Southern Asia-Pacific Adventist Minister Among 2026 Junia Award Recipients

The Association of Adventist Women has named Jazel May Martines Diaz of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) as a recipient of its 2026 Junia Award.

Now in its third year, the Junia Awards recognize women serving in church leadership and ministry throughout the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. Recipients are nominated by people who have witnessed their commitment to spiritual leadership and service.

Diaz completed the ministerial program at the Adventist University of the Philippines in 2012. She began her ministry as a chaplain at Manila Adventist Medical Center, where she served for one year. She later spent three years as a youth pastor at Pasay Adventist Church and another four years serving at the International Philippine Church.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Diaz completed a master’s degree in religion, with an emphasis on world missions, at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies. She subsequently served as a chaplain at the Adventist University of the Philippines and as a theology instructor and chaplain at its College of Dentistry.

Her ministry has extended beyond the classroom and local congregation. Diaz has helped coordinate dental mission trips and has hosted programs for Hope Channel Philippines and Adventist World Radio, including Alam Mo Ba? (Do you know?) and TiCTalk. Through these ministries, she has combined theological education, media outreach, healthcare missions, and pastoral care to help others discover God’s purpose for their lives.

Diaz is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Michigan, United States. She hopes to continue equipping and inspiring people to recognize their calling and participate in God’s mission.

She and her husband, Zernan Diaz, are expecting their fourth daughter.

Jazel Diaz

In previous years, the Junia Award was presented to Pastor Jade Hintay, another woman in ministry from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. Hintay recently passed away, leaving a lasting legacy of faithful service and encouragement for female pastors throughout the division. Her life and ministry helped open doors, inspire future leaders, and affirm the important role of women called to pastoral service.

The recognition of Diaz continues that legacy and reflects the contributions of women serving across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division in pastoral ministry, education, chaplaincy, media, and mission. Their stories demonstrate how lives dedicated to God’s service can influence congregations, students, patients, and communities within the division and beyond.