A renewed sense of faith and purpose filled the grounds of Max Mirafuentes Academy as hundreds of Adventist students, alumni, and youth leaders gathered for the SePUM-Wide Public Campus Ministry (PCM) / MAS-AMiCUS Convention 2025. The three-day event, held under the theme "FOCUS – Fully Obeying Christ Under Service," brought together young people united by one goal: to live out their faith through service and mission.
From the opening session to the closing ceremony, the convention blended worship, learning, and fellowship into an experience that was both inspiring and transformative. Organized by the SePUM MAS-AMiCUS (Movement of Adventist Students–Adventist Ministry to College and University Students) officers, the event drew delegates from across Southeastern Philippines, offering a space to strengthen friendships, rekindle spiritual passion, and equip students to become faith-driven leaders on their campuses.
The highlight of the weekend was the presence of Pr. Heshbon Buscato, Adventist Youth Ministries Director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), challenged the delegates to remain steadfast in their faith despite life's difficulties.
"Your life as students, even how crooked it may be—but with hard work, dedication, commitment, and prayer—you will bring all the straights and discipline in real life," Buscato reminded.
He added, "When your life's problems seem insurmountable—stop a while. There will always be solutions to the challenges in life."
Also present and led a dynamic sessions were Pr. Junifer Colegado, Youth Director of the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SWPUC), and his SwPUC MAS-AMiCUS officers; Pr. Nelo Seda, Jr., SePUM Youth Director, and the five mission youth directors: Pr. Irnie Hemoroz (Davao Mission), Pr. Harlie Ybañez (Northern Davao Mission), Pr. Zaldy Demagnaong (South Central Mindanao Mission), Pr. Efren Estrada (Southeastern Caraga Mission), and Pr. Joel Nacubuan (Southern Mindanao Mission).
Leadership support was also evident through the attendance of Pr. Seth Suan, president of the Northern Davao Mission, and his wife expressed full encouragement to the youth ministry initiatives across SePUM territory.
Rhoen Peralta Catolico, SePUM Communication, Media, and PARL Director, led a session on the 12 Steps of Organizing a PCM, blending practical training with personal testimony. Catolico shared his experiences as one of the pioneers of the Movement of Adventist Students (MAS) during its early years in the Northern Mindanao Conference (now North Central Mindanao Conference) in Cagayan de Oro City.
"Our beginnings may have been small," he reflected, "but our vision for student ministries has always been driven by the desire to keep our faith alive in every campus."
MAS pioneers and alumni, including Engr. Winefredo Mendez and Ms. Lorna Detoya-Barker from Australia, graced the event, reconnecting generations of student missionaries with shared passion for campus evangelism.
The evenings were filled with joy and creativity through nightly programs that inspired fellowship and artistic expression.
On Friday night, the Chorale Presentation showcased the musical talents of the delegates, filling the venue with songs of faith and harmony. On Saturday night, the Cultural Presentation highlighted unity in diversity through traditional performances, creative acts, and cultural expressions of praise—reminding participants that the gospel transcends language and culture.
The final day, Sunday, was dedicated to fun, teamwork, and fellowship, featuring ballgames, mind games, Larong Lahi, and an Amazing Race. These activities promoted sportsmanship, camaraderie, and mental agility—all while reflecting Christian values of cooperation, perseverance, and joy in service.
The SePUM MAS-AMiCUS officers, led by their president, John Christopher Cabatingan, along with his five representatives from the local missions: Nicole Ribac (DM); Jayford Tirona (NDM); Ever dela Cerna (SCMM); Hyacinth Jane Suan (SCM); and Kizhan Alcontin (SMM)—their collaborative effort ensured the smooth flow of the program, from worship coordination to logistics and fellowship activities, reflecting the true spirit of teamwork and service that defines Adventist campus ministry.
In his closing message, Pr. Seda expressed gratitude to the speakers, organizers, and youth participants for their active engagement throughout the event."
"This convention is more than just a gathering," Seda emphasized. "It's a reminder that every student is a missionary—called to serve with excellence and faithfulness."
As the convention came to a close, the delegates departed with renewed spiritual fervor and a more substantial commitment to serve. The SePUM-Wide PCM / MAS-AMiCUS Convention 2025 at Max Mirafuentes Academy became not only a gathering of young leaders but a life-shaping spiritual encounter, reminding every attendee of their divine mission to live out the theme: "Fully Obeying Christ Under Service."
