Adventist Hospital-Cebu (AHC) officially dedicated the Miller Food Station on April 27, marking one of the flagship projects of its 70th anniversary celebration and reinforcing its commitment to expanding nutrition-based ministry to the wider community.
The dedication ceremony, highlighted by a blessing and ribbon-cutting, underscored the hospital’s collaboration with Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), which funded the initiative. The project was supported under the leadership of Jonathan Lamorin during his recent term as president-elect of ASI in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
“Our goal was to establish a meaningful project in every union,” Lamorin said, emphasizing ASI’s mission to create initiatives that leave a lasting spiritual and community impact. “We do not only conduct evangelism; we develop projects that stand as a message of hope for the people.”
Lamorin now serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The Miller Food Station pays tribute to Dr. Harry Willis Miller, founder of Adventist Hospital-Cebu and a pioneer in promoting accessible, plant-based nutrition. The new facility reflects his legacy by making healthy food options more available to the public while advancing the hospital’s holistic approach to care.
The program included a thanksgiving service honoring leaders from various levels of the church, including ASI representatives from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, as well as delegates from the Adventist churches in the East Central Philippines (ECPUC) and Central Visayas (CVC).
Hospital leaders also recognized the role of AHC administration, led by President Dr. Evelyn Pepito, in bringing the project to completion.
Administrators emphasized that the Miller Food Station represents more than an added facility. It serves as an extension of the hospital’s healing ministry, promoting preventive health and lifestyle transformation beyond clinical services.
“Our goal is to serve individuals in the community who are searching for healthy food options,” said Dr. Leslie Adlaon, AHC vice president for medical affairs. “Through this initiative, we hope to guide more people to Jesus.”
He described the food station as a “center of influence” that promotes the health principles the institution has upheld since its establishment in 1956.
Church leaders affirmed the significance of integrating health and mission. Pastor Bernie Maniego, president of the CVC, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that health ministry and the gospel work hand in hand. He added that the facility provides an opportunity to share a complete message that addresses both physical and spiritual needs.
As keynote speaker, Maniego highlighted that meeting people’s physical needs opens doors to demonstrate Christ’s love. He pointed to the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases and described the Miller Food Station as a practical response—encouraging individuals to return to healthier living patterns and experience restoration.
The dedication forms part of the hospital’s month-long anniversary celebration, which began in early April. Activities included community outreach initiatives that served more than a thousand individuals through medical, dental, and optical missions.
In addition to public outreach, the hospital also held internal activities recognizing its workforce, including employee appreciation events on April 21 and 23. These gatherings honored staff for their continued role in advancing the institution’s mission of “touching lives through the healing ministry of Christ.”
Pastor Eliezer Barlizo Jr., the first president of the ECPUC, also commended the hospital’s advocacy for health. He noted that AHC goes beyond delivering medical care by promoting a lifestyle aligned with principles of wellness.
By providing access to plant-based nutrition through the Miller Food Station, Adventist Hospital-Cebu extends its healing ministry beyond the bedside. Leaders expressed that the initiative serves as a bridge between treatment and daily living, demonstrating that recovery and well-being are supported not only by medicine but also by informed lifestyle choices.
The original article is published in the East Central Philippine Union Conference website.
