Pastor Sherman Fiedacan was elected as the new President of the Hope Channel Philippines (HCP) during the HCP Constituency Meeting held on May 8, 2024. He succeeds Pastor Joel Sarmiento, who stepped down from the post to undertake a new journey.
Pastor Sherman has a substantial background in the field of communication, having served as the director of the Communication Department in the Adventist Church in Central Luzon for the last eight years. On April 1, 2024, he accepted the call to serve in the NPUC Communication Department as Assistant Director for Hope Channel North Philippines. Shortly after, he was appointed HCP President.
As the new president, he envisions expanding the reach and impact of Hope Channel by introducing new programs that cater to the diverse interests and needs of viewers from various backgrounds and even cultures. He is eager to strengthen collaboration with the different HC studios in the Visayas and Mindanao, pooling talents and creativity to produce high-quality content. Additionally, he seeks to attract more sponsors and partners to support the programming in terms of finances. This will enable HCP to continue delivering impactful content while also working towards the goal of self-sustainability.
"As we try to connect with different groups across the Philippines, it's important that Hope Channel has a clear and unique brand. A clear brand helps people understand our purpose and ideals, which builds trust and recognition among all of our different groups. It makes sure that our message of hope, love, and salvation gets across the same way every time, no matter the venue or audience," Fiedan said. "This consistency in our branding not only makes us more visible, but it also connects with our viewers on a personal level, which makes them more likely to stay loyal and participate. In the Philippines, where regional identities and connections are important, a unified brand identity helps bring people together by giving our content a place where everyone can connect," Fiedacan added.
Pastor Fiedacan is geared towards recalibrating the program lineup of HCP to cater to and appeal more to audiences outside the faith community. Nonetheless, while he is passionate about advancing the ministry of HCP, he is keenly aware of the challenges ahead. These include, among others, financial constraints and the need to stay abreast of ever-changing technology and media trends. He also hopes that more church members, particularly those with expertise in various fields, will step forward to participate in the media ministry so that more programs of high-caliber will be produced, enriching the channel’s offerings for its audience.
Pastor Sherman is confident that with strategic planning, the dedication of the HCP team, the untiring support of the church community, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, HCP will continue to fulfill its mission.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church runs the TV network Hope Channel Philippines, which features programs on wholistic Christian living that emphasize faith, health, relationships, and community to bring hope and healing to the world.
Melo Anadem Adap-Ong, NPUC Communication Department