From September 5–7, 2025, the Adventist church in Zamboanga Peninsula (ZPM) held its inaugural Adventist Education Summit, drawing education leaders from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division and the General Conference.
The summit was convened in response to the growing need for unified, Christ-centered educational leadership across Adventist institutions. As schools face evolving challenges in governance, curriculum relevance, and spiritual formation, the Education Department recognized the urgency of gathering stakeholders to strengthen the mission, share best practices, and renew the commitment to holistic, faith-driven learning.
The event opened with a parade, joined by parents, students, teachers, and visiting delegates from across ZPM. This joyful procession set the tone for plenary sessions that explored key dimensions of Adventist education, including church school administration, school board policies, and the vital partnership between home, church, and school.
Henry Mark T. Casocot, school board chairman of SDAES, emphasized the summit’s value for institutional leaders. “The 1st education summit of the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission is very important for a school board chairman like me. It gives me the opportunity to learn about the financial management of our school and how visionary leaders are very important in making sure that our education system has its edge compared to other institutions,” he shared.
Dr. Richard A. Sabuin, associate education director of the General Conference, highlighted the spiritual distinctiveness of Adventist education. “We have learned the uniqueness of Adventist Education. That is not only to prepare students for a happy life and a joyous service in this world but also for a wider service and higher joy of this service in the world to come,” he said.
Evening programs showcased student talents from ZPM’s elementary schools and academy, featuring music, drama, and puppetry—demonstrating the holistic development that Adventist education nurtures beyond academics.
The summit concluded with an awarding and pinning ceremony honoring teachers for their faithful service. Leaders reaffirmed that, just as Eden was the first school where God taught love, service, and truth, Adventist schools today continue that sacred mission: preparing young people not only for life here, but for eternity.