SULADS (Socio-economic Uplift, Literacy, Anthropological, and Developmental Services), a Seventh-day Adventist missionary initiative that began in 1968, has once again mobilized its student missionary program across the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM). Following intensive training at Mountain View College from April 20 to May 30, led by Pastor Ephraim Pitogo, SULADS Director, missionaries were commissioned under the theme “United for Mission in the 11th Hour” with the prime goal to “Reach the Unreached.”
Missionaries received instruction in teaching, health, agriculture, anthropology, and practical remedies and they will live and serve marginalized groups among the tribes, each fostering literacy, sanitation, farming, and Bible teaching even in the remotest areas in the islands or villages along sea and marshland.
SULADS, meaning “brother” in the Manobo language, began as a Mountain View College student-led outreach to indigenous peoples of Bukidnon. Its services have since expanded to other tribes in Mindanao, throughout the Philippines, and even abroad. Rooted in literacy, community development, and contextualized mission, SULADS continues to reach isolated communities in rugged mountains, coastal regions, and remote islands.
Agusan del Sur/Surigao del Sur Cluster
Missionaries will serve the Manobo-Surigaonon, Talaandig, and Higaonon tribes under the supervision of Bro. Mehir Cantiga, overseeing three mission schools. Evangelist Jamby Balan joins to strengthen the evangelism work.
Malinawon Mission School, Barangay Guibonon, Esperanza: Honey Lyn Punay and Johana Shane Adriano
Bunlak Mission School, Esperanza: Jay Marie Balunto and Vivina Libot
Maligaya Mission School: Arfel Dawn Ibia and Danny Manulod.
Davao Cluster
Supervised by Jayson Roque, the pioneering Laling Mission School in Sitio Laling, Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District, Davao City, is staffed by Justine Sam Malaran and Jonald Ebalang, bringing new hope to remote communities.
South Cotabato/Sultan Kudarat Cluster
Supervisor Toto Bolilao leads the cluster, with evangelistic work spearheaded by Raymark Lloyd Pasadilla.
Sinakukan Mission School, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat: Blessy Apa and May Ann Adlaon
Malakumo Mission School, Sitio Malakumo, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat: Mark Lee Catulinan and Mark Jay Sigunla
Tupi Bato Mission School, Tampakan, South Cotabato: Gerald Achas
Other Mission Schools
Bagang-Bangang Mission School, Midsayap, Cotabato: Emily Bolilao, MJ Bolilao, BJOY Bolilao, and Maria Loyda Calinawan
Megpanga Mission School, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat: Shyrdene Kate Santander and Annie Grace Lintawod
Tingtingan Mission School, Aleosan, Cotabato: Phoebe Ker Jison and Jasper Jison
Sega-Sega Mission School, Lebak, Cotabato: Judelyn Francisco and Jaime Sue Pordios
Romans 10:15, it says: “How shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
The Spirit of Prophecy expounds this thought: “All who commune with God will find abundance of work to do for Him. Those who go forth in the spirit of the Master, seeking to reach souls with the truth, will not find the work of drawing souls to Christ a dull, uninteresting drudgery. They are charged with a work as God’s husbandmen, and they will become more and more vitalized as they give themselves to the service of God. It is a joyous work to open the Scriptures to others.— Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, 9:118.
Please continue praying for and supporting our SULADS missionaries and mission schools within SePUM and beyond.
Photo Credits: SULADS Media
