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The Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church culminated its 60th Anniversary on Nov. 22, 2025, with a celebration that simultaneously honored six decades of history and heralded a new era. 

The anniversary thanksgiving, held at the gymnasium of Adventist Academy Cebu (AAC) in Bulacao, Talisay, Cebu, and attended by the former and present workers and leaders of the CPUC, was the culmination of a historic, four-day event that formalized the Reorganization of the CPUC territory.

A Sabbath Evening of Thanksgiving and Fellowship

The anniversary celebration took place on Saturday night, immediately following the Sabbath rest and worship, observed by the delegates who had spent the preceding days completing the crucial work of the reorganization. This administrative division ecclesiastically dissolved CPUC into two new administrative bodies: the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) and the West Central Philippine Union Mission (WCPUM), a strategic move to enhance mission outreach and administrative efficiency across the diverse regions of the Central Philippines.

Delegates and attendees were treated to a delightful evening of fellowship, a fitting moment to praise God for His guidance through the transition. Highlights of the night included a dinner fellowship, a music serenade, a fun-filled games, and a series of engaging plays presented by the faculty members of AAC.

The evening opened with an inspiring address from Pastor Roger Caderma, president of the Southern Asia Pacific Division (SSD), who offered encouraging words in commemoration of God's goodness and guidance over the past 60 years of the CPUC's ministry.

A Brief Glimpse into the History

As stated in the Encyclopedia of the Seventh-day Adventists, the Central Philippine Union Conference traces its roots back to 1964 when it was officially organized, and later reorganized in 1996. However, the Adventist message arrived in the Central Philippines much earlier.

Adventism in the Visayas began on Panay Island in 1911 with the work of a colporteur, Floyd Ashbaugh, in Jaro, Iloilo, and was followed up by Elder Elbridge M. Adams in January 1912, to strengthen and manage the work pioneered by Ashbaugh. 

In February 1914, medical missionaries Dr. Ulyssis Charles (Carlos) Fattebert and his wife, Ellen I. Burril, brought the message to Cebu, settling in Argao. Their medical and evangelistic efforts led to the first baptism in Argao in September 1915.

The CPUC, officially established as the South Philippine Union Mission in 1953, grew to oversee a large territory across the Central Philippine islands, eventually topping over 200,000 members before the reorganization. 

The recent ecclesiastical dissolution of the CPUC on Nov. 20, 2025, before the reorganization sessions—presided over by Pastor Roger Caderma—marks the definitive end of the CPUC name, transforming its historical success into a foundation for two stronger, mission-focused entities that will begin their work in 2026.

On the other hand, Michelle S. Nogra, AAC Junior High School vice principal and the lady of the ceremony, expressed gratitude for being part of the event. "It was a grand, joyful, well-prepared, and heartwarming celebration! Though we will miss one another, yet, the bond of friendship remains for the mission.

In addition, Deomar C. Macabugwas, a delegate from the Central Visayan Conference, shared his thoughts on the event in a social media post.

He said, "This milestone marks not only an organizational expansion but a powerful testament to God's leading and abundant blessings upon His work here in Central Philippines."

Many more delegates expressed similar gratitude for witnessing the historic event that ecclesiastically dissolved the CPUC and gave rise to the new unions.

Lyn Lucero ⎸ CPUC Communication Department