Adventist Couple Honored by Adventist Church in Southern Asia-Pacific for Generosity and Advocacy in Support of Mission Work in Central Philippines

The Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific (SSD) region recently honored the Abayon family during the annual year-end meeting at the Life Hope Center in Silang, Cavite, on November 13, 2024. The recognition, held as part of the meetings, celebrated the generosity of former Congressman Harlin Abayon and former Congresswoman Daryl Abayon, who have donated significant resources to the Adventist Church in Samar, advancing the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in this region.

The Abayon family’s donation—a five-story building spanning over 6,000 square meters and a church lot in Catarman measuring up to more than 2,000 square meters—will serve as a new mission headquarters and provide space for worship and fellowship for Adventist members in Catarman. This contribution stands as a testimony to the couple's deep faith and commitment to supporting the mission, as well as a call to others to consider how they, too, might share in building up the ministry of the Adventist Church.

The Abayon family, through former Congressman Harlin Abayon and former Congresswoman Daryl Abayon, has long been active in both the political and religious landscape of the Philippines. Known for their advocacy in the public sector, the Abayons are part of a political party list, Aangat Tayo, that champions religious freedom, a cause close to their hearts and one that aligns with their Adventist faith. Through their political efforts, they have played a significant role in supporting Seventh-day Adventists across the Philippines, particularly in securing the rights of Adventists to freely observe the Sabbath without facing professional or social obstacles.

Pastor Roger Caderma, along with fellow leaders of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, formally recognized the Abayons' contributions during an executive committee session. In a heartfelt gesture, they presented the couple with a token of appreciation and dedicated them in prayer, honoring their commitment to advancing the mission of the Church and their unwavering support for religious freedom. “Their advocacy focuses on protecting the rights of Seventh-day Adventists and other faith communities, ensuring that individuals can freely observe their religious practices—especially the Sabbath—without facing professional or social repercussions. Their efforts have strengthened the Adventist community's presence and have set a lasting example of faith-driven public service and commitment to religious liberty,” Caderma explained.

This significant donation not only secures a stable foundation for mission work in Samar but also inspires others to consider how they might contribute to this ongoing ministry effort. The division continues to pray for additional donors to join this endeavor, transforming these resources into a lasting legacy for the advancement of the Adventist message across Central Philippines and beyond.