A significant gathering took place in Davao Oriental with the courtesy visit of Northern Davao Mission leaders to Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and Vice Governor Glenda Rabat-Gayta, which focused on strengthening Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) and expressing the support of the church to various programs of the government including healthy lifestyle, youth development and community participation.
The event was attended by leaders of the Northern Davao Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, led by Pastor Seth Suan, NDM President, together with Pastor Regie Mahinay, Communications and PARL Director; Pastor Diego Balanza Jr., Health Director; Pastor Mishael Monterola, Radio Station Manager; and local pastors Pastor Kerk Arbie Suan, Pastor Chen Talledo, Pastor Edgar Mozunes, and Pastor Ernie Cuba.
The dialogue aimed to protect the rights of workers in both public and private sectors, especially their religious freedom not to be compelled to work on Saturday, the biblical Sabbath day of rest.
The Northern Davao Mission emphasized that PARL is not against laws or workplace welfare, but rather a call for balance, where government, companies, and institutions respect the faith of every individual.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article III (Bill of Rights), Section 5, guarantees that “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.”
As Acts 5:29 declares, “We ought to obey God rather than men,” and Exodus 20:8 reminds, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Ellen G. White also wrote, “The Sabbath is a sign of Christ’s power to make us holy…. the Sabbath is a golden clasp that unites God and His people.” The Faith I Live By, 33.4.
In chapter 35 of The Great Controversy, titled "Liberty of Conscience Threatened, which expounded about "liberty of conscience is every man’s natural right,” the chapter serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to recognize the signs of the times and to stand firm for the principles of religious freedom before the ultimate, "impending conflict" between those who obey God and those who submit to human traditions.
These words highlight that the visit was not merely a formality but an earnest effort to stand for justice, integrity, and spiritual freedom. The Northern Davao Mission expressed gratitude for the positive reception and dialogue with the local government, which demonstrated respect for religious liberty and human rights.
The reason why we should tell others about our stand is that, “it is God’s purpose to manifest through His people the principles of His kingdom. That in life and character they may reveal these principles, He desires to separate them from the customs, habits, and practices of the world. He seeks to bring them nearer to Himself, that He may make known to them His will.” Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 321. This reiterates Jesus’ words, “as thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” John 17:18.
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