ministries that support the mission of the church. Notable examples include the South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) located in Matanao, Davao del Sur, and the Adventist Hospital Davao in Davao City.
These institutions, departments, and ministries act as mission outposts aimed at strengthening the Adventist presence in the region.
Mission and Evangelism
Since its inception, SePUM has concentrated on enhancing evangelism and discipleship. The organization regularly organizes territory-wide evangelistic campaigns, media productions, youth mobilizations, and digital evangelism initiatives.
Key initiatives include:
- Total Member Involvement (TMI) evangelism
- Harvest 2025 and other integrated mission campaigns
- The Adventist Mission initiatives
- Media and communication initiatives, such as Hope Channel, Hope Radio (AWR), and the Adventist Digital Missionary, serve as established platforms for evangelism.
SePUM remains a dynamic mission territory, effectively balancing the challenges of urban growth, rural outreach, and interfaith dialogue.
Significance Today
The Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) plays a vital role in the Adventist Church in the Philippines.
With its diverse population, strategic institutions, and expanding communication networks, SePUM is dedicated to its mission: "To make disciples of Jesus Christ who live as His loving witnesses and proclaim to all people the everlasting gospel of the Three Angels' Messages in preparation for His soon return."