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Central Philippine Union Conference hosted a 'Planned Giving and Trust Services Seminar' from Sept. 10 to Sept. 12, 2024, at the CPUC Headquarters, 112 Gorordo Ave., Cebu City.

All missions, conferences, medical institutions, and schools across CPUC participated in the event, which was themed 'Navigating the Legal Landscape.' These institutions delegated representatives whose expertise, roles, and responsibilities align well with the seminar's focus.

While PGTS offers a broad scope of services and disciplines, this seminar mainly aimed to educate or inform the attendees on taxation updates, labor, and land registration processes. It also imparted knowledge and confidence in making informed decisions regarding legacies or properties some individuals wish to leave behind.

The event officially opened with a morning devotional fellowship wherein Pastor Eliezer 'Joer' Barlizo Jr., the CPUC president, and Atty. Christian Abenir, the CPUC Human Resources/PGTS, and the Legal director gave the welcome address.

Pastor Mamerto Guingguing III, the associate executive secretary and the concurrent Human Resource director of the Southern Asia Pacific Division, delivered an inspirational message during the opening day.

In his message, he discussed incorporating distinctive Adventist identity into our personal lives and ministry as disciples and church workers. To emphasize that Christians need to be identified with their good works, he cited prominent figures of the Protestant Reformation and their distinct contribution that marked their historical Christian identities.

Also, during his first lecture as one of the resource speakers, Pastor Guinguing elaborated on "The Role of Mission in Redefining Church Leadership Functions and Employee Responsibilities."

He emphasized that the church's mission is its core purpose and highest priority. "Therefore," he stated, "one key principle is that the mission controls the policies, not the other way around. We must ensure our policies are in harmony with our mission."

Two other resource speakers graced the morning corporate worship with inspirational messages on the second to the third day. They were Pastor Seth Esmeralda, CVC Legal/Ministerial/Chaplaincy director, and Dr. Neda June D. Salazar, the CPAC president.

Pastor Esmeralda weaved into the hearts of the listeners by discussing mutual relationships. "If there is understanding among us," he said, "there will be a mutual relationship."

Stressing the importance of mutual understanding in church, Pastor Esmeralda quoted Ellen White's counsel in her book "Literature Ministries" saying, "If our church members cannot live in harmony here, how can they live in harmony in heaven?"

Another highlight from the morning devotionals came from Dr. Salazar. She opened her message with questions, saying, "What on earth are you here for? Why do you think you are chosen for your position? Do you think there was a mistake in choosing you for the position that you have right now? What were your experiences in life? How did it shape you to become you as a person today?"

Further into her message, she led the audience into asking themselves the purpose of their lives. She urged them to find and understand their 'whys.' By finding their 'whys' and understanding the 'purpose' that God has designed for each of them, they would begin to find the 'how' and the 'what.' They would then move forward in intentional leadership, trusting that God will give them the power to accomplish all things.

"Living purposely is living intentionally," she said.

Among the roster of speakers who tackled legal aspects and shared their knowledge and expertise was Gizelle Lou Cabahug-Fugoso, a lawyer, who discussed "Relevant Laws and Jurisprudence."

Fugoso is the legal counsel at the Adventist University of the Philippines and a partner at the Abayon-Fugoso Cabahug-Abayon Law Firm.

During her discussion, she addressed legal concerns in the workplace, focusing on issues that could expose employers and employees to legal liabilities or disputes. She also elaborates on ethical foundations for the church and its employees, citing common workplace scenarios.

On the other hand, Rosell M. Quiño-Abenir, a revenue officer at a law firm in Cebu, discussed the '2024 Tax Updates.' Recent tax reforms in the Philippines have changed the donor and estate tax landscape. Thus, Abenir, a lawyer, shed light on the crucial aspects of these updates, providing taxpayers with a clearer understanding of their obligations and rights.

Among the key points her lecture covered were the essential requisites of a valid donor and the formal requirements for donations. It also delved into the different types of inter-vivos donations and a summary of the rules on taxable donations.

Abenir also cited the complexities of inheritance, including the general renunciation of inheritance, the valuation of net gifts, and others. However, aside from relaying updates, her main objective in giving the lecture is to encourage the church to set examples of compliance.

"Paying taxes is not just our civil obligation, but as well, our obligation to God," Abenir pointed out.

Moreover, Silvino L. Sumagaysay Jr., a lawyer in the field of litigation and professor at the Manila Adventist College-School of Law of Justice, discussed a practical guide to land deals to protect and preserve church properties.

Sumagaysay's lectures provide a comprehensive guide to understanding land ownership and transactions, particularly relevant for churches safeguarding their property. Key concepts covered include the classification of lands, modes of acquiring land titles, and the due diligence process involved in land deals.

Among those he elaborated on was the classification of lands, both public and alienable, which helps determine potential uses and restrictions. Different modes of acquiring land titles, from public grants to adverse possession, were outlined, each with specific requirements and implications. 

All resource speakers graciously allotted time for an open forum or Q&A portion at the end of their presentations. This opportunity allowed the participants to engage with the experts directly, seek clarification on complex topics, and gain deeper insights into all the topics presented.

The event concluded with the weight of responsibilities that speakers placed on the shoulders of the participants. As Sumagaysay said in his closing message, each organic member of the church has the obligation to protect the church properties as good and faithful stewards.