Davao Episcopal Area - UMC

06/10/2026

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 September 𝟐𝟐-𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞, "𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞."

𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐲: 𝐑𝐞𝐯. 𝐂.𝐒. 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨

#𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
#𝟏𝟕𝐭𝐡𝐍𝐂𝐒𝐀
#𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐲
#𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝
#𝐖𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐔𝐌𝐂

06/10/2026

05/10/2026

𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧 (𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬) 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞, 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬-𝐑𝐞𝐯. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐚 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐨-𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐬
𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐛𝐲: 𝐔𝐌𝐂𝐎𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐬
United Media Channel TV

Davao City — The Davao Episcopal Area (DEA) formally launched its first-ever Gilas Kalikasan (EarthKeepers) Learning Institute and inducted 57 pioneer EarthKeepers during a four-day gathering held on January 27–30, 2026, at the Brokenshire Hotel, Resort, and Convention Center in Davao City.

The EarthKeepers is a training program of the Global Ministries intended for participants to develop and lead environmental sustainability in their communities. As an EarthKeeper and being inspired from his EarthKeepers Training a decade ago, Bishop Israel M. Painit, DEA Resident Bishop, envisioned and brought the program to the Davao Episcopal Area.
The institute featured worship services, lectures, exposure trips, and workshops designed to deepen ecological awareness and faith-based action. During the opening worship, Rev. Jerry Ganal emphasized that caring for creation is a response to God’s love, affirming that “to care for the environment is to care for the people.”

A series of lectures followed, beginning with Global Environmental Trends presented by Dr. Glenn Roy Paraso, Director of Global Ministries and UMCOR. He explained how the institute addresses three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: renewable energy adaptation, sustainable food production, and water and human survival. Engr. Riedo Panaligan, President of the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST), discussed the current energy landscape and practical applications of sustainable energy in homes and workplaces.

Nonito Olimpo, Chairperson of Agri-Eco Philippines, shared insights on organic farming as a pathway toward climate-resilient, seed-secured, and food-secured households, while advocating for policies that support sustainable food systems. Dr. Girley Gumanao, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Davao del Norte College and Program Director of Taklobo Tours, delivered a lecture titled “World’s Waters and Humankind’s Survival.” She provided participants with a virtual tour of Taklobo Tours in the Island Garden City of Samal, highlighting the critical role of Marine Protected Areas in conserving giant clam species.

Rev. Jenny Phillips, Executive Director for Environmental Sustainability of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), joined the institute for its entire duration. She delivered a comprehensive and thought-provoking lecture, “Our Faith, Our World: The Whole Inhabited Earth and What Our Wesleyan Tradition Teaches Us,” focusing on the stewardship of oikonomia, the Global Ministries Theology on Mission, and the United Methodist Church’s Social Principles.

On the second day, participants engaged in exposure trips to four thematic areas: sustainable food production at Mangayon Organic Farmers Association (MANOFA) Demo Farm in Compostela Valley, Davao de Oro, and Braulio E. Dujali Organic Producers and Rural Workers Association (BEDOPARWA) in Dujali, Davao del Norte; marine biodiversity through Taklobo Tours in the Island Garden City of Samal and the Pawikan Sanctuary in Davao City; recycling initiatives at EnviroTech Winder Waste Recycling Co. and Bantay Dagat Davao; and mangrove reforestation at the Panabo Mangrove Forest Park in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

The third day featured additional lectures, including a session by Romuel Flores, Consultant for International Disaster Response of UMCOR, who trained participants on conducting carbon audits in homes and workplaces. Bishop Israel Painit followed with a Biblico-Theological Reflection entitled “What It Means to Be an EarthKeeper in the Davao Episcopal Area.” He emphasized that being an EarthKeeper entails faithful discipleship through creation care, climate justice advocacy, implementation of Social Principles and Green Church practices, and honoring Indigenous Peoples’ wisdom while addressing climate vulnerability and promoting resilient and sustainable futures.
The final lecture, “Communication Is Aid: The Case for Climate Mitigation and Climate Resilience,” was delivered by Larren Jo Basilio, Philippines Regional Conference Partnership Lead of United Methodist Communications. He highlighted the vital role of strategic communication in advancing climate mitigation and resilience within the UMC context in the Philippines.

