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Women from the Serve Cluster of the East Visayan Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists convened at Southern Leyte State University in Sogod, Leyte, for the Women Leadership Certification Level IV program.

The "Serve Cluster" comprises four districts across Southern Leyte, namely Maasin, Sogod, Panaon, and Hinunangan.

The event, themed "Empowering Virtuous Leaders for Change," was held on March 28–29, 2025, and was attended by hundreds of women dedicated to becoming leaders.

This milestone event, organized by the Women's Ministries and Education Department of the East Visayan Conference, aimed to recognize, nurture, utilize, and enhance their leadership potential for advancing God's work. It served as a sacred space for equipping women to rise as capable, compassionate, and virtuous leaders.

The event commenced with uplifting songs from women representing various churches at the conference. It also featured empowering messages and lectures from distinguished speakers such as Mrs. Fe Pigon, women's ministries director for the Central Philippine Union Conference, and Mrs. Mae Den C. Romanillos, women's ministries and education director for the EVC.

Participants at the event reflected on the essence of leadership through a series of presentations from other speakers, including Gladys Blaine A. Pastera's "The Nature of Relationships in Leadership." Romanillos also delved into "The Leadership Model of Jesus."

On the other hand, Ma. Morena E. Dela Peña presented on "Creating Potential Leaders," while Fe C. Magpusao concluded the presentations with "Equipping Leaders for Success."

Each speaker emphasized core leadership values, including servant leadership, spiritual integrity, and the importance of mentoring the next generation.

During the divine worship, Pigon delivered a sermon about the woman who had been sick for 12 years. In this story, she emphasized that not all paths are smooth for every woman; there are always pain, struggles, and trials. However, like the woman in the story, we should know where to turn for help, and that is to God.

"God should be the first one we reach out to. Like this woman, we must persevere, believing that only He can change our lives and make us whole," Pigon added.

In the afternoon, the completion ceremony was one of the highlights. Women who faithfully completed the leadership training received their certificates. Romanillos presented these candidates while Pigon conferred their completion.

Through solemn commitment ceremonies and musical performances, participants expressed their dedication to living out their mission: to nurture, empower, and reach out with God's love.

The event concluded with a banquet and cultural presentations showcasing the women's creativity and fellowship. These Performances included musical renditions, song interpretations, verse choirs, and a musical play—all expressing the participants' joy, unity, and renewed commitment to their leadership journeys.

Nemcee Rodriguez, the president of the Serve Cluster, congratulated the women who successfully completed Level IV and earned their certification as leaders. While addressing them, she stated, "I know you have gained valuable knowledge from this experience. I hope you will share what you have learned and empower other women in the church."

For the women, the ceremony was more than just recognition; it celebrated their readiness to serve with excellence and Christ-like character.

Some stated they returned home with hearts resonating with the words of their anthem—an anthem that goes, "I am made to flourish, not by my own might, but by His power. And together, we can light our world."

Cathlyn Lecito, Move Media Ministry

The article's original version was published on the official Facebook page of Move Media Ministry.