The Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) is one of the youngest unions in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. It was born out of the historic bifurcation of the former South Philippine Union Conference in 2023, which took effect in 2024. From this reorganization emerged two new entities: the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference, headquartered in Cagayan de Oro City, and SePUM, strategically located in Davao City. Though relatively new, SePUM carries a strong and steadfast commitment to the Adventist mission. From its inception, the union has focused on uniting its territories through mission, evangelism, education, and service, aiming to bring hope and healing through the gospel of Christ.
SePUM is composed of five local missions—Davao Mission, Northern Davao Mission, Southern Mindanao Mission, South Central Mindanao Mission, and Southeastern Caraga Mission—each representing regions rich in culture, faith, and diversity. Despite challenges in geography, infrastructure, and interfaith relations, the church continues to grow through the dedication of its pastors, leaders, and members. The Lord has greatly blessed SePUM with steady growth, as reflected in its membership, which increased from 449,706 at the end of 2024 to 478,007 as of October 2025. This growth is also seen in the number of individuals who accepted Christ through baptism, reaching a total of 40,151 across all missions: Davao Mission (8,636), Northern Davao Mission (6,667), Southern Mindanao Mission (7,255), South Central Mindanao Mission (5,551), and Southeastern Caraga Mission (12,042). These figures represent stories of faith, transformation, and renewed commitment to God.
Among SePUM’s most remarkable initiatives is the “Discover Your Way with God” series, a comprehensive evangelism and discipleship program under the Communication and Media Department. This has been one of the most effective arms of the Harvest 2025 campaign, combining personal witnessing with digital evangelism. Through online Bible studies, livestreamed programs, and social media outreach, thousands were reached across the SePUM territory and beyond. Many of these contacts were followed up through local churches and care groups, leading to Bible studies and baptisms. The program demonstrated how the gospel continues to find new ways to reach hearts while keeping its message timeless and powerful.
Together with this initiative, the Communication and Media Department has made notable progress in strengthening the church’s digital mission. It successfully organized Adventist Digital Missionary teams by mission, established local media groups by district, and emphasized the development of student media laboratories to train young communicators for evangelism. The department also continues to implement mission-wide Adventist Communication Training, ensuring that church communicators are equipped with skills in digital storytelling, media production, and online engagement. Another milestone is the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) Fellowship, which has strengthened partnerships between the church and local communities while promoting religious freedom. These programs collectively demonstrate SePUM’s commitment to using every available platform to proclaim the gospel.
The work of ADRA through Adventist Community Services has also made a great impact in the region. In response to the devastating earthquake in Northern Davao, ADRA provided financial assistance amounting to 1.4 million pesos to affected families, each receiving 1,500 pesos. This act of compassion and service reflected the church’s mission to extend God’s love beyond words and into action. The Adventist Mission Department likewise carried out its flagship outreach initiative through the distribution of 1,490 Madrasa school kits to Muslim friends, promoting goodwill, understanding, and friendship across faiths.
The Stewardship Department has seen clear evidence of God’s blessings through financial growth and faithfulness. Total tithe increased from ₱572,415,531.31 in 2024 to ₱627,536,132.90 in 2025, while offerings rose from ₱282,411,246.86 to ₱322,512,459.48. These increases reflect the members’ enduring faith and generosity even in challenging times. God has further entrusted SePUM with valuable resources for mission advancement, including a two-story guest house, a 15-hectare donation of a pineapple farm, and 70,530 square meters of land designated for the new SePUM headquarters. These blessings are visible reminders of God’s guidance and provision for His people.
The Publishing Ministry strengthened its efforts through conventions and training. This year, 69,979 books and magazines were sold, and 74,522 pieces of free literature were distributed, spreading messages of hope to homes and communities throughout the territory. The Adventist–Muslim Relations Department continued to build bridges of understanding and friendship through activities such as the distribution of Madrasa school supplies and Patriarchs and Prophets books, Ramadan goodwill efforts, and other community engagements, some of which led to baptisms.
The Education Department continued to expand its influence, with 7,586 students enrolled in 2024 and 6,812 in 2025. Educators were empowered through seminars and conferences designed to strengthen academic and spiritual excellence. Adventist schools also conducted evangelistic meetings that led many young people to accept Christ. The Family and Women’s Ministries encouraged greater involvement of women and families in evangelism through the Called to Preach Seminar, Women’s Emphasis Day, and International Women’s Day celebrations. The Ministerial Spouses and Children’s Ministries organized Children’s Crusades, MSA certification programs, and integrated conventions that deepened the faith of families and strengthened support for ministers and their households.
The Health Department continued to make the gospel practical through community health outreach. With 226 community services conducted and 77 health promoters trained, the department has extended the healing ministry of Christ to both urban and rural areas. The Youth Department also remained one of the most active groups within the union. Through Friendship Camps held across districts and clusters, young people were trained in leadership and discipleship. The youth movement continues to grow, with 40,492 Junior Youth and 103,088 Senior Youth members now actively involved in mission activities.
The Sabbath School, ASI, and NDR IEL departments have played an important role in discipleship and evangelism. Their collective efforts resulted in 9,358 baptisms from Sabbath School and PM initiatives, and 2,955 more from ASI-led programs. The NDR IEL initiative continues to thrive, with 121,299 care group members organized into 10,648 care groups, emphasizing the importance of small group ministry in nurturing faith and building community. The Ministerial Department focused on leadership and spiritual growth, conducting training for elders, deacons, and deaconesses, and overseeing the ordination and licensing of ministers.
As SePUM continues to move forward toward the goals of Harvest 2025, it remains steadfast in its mission to evangelize, educate, and empower. Each department, mission field, and local church continues to align its plans with the global call to make disciples and prepare a people for Christ’s soon return. The consistent growth in membership, the success of “Discover Your Way with God,” the strengthening of digital and local media ministries, and the active involvement of youth and lay members all testify that God’s Spirit is moving mightily across Southeastern Mindanao.
Although officially organized only in 2024, SePUM has already shown that when faith and unity lead the way, the gospel can flourish even amid challenges. With eyes fixed on Christ and hearts dedicated to service, the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission continues to press forward—transforming lives, strengthening communities, and preparing a people for the soon coming of Jesus Christ.