Throughout the institute, workshops, debriefings, and sharing sessions provided space for reflection and commitment-building. Rev. Sheryl del Rosario shared that participants were challenged to take personal responsibility rather than placing blame solely on government actions. Mary Jane Ferrer expressed that the institute inspired her to speak up and advocate for environmental issues within her community.

DS Mercedita Antipolo delivered a deeply moving closing worship message, reminding participants that environmental destruction is equivalent to “stealing from the future of our children.”

The institute concluded with a powerful closing worship, during which Bishop Israel Painit and Rev. Jenny Phillips formally inducted the pioneer members of the DEA Gilas Kalikasan. As an act of commitment, the newly inducted EarthKeepers offered at the altar their written pledges for environmental stewardship and signed the EarthKeeper’s Pledge. The group also issued “A Statement of Solidarity in the Struggle for the Protection of the Environment and the Communities of Dupax del Norte,” affirming their opposition to destructive mining and their commitment to upholding community rights and environmental justice.

02/10/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬:
𝐍𝐂𝐒𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝟏𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

The National Clergy Spouses Association (NCSA) held its 17th Biennial Assembly on September 22–25, 2026, at the Sarangani Highlands Garden in General Santos City, with the theme “THRIVE: Growing in Love, Service, and Leadership.” The gathering brought together 187 clergy spouses from across the Philippines Regional Conference, along with visiting District Superintendents, church workers, and other guests.

The assembly opened with a Service of Word and Table and Remembrance, led by Bishop Israel M. Painit. In his message, Bishop Painit reflected on the often-unseen sacrifices and challenges experienced by clergy spouses. While they are frequently misunderstood and spend much of their lives giving and serving others, he emphasized that Jesus also calls them to receive God’s love and remember that they are loved not because of what they do, but because they are God’s beloved.

The opening worship was followed by a parade of the Episcopal Areas and Annual Conferences, showcasing the diversity and fellowship of clergy spouses from across the Philippines Regional Conference.

Bishop Ruby-Nell Estrella also shared meaningful reflections on “NCSA THRIVE: Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously.” She offered an acrostic for the word THRIVE: T – Tend your soul; H – Honor God; R – Rejoice in your journey; I – Invest in yourself; V – Value your service; and E – Embrace your leadership. Her message encouraged clergy spouses to nurture their spiritual lives, recognize the value of their service, and embrace leadership as part of their calling.

The Davao Episcopal Area warmly welcomed the delegates through a colorful and energetic presentation. Words of welcome were also shared by Rev. Jonathan Ulanday, host pastor; Rev. Sheryl del Rosario, host District Superintendent; Deaconess Faith Sison; Romeo Valdez; and Atty. Leonard Flores. Clergy spouses who had participated in NCSA gatherings for 5, 10, and 15 years were likewise recognized for their continued participation and commitment.

The second day focused on the themes of Growing in Love, Growing in Service, Growing in Leadership, and Thriving Together, featuring quick talks from Deaconess Olive Beltran, Romeo Valdez, Rev. Roland Annaguey, and Pastor Divina R. Castilla. Their messages offered practical insights and encouragement for clergy spouses as they navigate their unique roles in ministry and family life.

The NCSA THRIVE Challenge, led by Deaconess Sheena Camille Sanchez, further strengthened the spirit of fellowship and cooperation among the participants. Clergy spouses were grouped with participants from different Episcopal Areas and challenged to build a tower using available resources while demonstrating creativity and teamwork. Each group also showcased what they had learned from the activity through a creative presentation.

