UTS UNION VOICE

26/02/2026

As the official school publication of Union Theological Seminary, we affirm that our calling continues beyond the remembrance of the People Power Revolution, as we remain committed to stand and walk with those in the margins of society. Our mission is deeply rooted in our theological conviction and in the words of Jesus in Bible, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). In the face of poverty, injustice, and corruption that continue to wound the Philippines, we recognize our responsibility to participate in this prophetic calling by telling the truth, amplifying marginalized voices, and bearing witness to the realities that many continue to endure. We believe that this work is not separate from faith, but an expression of our faithfulness to God’s justice and compassion.

In solidarity, Union Voice commits to continue its role as a witness and companion of the people, especially the poor, the oppressed, and the unheard. We affirm that our task as a publication is part of the Church’s broader mission to proclaim good news, expose injustice, and affirm the dignity of every person. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in walking with the masses, trusting that God is present in their struggle and that our voice, grounded in truth and faith, is called to serve the work of justice, liberation, and hope.

25/02/2026

“From EDSA to the Present: Justice Remains the People’s Cry”

The Union Theological Seminary stood in solidarity and prayer during the 40th anniversary commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution, reaffirming its commitment to justice, truth, and active faith in the life of the nation.

Early in the morning, seminarians began preparing for their journey to the EDSA Shrine. They were joined by several members of the seminary’s staff and faculty, reflecting a shared institutional commitment to participate in the national observance. The group traveled together to the shrine, where thousands had gathered to commemorate the historic people’s uprising.

Upon arrival, the seminary delegation immediately assembled with the national contingent moving toward the EDSA People Power Monument. Later, members also joined various local sectoral groups, standing alongside representatives from different communities and advocacy networks.

Marking four decades since the historic uprising that restored democratic institutions in the Philippines, members of the seminary community described their participation as both a remembrance of the past and a response to present social realities. While the 1986 movement symbolized unity and peaceful resistance, concerns remain regarding systemic corruption, social inequality, and the suppression of dissenting voices.
Representatives from the seminary including pastors, seminarians, faculty, and staff joined ecumenical groups and civil society organizations in prayer and public witness. Standing under the heat of the sun alongside workers, youth, and members of marginalized communities, they expressed solidarity with sectors calling for accountability and reform.

Participants shared that the experience highlighted the cost and commitment required in the pursuit of justice.
Reflections during the commemoration drew parallels between contemporary realities and the biblical contexts of the prophets Micah and Amos. In Micah’s time, leaders were condemned for corruption and exploitation of the poor. The prophet’s call in Micah 6:8 to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God was cited as a continuing mandate. Similarly, Amos denounced religious rituals disconnected from justice, proclaiming in Amos 5:24, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”
Seminary leaders emphasized that authentic faith cannot remain confined within church walls. Worship and prayer, they noted, must be embodied through public engagement, advocacy for justice, and solidarity with the oppressed. Their participation in the commemoration was described as part of the Church’s prophetic calling to speak truth amid injustice and to stand with the people in their pursuit of peace grounded in righteousness.

Forty years after EDSA, the message from the seminary community remains clear: the struggle for justice continues. Through unity, prayer, and collective action, they affirmed that meaningful transformation is still possible, sustained by faith in a God of truth, justice, and genuine freedom.

✍🏻 by: Pablo
📸 by: AB and Vynz

20/02/2026

"A Fellowship of Love in Action"

The UTS Choir led a Valentine fellowship on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Salakot Chapel. Carrying the theme “Love in Action,” the event gathered members of the UTS community for an evening of music, poetry, and celebration centered on the spirit of love expressed through service and shared experiences. Students and faculty members came together to present a program designed to foster unity and appreciation through the arts.

Performers, composed of UTS students and faculty members, sang a variety of love songs and delivered heartfelt poems that reflected different expressions of affection and inspiration. UTS Choir Director Dr. Deborah Reyes-Anno opened the program with a musical performance and welcoming remarks, setting a warm and reflective tone for the evening. Meanwhile, UTS Choir President Chelsea Ejos also rendered a song and delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to everyone who participated and attended.

Each performer was recognized with flowers and applause as a token of appreciation for their contributions. The fellowship highlighted the role of art as a meaningful expression of emotions, especially love—an experience shared by everyone within the community. In line with the theme “Love in Action,” the event strengthened bonds among attendees and reaffirmed the importance of celebrating love not only romantically, but also as a collective and communal experience.

✍🏻 by: Gabo
📸 by: Vynz

18/02/2026

Union Theological Seminary Holds Ash Wednesday Service at Guansing Memorial

February 18, 2026 – 7:30 AM

The Union Theological Seminary community gathered early Wednesday morning for its Ash Wednesday Service held at Guansing Memorial Chapel. The solemn worship marked the beginning of the Lenten season, a time of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal for Christians around the world.

The service was led by Chaplain Wesley Cabansag and Pastor August Buenviaje. Present during the observance were seminarians, faculty members, staff, and several community members from Lupang Ramos.

The Scripture reading and reflection were taken from the Gospel of Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21, where Jesus teaches about giving, praying, and fasting with sincerity rather than for public recognition. In the message, one of the key emphases was a powerful reminder: as people who came from dust and will return to dust, we must not allow ourselves to fall back into “dust” because of greed, corruption, and intimidation. The speakers underscored that Ash Wednesday reminds believers not only of human mortality but also of the call to live righteously and faithfully before God.

Following the chapel service, Chaplain Cabansag and Pastor Buenviaje extended the observance beyond the seminary grounds. They proceeded to Philippine Christian University to administer ashes to individuals who were willing to receive them. They also went along the highway to offer the imposition of ashes to jeepney drivers, motorcycle riders, and passengers.

This outreach reflected a deeper message of the day: that being a Christian is not defined by denomination, but by the love of God expressed through humility, service, and compassion.

The Ash Wednesday observance served not only as a reminder of human frailty but also as a call to live out faith actively in the wider community.

✍️ Pablo
📸 Vynz, AB

14/02/2026

Love Fellowship 2026 ♥️

02/02/2026