The Central Philippine Union Conference, strategically situated at the center of the Philippine archipelago and covering the major island groups that constitute the Central Philippines region, by God’s grace and guidance, has continually aimed to soar high and achieve its mission goals.
But just like a kite, every great flight begins with a carefully crafted frame, balanced and sturdy enough to withstand strong gales.
In pursuit of higher goals and impressive results, CPUC aims to ensure all departments, including local churches, are prepared and equipped. For divine guidance, it facilitated spiritual convocations and Back-to-the-Altar initiatives since the start of the year.
Moreover, just as kite-makers must shave and taper the poles for proper symmetry and balance to ensure the kite flies, CPUC must initiate careful shaping and planning. Without such, our mission could falter like a poorly constructed kite, struggling to gain lift and ultimately failing.
In alignment with this metaphor, CPUC’s leaders have meticulously defined its strategic goals, particularly for this year’s Harvest 2025 initiative. Everyone is involved, and everyone has a role. By responding to the leaders’ directives, everyone can become the architects of the mission, ensuring that every foundation is strong.
Church Growth and Membership
As a result of these efforts, just like a kite soaring high and steady, our church membership has increased dramatically over the years. From 206,469 in 2022, our membership has surged to 225, 006 this year. Additionally, churches and companies have multiplied; CPUC now comprises 1,442 churches and 755 companies.
Furthermore, from 2022 through the third week of October, the CPUC reports a sweeping increase in baptisms. Through the IEL-NDR mobilizing the Total Member Involvement (TMI) initiative, CPUC has recorded 24, 822 baptisms from the start of this year through October, bringing the total to 85, 007 from 2022-2025.
Passion for Evangelism
With this passion for evangelism, CPUC has been recognized as third in evangelism for 2024 across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
In addition, just as a well-made kite can be seen from far-flung horizons, CPUC’s mission has successfully penetrated new territories. Out of 40 cities, 406 towns, and 12,188 barangays across the Central Philippine Union Mission, CPUC has already planted the flag of hope in 2,212 of these places.
Urban and Elite Evangelism
The sincere efforts and contributions from various departments have been crucial to our achievements. For example, CPUC’s Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries, in collaboration with Adventist Professionals, has received consecutive recognition as the top in evangelism since 2024. They have successfully reached elites, professionals, government personnel, and officials through various initiatives, including mental health awareness programs and specialized evangelism efforts.
Moreover, meticulous selection of materials is vital in kite-making to ensure the kite can fly high and remain stable. Similarly, in evangelism, preparation, equipping, and skill-sharpening are essential. Thus, all departments collaborated on training sessions, workshops, and seminars to equip each member for their involvement in evangelism and ministry.
Departmental Initiatives Aimed at Reaching the Harvest 2025 Goals
The Sabbath School department has established the Lay Preachers’ Academy to train members to serve as Bible workers in their churches.
Ministerial leaders ignite ministers and local leaders through Spirit of Prophecy symposia, aiming to nurture and reclaim those who have strayed from the faith, including efforts to rebaptize families from Reform Movements that have separated from the Adventist Church.
Thousands of youth are being commissioned for leadership roles and empowered through the Voice of Youth Initiative. More missionary volunteers, including medical mission advocates, step forward to take on the challenge of reaching resistant cities, remote territories, and unentered areas.
Students, teachers, families, children, women, and health educators participate in a series of training sessions designed to empower them to become strong spiritual leaders in their respective ministries.
Communicators empower multimedia enthusiasts by using various channels—such as digital platforms, the internet, and radio evangelism—to broaden the reach of CPUC.
Publishing ministries have expanded their impact, surpassing their goals and dramatically increasing their sales from $70,578,990.26 in 2022 to $452,738,202.52 this year, thereby enhancing their ministry through print.
Legal/Human Resource/Planned Giving and Trust Services
Meanwhile, the legal and human resources department ensures CPUC’s credibility and compliance with national laws, protecting its institutional assets.
Stewardship and Treasury
Moreover, stewardship leaders have inspired churches to entrust their finances to God as the sole Owner and Provider. Consequently, this has led to an increasing commitment to the Combined Offering Plan (COP). CPUC’s financial growth reflects God’s grace, as tithes and offerings steadily increased in 2025, further demonstrating the members’ commitment to the gospel.
Specifically, tithes for 2025 reached 104,690,498, marking a 5.9% increase from 2024’s 100,628,726. Meanwhile, offerings totaled 7,669,532, a 36.5% increase from 5,806,373 in 2024.
Special Projects and Accomplishments
Additionally, like a kite soaring high in the sky, the CPUC has completed several notable projects. It includes the refurbishment of its headquarters, the construction of housing for its workers, the establishment of the CPUC Hope Channel transmitter site in Babag, Cebu City, the creation of the Hope Channel Studio, the building of the LMS Center of Influence in Bulacao, Talisay City, and the launch of AWR Central Philippines.
Reorganization into Two Unions
As the 2021-2025 quinquennium comes to a close, CPUC is poised to take bold steps towards new goals and challenges as it is reorganized into two new administrative units: the East Central Philippine Union Conference and the West Central Philippine Union Mission.
This transition not only marks a new chapter but also promises to enhance and widen the church’s mission’s reach.
