Thirty-eight individuals were baptized in the Central Cebu District during the culmination of a nightly seminar conducted by Pastor Eliezer "Joer" Barlizo Jr., at Banilad Multipurpose Gymnasium in Banilad, Cebu City. Thirty-two came from CCDAC, and the other six were from other districts in Metro Cebu.
The seminar emphasized the importance of family, healthy relationships, and biblical teachings that promote moral recovery.
Officially opened on Oct. 4, 2025, the event featured Pastor Carlito P. Quidet, the recently elected communication director of the Southern Asia Pacific Division, and Pastor Eliezer "Joer" Barlizo Jr., president of the Central Philippine Union Conference, as the nightly speakers.
The event began with a medical mission on Sept. 28, 2025, providing free services to over 100 participants, sponsored by the Central Cebu District Women's Ministries Department.
The five-day crusade took place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, 2025, and was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. It captivated consistent online audiences, evidenced by thousands tuning in at night.
During the week, Tomy Auguis, Banilad Seventh-Day Adventist Church elder, coordinated hourly prayer sessions with the "prayer ambassadors" for families from each congregation until the crusade concluded.
With the full support of church leaders and members across the CCDAC district, and under the leadership of District Pastor Jemwin Colegado, the Moral Recovery Program culminated on Oct. 4, 2025, with 38 individuals accepting Jesus through baptism.
Before the event, Bro. Tomy Auguis and Bro. Felix Jabla helped prepare the ground, opening the hearts of the residents to the gospel message.
The nightly sessions engaged both in-person attendees and online viewers, highlighting ways for families to restore hope amid contemporary challenges and to deepen their relationship with God, the ultimate source of trust and protection from calamities.
Barlizo cited Romans 14:8: "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
The event also featured nightly raffles, with prizes including two kilos of rice and a motorcycle as a grand prize. "This is in recognition of your diligence in attending every night, despite the calamities and challenges we face," said Ranel Hijapon, CCDAC president.
Furthermore, the discussions inspired families and young individuals to respond to God's calling, encouraging them to get involved in sharing the gospel, starting within their own families.
During the culmination, Hijapon expressed sincere gratitude to all members who supported the program, acknowledging their efforts.
"We acknowledged the efforts of those who generously supported the event both before and during it."
CCDAC celebrated their successes from the week's event and aimed for more gospel-related events to increase their involvement in the ministry.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Barlizo said, "I am thankful to God for his providence and protection despite the earthquake we experienced, and lastly, to the team and the members of this district for their full support of the work of God."
Babelyn Vios / Central Cebu District Association of Churches
38 Baptized as Central Cebu District’s Moral Recovery Seminar Culminates
Thirty-eight individuals were baptized in the Central Cebu District during the culmination of a nightly seminar conducted by Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., at Banilad Multipurpose Gymnasium in Banilad, Cebu City. Thirty-two came from CCDAC, and the other six were from other districts in Metro Cebu. The seminar emphasized the importance of family, healthy relationships,…
Read MoreMinisterial Spouses Celebrate Growth and Unity at NOC Continuing Education Graduation Ceremony
The Negros Occidental Conference Ministerial Spouses’ Association held its Continuing Education Level III and Graduation Ceremony with the theme “Stronger Together.” The continuing program took place on Oct. 3-4, 2025, at Negros Occidental Conference Worship Hall with 57 ministers’ spouses. The program began on Friday evening with an opening topic, “Strengthening Marriage Under Ministry Pressures,”…
Read MoreCPUC Organizations Launch Wide-Scale Donation Drives for Cebu Quake-Affected Families
Cebu, Philippines – Oct. 5, 2025 – In response to the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30, 2025, various organizations, churches, groups, and entities within the Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC) have organized donation drives to deliver urgent aid to displaced and affected families. Hope Channel Central Philippines (HCCP) was…
Read MoreFamily: “A Journey of Togetherness” Campaign Blesses Cadiz City with 145 Baptisms
CADIZ CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—Despite facing a major challenge from Typhoon Opong and initial resistance from nearby residents, an evangelistic campaign titled “Family: A Journey of Togetherness” successfully concluded in Barangay Banquerohan, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, resulting in the baptism of 145 individuals. The event, which ran over several nights, saw a steady attendance of 120…
Read MoreHome of Hope Project Officially Inaugurated in Kabankalan City
KABANKALAN CITY, Negros Occidental – Negros Occidental Conference officially inaugurated the Home of Hope Project through a special blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event marked the launch of an initiative designed to provide shelter for the homeless and less fortunate. Conceptualized by the Adventist-laymen Services and Industries (ASI) and Adventist Professionals (AdPro), the project aims…
Read MoreCentral Cebu District Unite for Medical Mission in Mandaue City
In preparation for the upcoming Moral Recovery Program through Happy Family and Hope Seminar, the Central Cebu District Association of Churches (CCDAC), in partnership with Gilead Cares, successfully conducted a medical mission on Sept. 28, 2025, at the Banilad Multipurpose Gymnasium in Mandaue City. The event was sponsored by the District and the Women’s Department,…
Read MoreInaugural Adventurer Camporee ‘Travel with Faith’ Brings Together Over 2,000 Participants in Negros Occidental
Over one thousand attendees and nearly one thousand “adventurers” participated in the first Negros Occidental Conference-wide Adventurer camporee held at Negros Occidental Conference Evangelism Center on September 24-27, 2025. This event, themed “Travel with Faith,” is a program of the education department, spearheaded by Jerelyn Orquesta, NOC education director. It opened “with a parade by…
Read MoreMoral Recovery Program Kicks Off in Central Cebu
The Moral Recovery Program through Happy Family and Hope Seminar, which the Central Cebu District Association of Churches has organized, kicked off tonight. The seminar featured Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., president of the Central Philippine Union Conference, as the nightly speaker. His nightly topics, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, 2025, will elaborate on…
Read MoreSeasonal Social Media Posts Catch Attention of Biliran Barangay Officials
A proactive approach to sharing relevant, timely content on social media has led to a direct connection between an urban ministry advocate and the leadership of the province of Biliran, Leyte. Pastor Ricardo De Asis Jr., church pastor of Ormoc Seventh-day Adventist Church, posted lecture outlines related to mental health on his social media account.…
Read MoreNew Missionary Batch Arrives in Cebu, Prepared for Service and Evangelism
Twenty-six missionaries from the 65th batch of the 1000 Missionary Movement (1000MM), commissioned to serve the Lord on the fields of the headquarters of the Central Philippine Union Conference, arrived at its headquarters in Cebu City. These young adults represent a key part of the CPUC’s commitment to global outreach. Out of 107 missionary volunteers…
Read More