Believing in the necessity of sharing Christ beyond classrooms and offices, the education leaders of Davao Mission (DM) and the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) preached the gospel at Sitio Marawer, Kapatagan, Digos City. Tagged as “Education for Life”, their efforts led 22 precious souls to the feet of Jesus through baptism.
Dr. Perlyn Panes, SePUM Education Director, served as the main speaker, sharing the message of salvation. Ma’am Cheryl Lin-ao Hodge, DM Education Director, lectured on the importance of education, while principals from various Adventist schools presented topics on health and other vital subjects. Among the speakers were:
Ma’am Naomi Sigao Javier of Sahmyook International Academy
Ma’am Maritess Detoya of Royal Valley SDA Elementary School, San Jose, Digos City Branch
Mrs. Sally Elumba of Royal Valley Adventist Academy, Bangkal Campus
Ma’am Ana Soset Cadiz of Davao City Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School (DCSDAES)
Each spoke with conviction and passion, inspiring both learners and community members.
Following this mission outreach, Dr. Panes and her team monitored enrolment and noted a significant increase this year. As of June 11, South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) College Department had 494 students, while academies reported 1,617 students, and elementary schools reached 5,682 learners. Total number of learners at all levels in the territory is 7,793.
Dr. John Wesley Taylor V, current president of Andrews University and former Associate Director of Education at the General Conference, emphasized that the integration of faith and learning (IFL) makes Adventist education the largest sustained evangelistic program of the Church. Every classroom becomes a mission field where students encounter Christ daily. Evangelism here is not seasonal or occasional—it is continuous, embedded in the learning process, he said.
Church-Operated Elementary Schools
Here is the list of Adventist primary schools faithfully shaping students for lifelong service, in harmony with Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
DAVAO MISSION (DM)
Davao City SDA Elementary School Inc., Bajada, Davao City
Royal Valley SDA Elementary School of DM, Main Branch
Royal Valley SDA Elementary School of DM, Rizal, Digos City Branch
Royal Valley SDA Elementary School of DM, San Jose, Digos City Branch
South Philippine Adventist College-Elementary, Matan-ao, Davao del Sur
NORTHERN DAVAO MISSION (NDM)
Tagum City SDA Elementary School of NDM, Main Branch
Tagum City SDA Elementary School of NDM, Compostela Branch
Tagum City SDA Elementary School of NDM, Laak Branch
Tagum City SDA Elementary School of NDM, Nordida Branch, Tibal-og, Davao del Norte
Panabo SDA Learning Center Inc., Panabo City, Davao del Norte
Pantukan Adventist Learning Center Inc., Pantukan, Davao de Oro
SOUTHEASTERN CARAGA MISSION
Bayugan Adventist Learning Center Inc.
San Francisco Adventist Elementary School Inc.
New Mt. Olive SDA Elementary School Inc.
SOUTH CENTRAL MINDANAO MISSION (SCMM)
Adventist Elementary School of Pisan
Adventist Elementary School of Tacurong City Inc.
Adventist Elementary School of Upper Baguer Inc.
Esperanza District Adventist Academy Inc.
Greenfield SDA Elementary School
Katingawan SDA Elementary School Inc.
Kidapawan SDA Elementary School Inc.
M’lang Adventist Learning Center Inc.
President Roxas SDA Elementary Inc.
SOUTHERN MINDANAO MISSION (SMM)
Adventist Elementary School of Banga Inc.
Adventist Elementary School of Marbel 7
Calumpang SDA Elementary School Inc.
Dolefil SDA Elementary School Inc.
General Santos SDA Elementary School Inc.
Labu SDA Elementary School Inc.
Matutum View Elementary School
Polomolok East Christian Education
Tupi SDA Elementary School
Upper Klinan SDA Elementary School Inc.
Ellen G. White reminds us in Patriarchs and Prophets, p.141: “Those who were led by his teachings to worship the one God, found a home in his encampment. As in a school, they received such instruction as would prepare them to be representatives of the true faith.”
She further counsels in Faith I Live By, p.295: “Above all other books, the Word of God must be our study, the great textbook, the basis of all education.”
Let us continue to lift in prayer our second parents in schools—the dedicated teachers—and the learners they are guiding to the feet of Jesus. May the Holy Spirit grant them wisdom, patience, and love as they lead through varied methods of instruction, shaping lives for eternity.
