The year 2025 marks a defining moment for the Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (SLPUM). As one of the youngest unions in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, SLPUM continues to establish its systems, strengthen its networks, and align its ministries toward one united goal—THE MISSION.
Like the abaca, whose strength comes not from a single strand but from many woven together, SLPUM’s ministries form a fabric of faith—many parts, one purpose—woven by God to serve and to endure. Embracing the theme “Integrated for Mission,” every department, institution, and mission field worked collaboratively to advance evangelism, nurture believers, and support community transformation. Together, the Union moves forward in faith, trusting that when God’s people work as one, His mission flourishes.
Integrated for Mission
Throughout 2025, SLPUM’s departments demonstrated the power of collaboration in fulfilling the Great Commission. Each ministry – Education, Youth, Family, Health, Media, and Evangelism actively worked together to reach more people for Christ.
Children’s Ministries inspired young hearts to become Young Harvesters for Jesus, teaching them to witness through simple acts of faith and kindness. Across the territory, the Power of 1 Camp gathered young people, hundreds of whom gave their hearts to Jesus in baptism. Digital evangelism and discipleship also gained momentum as young people were creatively disrupted from their social media practices to become online missionaries—creating and sharing gospel-centered content within their own circles of influence.
Family and Women strengthened the church’s care network through initiatives like Seasons of Grief and Healing the Family Conference equipping leaders to minister with empathy and to address trauma and sexuality with biblical compassion. Health Ministries extended Christ’s healing touch through free medical missions across communities.
The Ministerial and Sabbath School Departments worked together to train lay leaders and interns for disciple-making, resulting in successful urban evangelism programs and baptisms. Education remained a cornerstone of mission, with 67 percent of Adventist schools now using the Education Management Information System (EMIS), improving data management and accountability. Publishing Ministries continued sowing seeds of truth, and through the Subscribers’ Harvest, individuals came to faith in Christ. Stewardship Ministries inspired joyful and systematic giving through church visits and seminars, contributing to an increase in tithes by 6% and offerings by 36%. Meanwhile, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) nurtured community goodwill and partnerships with civic leaders through visits and prayers.
Each ministry worked with one heart and purpose—advancing God’s mission in Southern Luzon. These efforts exemplify what it means to be Integrated for Mission.
Expanding the Mission
This year also brought key developments that further strengthened the Union’s foundation. The Adventist College Palawan (ACP) officially opened, offering Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, and Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare. In Mindoro, the Manila Adventist College (MAC) Extension became fully operational, launching the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program—the first in the province.
Administratively, SLPUM achieved full registration with both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), ensuring legal compliance, transparency, and stronger organizational integrity. Mission fields are following the same process to enhance efficiency and credibility. Each field has also appointed a full-time ACMS Coordinator to maintain accurate membership records and improve communication across all levels.
Meanwhile, the renovation of the SLPUM headquarters continues, with completion targeted before the end of the year.
Story of Mission
SLPUM continues to participate actively in the Harvest 2025 movement, which calls every believer to share Christ in practical, creative, and compassionate ways. Across the Union, 1,473 evangelistic initiatives—including public evangelism, small groups, and youth-led efforts—have resulted in baptisms and renewed commitments to faith.
During the first wave of Harvest 2025, by the church elders, 3,938 individuals were baptized. The second wave, led by pastors, brought 1,858 new believers into the faith, while the third wave spearheaded by department directors, resulted in another 1,855 baptisms, while the fourth and final wave is set for December 2025. To date, 7,651 precious individuals publicly committed their lives to Christ through baptism.
One inspiring story comes from Camarines Norte, where Noli Manalira, a licensed electrical engineering graduate and longtime radio broadcaster, encountered the gospel through a simple act of kindness. During the height of the pandemic, Noli boarded a tricycle with only a twenty-peso bill—too little to pay the full fare. To his surprise, the driver, Brother Jun, a Seventh-day Adventist, pointed to a sign that read “Free Ride,” part of the local church’s Adventist Community Services outreach. That small gesture of generosity left a deep impression. Noli later shared the experience online, joined church-led community projects, and began attending Adventist events and evangelistic meetings.
In July 2025, during the second wave of Harvest 2025, he decided to follow Jesus and was baptized into the Adventist Church. Today, his voice continues to share hope—not only on the airwaves but through a life transformed by grace. His story is one among many across Southern Luzon, where acts of kindness and compassion continue to open hearts and lead people to Christ.
Forward in Mission
To date, SLPUM has at 127,099 members, worshiping in 1,075 congregations across Southern Luzon. Tithes increased by 6%, totaling over ₱438.5 million, while combined offerings grew by 36%, reaching nearly ₱99 million. These figures reflect both God’s abundant blessing and the growing faithfulness of members who continue to support the Church’s mission.
However, as a young union, SLPUM continues to face challenges that test its growing structure. Among these are the need for a reliable reporting system, defined financial structure, increased manpower, and stronger coordination among missions. The Union is also working toward completing all operational permits and acquiring additional resources and equipment to support expanding ministries. Moreover, SLPUM recognizes the need to increase the involvement of local churches and care groups in evangelism, as some congregations have yet to organize active care groups.
Yet, like abaca tested under tension, SLPUM’s faith grows stronger with each challenge. Each hurdle has become an opportunity to strengthen unity, deepen collaboration, and reaffirm total dependence on God. The experiences of this year remind every worker that mission succeeds not by might or resources alone, but by the Spirit of God working through His people.
From department-led initiatives and new educational institutions to the transforming testimonies of lives like Noli’s, the mission continues to advance through God’s sustaining grace. As the Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission looks to the future, it remains committed to being Integrated for Mission—a body united in purpose, empowered by the Spirit, and moving forward in faith toward the harvest God has promised.
