Atty. Norman D. Sabdao, a devoted Seventh-day Adventist, a humble public servant as the mayor of San Miguel, Leyte, and the current president of the Adventist Professionals in the Central Philippine Union Conference, has established a family evacuation hub that many now describe as “a hotel for the displaced.”
For his Adventist family, this project’s accomplishment serves as a message of faith and a beacon of compassion that shines in the quiet town of San Miguel, not only in spirit but also in structure—the Central Philippine’s pride!
The project was envisioned to provide “a safe and decent place” for families forced to leave their homes during calamities. When Typhoon Tino struck on Nov. 4, 2025, this faith-inspired structure stood as a refuge for hundreds of San Miguelnons seeking safety and comfort.
Just three days later, the GMA Regional TV program “Balitang Bisdak” featured the facility, capturing the attention of viewers nationwide. The report highlighted how the San Miguel Family Evacuation Hub redefined disaster response—showing that kindness, dignity, and design can coexist, even in times of crisis.
Unlike ordinary evacuation sites—often crowded classrooms or gymnasiums—the San Miguel hub is thoughtfully designed to respect every family’s need for privacy and comfort. Inside are specialized rooms that reflect genuine care: a couple room for spouses to rest together, a family room for shared space, a breastfeeding room for mothers and infants, a PWD room and a senior citizen Room for those with special needs, and even a prayer room, a quiet sanctuary where evacuees can find peace in the midst of uncertainty.
Each corner speaks of cleanliness and order. The sleeping areas are dormitory-type, yet cozy; the comfort rooms are well-kept; the pathways are safe and accessible to all, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. It is, in every sense, more than an evacuation center—it is a home of dignity, faith, and hope.
For Mayor Sabdao, this project was not just an act of leadership but the fulfillment of a personal prayer. “When I was a child,” he recalled during his interview with Balitang Bisdak, “the basketball court, multi-purpose buildings, and schools were always our go-to shelters every time there was a storm. From that experience came my desire to spare my people from the same discomfort.”
That childhood memory—marked by hardship—became a divine inspiration. What once brought him discomfort became a foundation for compassion.
As the feature aired, praise poured in from across social media. Comments like “We need mayors like him” and “May all politicians follow your example” filled the feed.
Yet, as accolades grew louder, Mayor Sabdao’s response remained the same—humble and faith-centered. “All these were made possible by the unfailing grace and goodness of God. To Him be all the glory.”
He attributes the success of the project not to his skill or position, but to God’s providence—the same divine guidance that has shaped his life, leadership, and service to his people.
Jonathan Lamorin, a businessman and president-elect of Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, said, “Congratulations, Mayor Norman Sabdao! We are proud of what you have done in your municipality — Tatak Faithful Adventist! God bless you more in your leadership.”
These words capture what the San Miguel Family Evacuation Hub truly represents: not just a public facility, but a testimony of faith put into action—proof that governance can be godly, that leadership can be compassionate, and that progress can be powered by prayer.
In the story of San Miguel, Leyte, faith and service walk hand in hand. The Family Evacuation Hub now stands as a monument not to politics, but to God’s unfailing grace—a reminder that when leaders build with faith, communities are strengthened, and God is glorified. “To God be the glory,” Mayor Sabdao humbly ascribed.