Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered at Purok 3, Tacunan, Tugbok District, Davao City, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Adventist Church in the Southeastern Philippines (SePUM) headquarters. The new facility will serve as the administrative center for five mission fields, two institutions, and the Adventist community in the Southeastern Philippines region.
SePUM will oversee the operations and growth of the Adventist churches and institutions within the local Adventist organizations of Davao (DM), Northern Davao (NDM), South Central Mindanao (SCMM), Southeastern Caraga (SCM), Southern Mindanao (SMM), South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC), and Adventist Hospital Davao (AHD), encompassing much of Mindanao.
Since its establishment, SePUM has operated from the third-floor children’s ward of Adventist Hospital Davao. The newly acquired property, a former mango plantation, was identified by SePUM Treasurer Elder Laurence Lamera for its suitable topography, accessibility, and location. The land was previously owned by Bro. Ramir Narvaez, a dedicated Adventist leader in the region.
Narvaez shared that the property, once remote and accessible only by a rough road, is now situated along a major bypass road under construction. The 45.62-kilometer four-lane bypass connects Sirawan, Toril, Davao City, and Panabo, Davao del Norte, enhancing the site's accessibility.
The ceremony featured remarks from local and church leaders. Community leader, Honorable Diolina Galupo, expressed gratitude for the Adventist Church's investment in the community. Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Treasurer Pastor Jacinth Adap commended SePUM’s development and emphasized the role of the new headquarters in supporting church leaders and communities.
The program included music from Primo Deo and a message from Pastor Edwin Magdadaro, who reflected on Psalm 127:1, emphasizing the need for divine guidance in building the headquarters. The architectural design, created by architect Kirk Magdadaro, was unveiled, showcasing the vision for the facility.
Participants included SSD Vice President Pastor Stephen Salainti, Associate Secretary Pastor Mamerto Guingguing II, and department directors, alongside local mission leaders and members. The program was hosted by SePUM Communication and Media Director Sir Rhoen Shane Peralta Catolico and Ms. Ivan Mae Flores, Administrative Assistant for the Youth and Communication Departments.
The ceremony concluded with a reflection on Ellen G. White’s counsel from Testimonies for the Church, underscoring the importance of simplicity and Christ-centered service in all church endeavors.
The original article is published on the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission website.