The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Luzon celebrated another milestone in education with the inauguration of Manila Adventist College (MAC) – Mindoro, an extension campus of MAC in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on September 5, 2025. This new institution brings Adventist higher education closer to the people of Mindoro, especially those who aspire to serve in the healthcare field. Notably, it is the first and only school in Occidental Mindoro offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
The inauguration ceremony received strong support from both church and government leaders. Present were local government officials, representatives from district hospitals, and private institutions who came to affirm their partnership and support. Church leaders from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), the Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (SLPUM), the Mindoro Island Mission (MIM), and the Adventist Medical Center and College Manila (AMCM) Board also graced the occasion. The event was further witnessed by church members, prospective students, faculty and staff, and the MAC workforce.
𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
The celebration opened with a motorcade around the town proper, passing by the sports complex, market, municipal hall, pier, and grand terminal to let the public know about the new school that is about to open in Sablayan.
During the program, Pastor Roger Caderma, president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) reminded everyone that the true reason for the celebration was God. He stressed that as God has blessed His people, they in turn are called to be a blessing to the community—and that is the very purpose of the school. He also pledged the support of SSD in the amount of 25,000 US dollars.
Mayor Walter Marquez of Sablayan, who is also a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, gave praise and honor to God for the realization of this long-cherished dream. He recalled how God worked in a remarkable way, sharing that while corporations and institutions often buy land worth millions, the Adventists prayed—and through those prayers, two hectares of land were freely donated for the project. He further pledged that the local government would allocate a budget for the school in 2026, matching the amount pledged by SSD.
Governor Eduardo Gadiano, provincial governor of Occidental Mindoro also recounted how Sablayan was chosen as the site for the extension. He revealed that he had heard that Adventist Medical Center Manila (AMCM) was considering Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, for its extension project. To secure the school for Occidental Mindoro, he personally arranged a meeting with AMCM President Elias Apacible, Jr. In that meeting, he encouraged AMCM to establish the school in Sablayan, assuring them of strong support: “The mayor there is a member of the church, so you will not be left on your own. And I am the governor, so I will also stand with you.”
True to his word, Gadiano pledged his full backing. Recognizing the need for hospital facilities for the nursing program, he promised that seven district hospitals could enter into agreements to serve as training centers for students’ related learning experiences. He assured the administrators and the community: “We will help convince our people to study at Manila Adventist College – Mindoro. You can count on us to work together with you.”
Congressman Leody Tarriela, of the lone district of Occidental Mindoro, sent his message through his representative, Ronnie F. Tarriella, supervising political affairs officer. He said, “This success is not only the success of the college but also of every citizen who will benefit from the services of MAC. This new learning institution will make education more accessible to them.”
From the donor, Fraterno “Jun” Mendoza, Jr., came words of humility and gratitude: “Helping does not choose any color or belief.” He recalled how, in his younger days, his father told him, “Jun, let your life have value and meaning.” The piece of land he donated was part of his inheritance from his father. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “I believe I have honored him, because something truly meaningful has now been built here.”
President Elias Apacible, Jr. of AMCM expressed his joy and faith. “It all started with a dream—a dream that has now become a reality. The plan is that in the next two years, we will probably offer a medical technology course, and perhaps in the next five years, a new hospital. When God opens the way, nothing is impossible.”
He then welcomed the first batch of students, announcing that 22 have already enrolled and 10 more are in the process of completing their enrollment. He concluded by saying: “This school is not just about facilities; it is about preparing students with skills and Christian values to fulfill God’s mission. Through this school, we will continue sharing Jesus Christ with the people of Mindoro.”
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝
The story of Manila Adventist College – Mindoro began in August 2022 when Governor Eduardo Gadiano visited Elias Apacible, Jr., president of Adventist Medical Center and College (AMCM) in Pasay City. That meeting opened the way for a partnership to bring an Adventist school to the province. A few weeks later, a generous couple, Mr. and Mrs. Fraterno “Jun” Mendoza, Jr., offered two hectares of land for this noble purpose.
On October 7, 2022, the first groundbreaking was held for the hospital facilities, which was the original plan for the site. This was followed by the official turnover of the deed of donation on October 16, 2022. By November 2023, however, plans shifted to prioritizing a school before the hospital. A second groundbreaking was held on November 17, 2023 this time for the construction of the school building. Work began in February 2024 and, after seven months, the project was completed by August 2024. The new building includes three large classrooms, four restrooms, two natural science laboratories, three skills laboratories for hands-on learning, a faculty lounge, eight academic support offices, and a student canteen. Additionally, the library houses over 3,000 titles and offers robust internet access for e-books and digital resources.
The college administration worked closely with the local government to arrange CHED’s initial visit, but the schedule did not materialize. Subsequent visits were also postponed. On September 18–20, 2024, a virtual evaluation was finally conducted. The evaluating team issued several recommendations that required compliance within a month. Due to various challenges, however, the administration decided to postpone the opening and requested CHED for more time to meet the requirements.
Finally on August 20, 2025, Manila Adventist College – Mindoro was granted government recognition to offer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, effective Academic Year 2025–2026.
As the doors of Manila Adventist College – Mindoro open, so does a new opportunity to shape lives for God’s service. The extension school exists with the ultimate purpose of leading people closer to Him.
Amid this milestone, all glory belongs to God, as Pastor Roger Caderma quoted from 1 Chronicles 29:11: “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty; everything in heaven and on earth is Yours, and Your name is worthy to be praised.”
The original article was published in the Southern Luzon Philippine Union Misson Facebook page.