The 17th president of the Republic of the Philippines, Honorable Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., worshipfully placed himself in God’s presence as denominational leaders and religion, dedicated the new leader in prayer as the new administration faces six years of office in the Philippine Republic.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church was privileged to be one of the five religions in the country to lead the prayer for the new president during its Inauguration Day on June 30, 2022, at the National Museum of the Philippines, in the city of Manila. Pastor Arnel Gabin, vice president of the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region, prayed with the Philippine Muslim leader, the Protestant church, the Roman Catholic church, and the Iglesia ni Kristo.
The relationship between the Adventist Church and the Philippine government has long been established as past leaders of the nation share the same advocacies and plans to further create a better Philippines in different aspects and life.
Recently, Adventist World Church president, Elder Ted Wilson, visited the Philippines in 2021 and graced outgoing president, President Rodrigo Duterte in his office at the Malacañang Palace. Before going to the island of Mindoro for evangelistic meetings, Wilson made a courtesy call and prayed for the Philippine president. Wilson thanked Duterte for his strong support of religious liberty. He dedicated the president to prayer and seeking God’s wisdom to guide the president’s leadership further.
Gabin prays for the new president. Gabin stands in the absence of the recently elected president, Pastor Roger Caderma. In his prayer, Gabin draws his attention to seek God’s presence daily in his leadership. Through prayer, Gabin reminded the new president of the value of pursuing God in his life, family, and administration.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department