LILOAN, Cebu, Philippines (Aug. 20, 2025)—Former university students who were members of the Adventist Ministry to College and University Students (AMiCUS) Cebu gathered for a reunion that featured a three-day medical outreach program and an evangelistic campaign in Liloan, Cebu City.
The event, held from Aug. 8 to 13, 2025, took place at Bercede Bay Resort in Catmon, Cebu. It carried the theme “Panaghiusa”—a Cebuano word for unity, emphasizing the reunion celebration of AMiCUS Cebu alumni from the 1990s to the present.
What began as a simple reunion of former university students turned into a powerful testimony of faith, unity, and service. AMiCUS—once a group of students striving to keep their faith alive amid academic pressures—has grown into a fellowship of mission-minded believers.
Pastor Joer Barlizo, a long-time mentor and spiritual leader to the group, opened the event with a stirring message rooted in Proverbs 23:26: “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.”
He reminded everyone of God’s unwavering faithfulness through the years, declaring that the same God who sustained them during their student days continues to empower them today for greater service.
While the reunion was initially planned as a time to reconnect and reflect on years of ministry, it quickly transformed into a mission of compassion. “We realized there’s no better way to honor God’s faithfulness in our lives than to give back,” said one of the organizers.
From Aug. 11 to 13, AMiCUS, in collaboration with healthcare professionals, local volunteers, and supporting churches, conducted a three-day medical mission in Brgy. Tabla, Liloan.
A ten-night evangelistic seminar followed in the same area with Rolo Etcobanez, one of AMiCUS Cebu alumni, as the gospel speaker. It would culminate on Aug. 23, 2025.
The mission served over 800 patients, offering free health consultations, dental and optical services, medicines, legal advice, and spiritual care—meeting both physical and emotional needs in a community with limited access to healthcare.
“We saw the hand of God in every step,” said one of the volunteers. “From the timely arrival of supplies to the safe transport of our team, everything came together despite many obstacles. Truly, God is faithful.”
More than just a medical outreach, the mission became a vessel of hope. Many residents shared how deeply they were moved—not just by the free services, but by the genuine care shown.
One elderly woman reflected, “It wasn’t just about medicine—they prayed with us, they listened, and they made us feel seen. That meant more than words.”
The AMiCUS team emphasized that the mission’s success was not their own doing but a result of God’s goodness and their shared unity in Christ.
“What started as a reunion evolved into a movement of healing, a reflection of our continued calling to serve wherever we are led,” one of the event facilitators shared.
The alumni expressed their gratitude for the generous support received from individuals, organizations, and institutions that funded a series of community outreach programs.
Notable supporters included Adventist Hospital-Cebu, the Department of Health, the Central Philippine Union Conference, Gilead Ministry, and the Yati-Liloan Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Dr. Jerry Anthony Tañedo, the event organizer and former president of AMiCUS Cebu, expressed gratitude for the success, support, and cooperation of everyone involved. “Let’s not forget that it was the Lord’s providence all the way. Praise be to Him for the wisdom and guidance!”
When asked how he was able to plan and organize the event despite the short preparation time, he answered, “I believe I was honed in leadership ever since I led the AMiCUS before. Through united prayers, effective delegation, careful organization, and consistent follow-up, everything came together.”
As the week came to a close, the team returned home with grateful hearts and a renewed desire to keep the mission alive—not just in moments of reunion, but in everyday life.
By Dr. Lea Abigail Tañedo |