South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) of Matanao, Davao del Sur has officially become the venue school for the Distance Learning Center (DLC) Program of the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), a post-graduate institution serving numerous countries and settled at Silang, Cavite. The Master of Arts in Church Ministry (MACM) cohort was formally opened on January 12, 2026, marking a significant milestone for theological education in the region.
The program is a collaborative initiative between AIIAS and the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), designed to provide accessible and advanced training for church leaders and workers within the SePUM territory. A total of 27 students enrolled in the inaugural cohort, representing various missions across the union.
By bringing the AIIAS DLC Program to SPAC, the partnership strengthens the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to leadership development and continuing ministerial education. It allows students to pursue graduate studies while remaining in their ministry assignments, ensuring that their academic growth directly benefits their ongoing service.
The MACM program is intended to equip pastors, administrators, and ministry leaders with deeper theological grounding, practical ministry skills, and contextualized leadership training. This preparation will enable them to better serve their respective fields of work and respond to the needs of their communities.
This collaborative effort highlights SPAC’s growing role as a strategic hub for graduate-level instruction in Mindanao. It also underscores the shared vision of AIIAS and SePUM in nurturing competent, mission-driven leaders dedicated to advancing the mission of the Church.
Ellen G. White scribbled: “True education means more than taking a certain course of study. It is broad. It includes the harmonious development of all the physical powers and the mental faculties. It teaches the love and fear of God, and is a preparation for the faithful discharge of life’s duties.” Special Testimonies on Education, 47.1
Contributor: Sheir Pelayo-Cagasan
Photos: SPAC Media
