DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) launched its Leadership Summit at the Davao Mission (DM) Conference Room on May 19–21, gathering administrators and directors from SePUM alongside leaders of five missions and two institutions. With the theme “Integrity in Mission: Upholding Law, Policy, and Adventist Identity,” the summit aimed to strengthen governance, institutional integrity, and faith-based mission alignment within the church.
The lectures provided a comprehensive view of leadership responsibilities in both civil and denominational contexts. Atty. Gizelle Lou Cabahug-Fugoso of Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) presented Labor Law, Social Legislation, and Jurisprudence, reminding leaders that compliance with civil law reflects the biblical principle: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God” (Romans 13:1). The Acts of the Apostles, p. 69) counseled, “Christians are to be law-abiding citizens, for disobedience to law is disobedience to God”
Atty. Evin Villaruben, Associate Treasurer of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), discussed Financial Policies and Updates, SSDWP Employee Benefits, and Retirement Benefits, emphasizing faithful stewardship, echoing Christ’s words: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Ellen White affirmed, “The true follower of Christ will make his business dealings a matter of conscience” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 342). As compliance to this concern, SePUM Treasury and Accounting team headed by Elder Laurence Lamera, Treasurer, has already conducted its series of orientations to all institutional retirees within its territory.
Pastor Kerry Estrebilla, SSD Associate Secretary, spoke on Building Values and a Culture of Excellence and reviewed the Church Manual, highlighting that leadership must go beyond compliance to cultivate Christlike character and the role of the church board in shaping up the culture and progress of the church. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Mrs. Ellen White, as one of the church pioneers, wrote, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold… men who in their inmost souls are true and honest” (Education, p. 57).
Mrs. Shekinah Sibala, SSD Risk Management Director, urged leaders to reduce workplace risks, while Atty. Elaine de Vera Generoso expounded on Tax and Corporate Compliance. Judge Chalmer Gevieso emphasized Due Diligence and Land Registration which involved topics on Torrens Law, original registration of unregistered land, residential free patent or RA 10023, agricultural free patent, sale and transfer registration, subdivision registration, consolidation registration, and reconstitution of lost or destroyed titles. These legal issues will help our leaders and believers to “secure our churches by securing our titles.” He underscored an important reminder, “God requires His people to be prompt, exact, and honest in all their business transactions” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 311).
Atty. Nikki Kristine Catolico deliberated on the Anti-Bullying Law and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), which criminalizes gender-based harassment in public spaces, workplaces, schools, and online. She stressed the church’s role in protecting dignity and safety, echoing Scripture: “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy” (Psalm 82:3). As God’s peculiar people, we are reminded, “The Lord calls upon His people to be kind, tender, and pitiful” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 157).
Pastor Felixian Felecitas, SSD Field Secretary, concluded with Discipleship: the Adventist Way, emphasizing that discipleship is personal, not by proxy, citing Matthew 4:18–22 where Christ called His disciples directly. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35). In addition, the task and responsibility of every believer is vital and note-worthy, “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service and its mission is to carry the gospel through the whole world.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 9).
The summit reaffirmed that true leadership requires integrity, compliance, and Christ-centered mission. As Ellen White declared, “In every age, God’s appointed witnesses have been men who have cherished integrity” (Prophets and Kings, p. 148). By aligning law, policy, and Adventist identity, SePUM leaders committed to advancing the mission with faithfulness and excellence.
As a conclusive thought, the Spirit of Prophecy highlighted the meaning of leadership. “Honor, integrity, and truth must be preserved at any cost to self. Our every thought, word, and action should be subject to the will of Christ.” Gospel Workers, 447.
