Adventist Church in Western Visayas Celebrates 111 Years of Faith and Service
New believers publicly express their faith in Jesus Christ during a mass baptism held at Adventist Academy Iloilo on April 19, 2025. The baptism, part of the 111th Anniversary Celebration of the Adventist Church in Western Visayas and the Harvest 2025 initiative, marked a joyful highlight of the week-long Integrated Camp Meeting and EDL Convention.
Catherine Princetia BernalMay 2, 2025, 4:15 AM
The West Visayan Conference (WVC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated its 111th founding anniversary through the 2nd Integrated Camp Meeting and the 42nd Elders and Deacons League (EDL) Convention. The week-long gathering was held April 13–19, 2025, at the campus of Adventist Academy Iloilo in Bongco, Pototan, Iloilo.
With the theme “Hugpong: Una nga Patubas” (“Unity: The First Harvest”), the event brought together thousands of members, church leaders, and guests, offering a platform for spiritual growth, leadership training, and holistic ministry engagement. The gathering exemplified the Adventist Church’s commitment to Total Member Involvement (TMI), emphasizing that every believer has a role in the mission to serve and transform communities.
A Testament of Faith in a Predominantly Christian Region
Situated in Panay Island—a region known for its deep-rooted Christian traditions and predominantly Catholic heritage—the Adventist Church in Western Visayas has continued to grow through years of dedicated mission and service. Rather than seeing differences as barriers, the church has focused on building bridges of understanding and compassion, forming meaningful relationships within the broader community.
“The strength of the church in this region lies not only in its growth but in its ability to serve with humility and forge partnerships for the greater good,” said Pastor Kerry C. Estrebilla, president of the West Visayan Conference. “Our presence here is not about comparison, but about cooperation—living out the love of Christ in ways that uplift and unify.”
Through consistent outreach, the West Visayan Conference has become known for its resilience, especially in the face of challenges. Its community-driven programs in health, education, and social welfare have enabled the church to actively contribute to local development, offering support and service to individuals and families of all faith backgrounds.
Empowering the Church for Mission
The camp meeting showcased inspirational messages, leadership development sessions, youth and children’s programs, and meaningful worship experiences. Special tracks included seminars for elders and deacons, Pathfinder and Adventurer club training, Public Campus Ministries development, and community service orientations.
Keynote speaker Pastor Roger Caderma, president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), called on attendees to rely on the Holy Spirit for power in the mission. “There is encouragement—but without power, there is no result. We need the Holy Spirit to empower us. Alone, we can accomplish little, but together, we can go far,” he said.
Pastor Arnel Gabin, SSD vice president for Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle and Nurture, Discipleship, and Reclamation (IEL-NDR), delivered a passionate appeal for intensified evangelism. “The work is vast, and many areas still need the truth. The Lord is calling all WVC members to join in pressing the gospel forward… Time is running out. While we have time and strength, let us move together in this mission,” he urged.
Also in attendance were Pastor Rudy Baloyo, former SSD executive secretary, and his wife, Virgie Baloyo, director of Family and Women’s Ministries, who both participated in the spiritual and empowerment sessions throughout the week.
A Harvest of Souls
One of the most significant moments of the celebration was the baptism of 469 new believers, marking the first wave of the Harvest 2025 initiative—a division-wide evangelistic campaign set to reach communities throughout the Southern Asia-Pacific region.
Each baptism represented a life transformed and a family reached, underscoring the power of a united mission. As Ellen G. White once wrote, “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195).
A Call to Greater Service
The week’s activities were open not only to Adventist members but also to friends from the community, fostering inclusivity and encouraging spiritual exploration. Organizers ensured that each session, worship service, and activity promoted the Adventist Church’s mission: to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and grow in Christ.
As the sun set on the final day of the camp meeting, the West Visayan Conference stood stronger and more united than ever—ready to meet new challenges and to sow the seeds of faith even in hard soil.
This celebration marked not just a milestone but a renewed commitment to serve Western Visayas and beyond. The journey continues, and with God’s help, the next harvest will be even greater.
The original article was posted on the Central Philippine Union Conference website.
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