Grounded in Policy, Guided by Mission, Regional Office in East Central Philippines Holds Leadership Review at Start of New Term

Church leaders serve more effectively when they understand the policies that guide the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A firm grasp of the church manual, working policy and legal frameworks provides a foundation for sound judgment, protects the mission and ensures that decisions align with both denominational principles and national laws.

As the union begins the first months of its new five-year term, leaders said a comprehensive policy review has become especially essential. With newly elected and continuing administrators stepping into their responsibilities, organizers emphasized that revisiting foundational documents helps the current leadership see the direction of the church more clearly and lead with unity and confidence.

With this purpose in mind, delegates from missions, conferences, educational and medical institutions under the Adventist Church in East Central Philippines(ECPUC) gathered in its regional headquarters in Cebu City, Philippines for the “Legal, Education, Church Manual, working policy, and Adventist identity review,” a comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen leadership alignment and organizational direction at the start of the new quinquennium.

The four-day gathering, which runs through February 10 to 13, carries the theme “Order, Unity, and Adventist Identity.” Organizers said the initiative seeks to strengthen organizational alignment by equipping leaders with standardized policy knowledge, legal literacy and a renewed commitment to the church’s identity and constitutional rights within the Philippine context.

Throughout the review, participants will focus on four primary areas: legal education, the Church Manual, working policy and Adventist identity. Leaders underscored that a clear understanding of these pillars helps local fields remain aligned with global church standards while operating responsibly under Philippine law.

Atty. Evin Villaruben, associate treasurer of the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), led discussions on organizational policies, with emphasis on labor rights, workers’ benefits and privileges. He highlighted the importance of administrative consistency across institutions and encouraged workers to study the organization’s guidelines carefully.

Villaruben stressed that policy knowledge should go beyond compliance. By understanding denominational provisions and applicable laws, employees can responsibly access the legal protections afforded to Seventh-day Adventists in the workplace and safeguard both individual rights and institutional integrity.

Atty. Christian Abenir, ECPUC legal services and human resources director, who also oversees Planned Giving and Trust Services, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, presented on the Bill of Rights and human rights. He explained how constitutional protections apply not only to individual members but also to the church as a corporate entity.

While addressing legal safeguards, Abenir reminded participants that Christian conduct must remain central in all disputes and deliberations. “In debates or legal battles, it is possible to win the argument but lose the person,” he said. “True victory is drawing people to the fold through the message of the cross.”

He cited 1 Corinthians 6:5-6, where the apostle Paul admonished believers in Corinth for bringing disputes before secular courts instead of resolving them within the faith community. Abenir emphasized that leaders must seek wisdom, reconciliation and Christlike character when handling conflicts, especially in matters that affect the church’s witness.

Shekinah Sibala, SSD risk management services director, discussed risk management and insurance, highlighting the need for church entities to understand insurance grants and policies available to them. She explained that effective risk management involves anticipating potential challenges before they escalate into crises.

Sibala noted that simply having insurance coverage is not enough. Leaders must understand the scope of their policies and the benefits they can claim to ensure proper protection of church assets and personnel. Proactive preparation, she said, helps prevent a single incident from disrupting the church’s mission and ministry.

Organizers reported strong engagement on the first day, with participants actively raising questions and expressing interest in deepening their understanding of the core themes. As sessions continue, leaders hope the review will reinforce a culture of order, accountability and faithfulness—strengthening the church’s organizational structure while keeping its identity firmly rooted in Christ and His mission.

The original article was published on the East Central Philippine Union Conference website.