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CEBU CITY, Philippines — The “Legal, Education, Church Manual, Working Policy, and Adventist Identity Review” concluded Friday, Feb. 13, following a week of intensive training on church governance, legal matters, and denominational policies.

Labor Laws and Management Prerogatives

On its third day, Feb. 12,  guest speakers provided more in-depth reviews. Atty. Gizelle Lou Cabahug-Fugoso addressed the complexities of Labor Code 2026 and encouraged administrators to be well-versed in Property and Labor Laws, particularly in the technicalities of employee classifications and benefits.

Fugoso emphasized that while the Philippine Constitution recognizes labor as a "primary socio-economic force," religious institutions must strike a delicate balance between management rights and employee welfare.

Under the principle of social justice, she noted that employers possess inherent management prerogatives to direct their operations. However, she warned that these rights are not absolute and are subject to legal limits to prevent discrimination, harassment, or unlawful dismissal. Fugoso proposed a structured legal orientation for new administrators to mitigate risks in these technical areas.

Policy and Identity

On the other hand, Atty. Evin Villaruben, associate treasurer and legal services director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), delved deeper into his discussion of working policies. He clarified that policy serves as the "connective tissue" that ensures consistency across the global church structure.

Pastor Felixian Felicitas, SSD field secretary, expanded on Adventist identity and the authority of the Church Manual. He explained that the Adventist identity is anchored in the mantra, "Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission."

To maintain this focus, our identity is built on three pillars: being deeply rooted in Christ, remaining faithful to His Word, and staying committed to the Great Commission.

“Therefore, every aspect of a church member’s life is influenced by the conviction that we live in the last days described in Bible prophecy, and that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent. Every action of the Christian life is done in the name of God and to advance his kingdom. That’s our identity.”

Discipleship and Governance

Furthermore, Pastor Segundino Asoy, SSD Sabbath School and Personal Ministries director, reminded attendees that discipleship is a lifelong process. He argued that while baptism is a vital milestone, it is merely the beginning of a journey toward Christian maturity and "spiritual multiplication."

On the fourth day, the focus shifted to practical church governance. Pastor Daniel Estrebilla, SSD executive secretary, lectured on the mechanics of board meetings and the accountability of church officers. He stressed that leadership roles are not merely positions of status but are functions of service subject to both divine and organizational oversight.

A Call to Commitment

The event concluded with a commitment service led by Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., president of the East Central Philippine Union Conference. Barlizo challenged the leaders to place their talents and personal passions in the "Master’s hand."

The week's impact was echoed by attendees, including Pastor Ricardo De Asis, the health director of the East Visayan Conference.

“The seminar became a life-changing and heart-melting experience for me—a powerful redirection of wisdom back to the mission,” he shared. He added that the church must be viewed not merely as a corporate organization, but as a "living movement" shaped by a prophetic purpose.