News

TALISAY CITY, Cebu, Nov. 19, 2025—Finally, the historic Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC) Reorganization and 60th Anniversary was officially declared open tonight, marking the imminent transition for the Adventist Church in the Central Philippines. 

The event, hosted by Adventist Academy Cebu in Bulacao, Talisay City, Cebu, was formally declared open by Pastor Eliezer "Joer" Barlizo Jr., CPUC president, immediately after he welcomed everyone present to the opening ceremony.

The evening began with a parade around the Adventist Academy Cebu campus. Delegates from each conference, mission, medical, and educational institution under the CPUC marched in unison, proudly displaying their banners.

Attendees presented an elegant display, marching in their finest traditional wear: the elegant Filipiniana gowns for the women and the distinguished Barong Tagalog for the men.

The End of an Era Declared

During his welcome, Pastor Barlizo announced the definitive end of the CPUC's name, as it will be dissolved to create the new unions: East Central Philippine Union Conference and West Central Philippine Union Conference.

The evening's inspirational message was delivered by a figure central to the CPUC's history, Pastor Violeto Bocala, a respected retired president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. His address provided a theological foundation for the administrative changes that are about to take place.

Pastor Bocala expounded on the interconnectedness of the church's global body, detailing the administrative functions of local churches, missions, conferences, unions, and divisions, and their critical roles in making the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists "as one."

He linked these administrative movements to divine authority, drawing a parallel from Ezekiel 1:19. "And when the living creatures went, the wheels went with them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up."

This means that the movement and progress of the church is not merely organizational, but is always accompanied and guided by the presence of God and His angels.

Call to Action for New Leadership

Pastor Bocala concluded his message by emphasizing several key points for the church's future and the upcoming election of new leaders. He highlighted the need for leaders who are mission-focused, grounded in the Bible, and fully integrated into the church's mission.

The celebration continues with the crucial constituency meetings set to take place over the next two days, where delegates will elect the first set of officers for the ECPUC and WCPUM, officially launching the next chapter of Adventism in the Central Philippines.

Lyn Lucero ⎸ CPUC Communication Department