[L-R: Dr. Alfredo Agustin, president; Dr. Ranzolin Bayeta, VP for Academic Affairs; Mr. Bernard Cordita, VP for Student Affairs and Services; Ms. Rhody Laynn Morada, VP for Finance/Photo by SPAC Media]
South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) in Matanao, Davao del Sur joyfully celebrated its 76th Founding Anniversary on September 24 with thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness through the years. A day after, the institution also witnessed the election of its new set of administrators who will serve for the next quinquennium.
Through the constituency nomination and selection conducted by the Executive Committee, composed of representatives from Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), mission administrators closely situated at the institution, college representatives and several lay workers, the following Spirit-driven leaders were chosen to lead to growing college.
DR. ALFREDO G. AGUSTIN JR, PhD., President
Dr. Alfredo G. Agustin Jr. is a respected Adventist scholar and educator specializing in New Testament studies. He serves as Dean of the Faculty of Religious Studies at Asia-Pacific International University (Thailand) and is also an Associate Professor of New Testament at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) in the Philippines. His academic work includes contributions to Ministry Magazine and research on biblical themes such as Luke-Acts and the sanctuary. Known for blending scholarship with mission, Dr. Agustin has guided students in both theology and outreach, emphasizing the importance of faith, service, and academic excellence in Adventist education.
DR. RANZOLIN G. BAYETA, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Ranzolin G. Bayeta served as Research Director at South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC), a role he has held since 2021 after more than a decade of teaching physics at the institution. He earned his Master of Physics Education from De La Salle University and a Bachelor of Science in Education major in Physics and Technology from the Philippine Normal University, and is got a PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies. His research centers on leadership and governance in Adventist higher education, particularly the presidential search process, applying frameworks such as transformational leadership and organizational fit. At SPAC, he has been instrumental in strengthening the research culture, mentoring faculty, and conducting seminars on qualitative research methods like phenomenology and narrative inquiry. His career reflects a balance of scientific teaching, academic leadership, and mission-driven scholarship.
MR. BERNARD CORDITA, LPT, AB Theo, MAED, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services
Sir Bernard Cordita is a dedicated Mathematics Professor at South Philippine Adventist College, where he also leads the institution’s Community Extension Services. His dual role reflects a commitment not only to academic excellence but also to service beyond the classroom. As a professor, he has guided students in mastering mathematics with clarity and rigor, preparing them for both professional and personal growth. Through his leadership in community extension, he has helped SPAC strengthen its outreach programs, fostering partnerships and initiatives that bring education, service, and hope to surrounding communities.
Sir Bernard’s career embodies the Adventist philosophy of holistic education—developing the mind while nurturing compassion and responsibility. His work continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, bridging academic discipline with meaningful community engagement. He is currently pursuing a PhD degree.
MS. RHODY LAYNN MORADA, MBA, Vice President for Finance
Rhody Laynn Morada has built her life around the twin callings of education and service. A graduate of the Adventist University of the Philippines, where she completed both her undergraduate and master’s studies in business, she now serves as Chairperson of the Business Administration Department at South Philippine Adventist College. Her leadership is marked by a steady commitment to guiding students not only toward professional competence but also toward values that reflect faith and integrity.
Her journey has taken her through both corporate and ministry paths. Before joining SPAC, she worked in the business sector as a senior analyst, gaining practical insights that now enrich her teaching. At the same time, her years with the Philippine Meistersingers allowed her to share the Adventist message through music across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. At SPAC, Ma’am Rhody continues to inspire students with her vision of business education that is globally aware yet deeply rooted in Christian mission.
Further, with deep gratitude and heartfelt respect, SPAC honored the faithful leadership of the former SPAC officers whose dedication has shaped the institution’s legacy of excellence and mission. Dr. Lotchie Genon, as Vice President for Academic Affairs, upheld the highest standards of scholarship and spiritual formation; Mr. Irvin Mirabueno, as Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, nurtured a campus culture grounded in care and character; Ms. Alpha Duran, as Vice President for Finance, stewarded the institution’s resources with integrity and foresight; and Dr. Chliejvferwyn Catolico, whose visionary leadership as President guided SPAC with wisdom, courage, and unwavering commitment to its gospel-centered mission. As Dr. Catolico retires from active denominational service effective April 1, the tribute offered during the opening of the 76th Founding Anniversary Celebration stands as a testament to lives poured out in service—leaders who not only administered policies and programs, but who inspired faith, excellence, and hope for generations to come.
Meanwhile, a Pr. Zarcarias Escobidal was appointed to serve as the Director for Philanthropy and Alumni Relations and will continue to oversee the completion of the SPAC Church Building project.
The occasion highlighted the continuing mission of SPAC to provide Christ-centered education that nurtures both the mind and the spirit. Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This guiding principle has been the foundation of the college’s commitment to prepare young people for service to God and humanity. Ellen G. White, in her book Education, wrote: “True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man.”
These words continue to inspire the vision of SPAC to integrate faith and learning, ensuring that students are equipped not only for professional success but also for eternal values. As the college moves forward under its newly elected leaders, the community prays for wisdom, humility, and dedication to guide their service. The celebration of the 76th Founding Anniversary stands as a testimony of God’s providence and a renewed commitment to uphold the institution’s motto: “The School That Nurtures Holistic Excellence.”
As SPAC welcomes its newly elected officers, everybody needs to pause to honor the legacy of those who have faithfully led before them, to the previous leaders and outgoing administrators, they deserve heartfelt gratitude for the vision, dedication, and sacrifice that have shaped this institution. Under their stewardship, the college has grown in its facilities, broadened its influence, and strengthened its mission—becoming a place where God is glorified and exalted.
Everybody’s contributions have laid a firm foundation upon which the new officers now stand, continuing the journey of service and excellence. May the legacy they leave inspire the next generation of leaders to build with the same faith, courage, and devotion, ensuring that SPAC remains a beacon of hope and a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
[Photos by SePUM Communication and SPAC Media]