The afternoon was dedicated to the NCSA Business Session, where organizational matters were discussed. The day concluded with a Cultural Night and Everybody’s Birthday celebration, featuring fellowship and presentations from the different groups. Bishop Juan shared a short inspirational message, emphasizing that being a clergy spouse is a calling and that there is strength and power in thriving together as clergy spouses in the presence of the Lord.

The third day provided an opportunity for fellowship and recreation through a tour of the General Santos Fish Port, a city tour, SG Farm, and Euphoria. The delegates also enjoyed a sumptuous lunch hosted by the Gensan United Methodist Church, featuring an abundance of local fruits and a free sashimi corner where participants were able to enjoy one of General Santos City’s well-known delicacies: fresh tuna.

The day ended with an OPM Night, where each Episcopal Area showcased its creativity and energy through performances featuring popular OPM dances. Vibrant costumes, music, and dance filled the evening with celebration and fellowship.

The four-day assembly concluded with a Closing Worship, with Bishop Rodel Acdal as the speaker. Reflecting on the theme of the gathering, he asked, “What does it mean for a clergy spouse to thrive?” Bishop Acdal emphasized that clergy spouses are not called merely to survive the challenges that come with ministry, but to grow, become fruitful, serve, and be a blessing even amid difficult circumstances. His message served as a fitting conclusion to an assembly that celebrated the unique calling, sacrifices, gifts, and contributions of clergy spouses throughout the Philippines Regional Conference.

The success of the NCSA 17th Biennial Assembly was made possible through the thoughtful planning and dedicated efforts of the NCSA Executive Committee, led by Mrs. Lenalee Boromeo, in close coordination with the Episcopal Area Presidents, the host Episcopal Area (DEA), Conference (SWMinPAC), and Local Church (Central UMC Gensan).

You may access the NCSA 17th Biennial Assembly Official Pictures here. Do not forget to credit DEA Communications when posting the pictures.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gQykYjff5wJ3PIxVFdetv7mIGKjMNrG7?usp=sharing

📸 SWMinPAC Communications

BoardofWomen'sWork Umc Phil The United Methodist Church - Philippines Manila Episcopal Area - The United Methodist Church Baguio Episcopal Area - The United Methodist Church Bai Bp Israel M. Painit Bishop Rudy Juan Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella Rodel Maquiraya Acdal

30/09/2026

Happy Birthday!
May God continue to bless you with good health, wisdom and strength as you faithfully serve Him. May He grant your hearts desire and bless you with joy and peace. With love and prayers from your DEA Family.

30/09/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐀 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒
𝐁𝐄𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑: 𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐌𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐑𝐌 𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓–𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐃𝐨𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥, 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

Twenty (20) DRRM volunteers of 5 districts, comprised of church workers, lay leaders, and mental health advocates, of the annual conferences of Visayas (VPAC) and Bicol (BPAC) came together for six meaningful days of learning, reflection, healing, and equipping for post-disaster trauma intervention.

Organized in collaboration between the Davao Episcopal Area - Disaster Management Office, Philippine Bible Society, and Master Training Facilitators of the Trauma Healing Institute, the training was designed to strengthen the capability of faith-based groups to accompany individuals and communities experiencing trauma, grief, suffering, especially after disasters.

Training Team Roselle Macabante — Master Training Facilitator Pastor Dan Reuben Sison — Training Facilitator Deaconess Faith Sison — Training Facilitator Daniel Ela — Training Facilitator

Through biblical reflection, meaningful conversations, practical activities, and shared experiences, participants were equipped to become more compassionate and prepared companions of communities experiencing trauma due to disasters.

As the training concluded, the participants celebrated not simply the completion of the course, but the beginning of a continuing commitment to healing, hope, restoration, and resilience.

(c) Pastor Lyster Patigdas, Rev. Jochebed Joyce Lovendino, Pastor Dan Sison

28/09/2026

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘 | 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

This Sunday, United Methodists around the world gather at the Lord’s Table to celebrate Holy Communion and remember that, though we may come from different backgrounds, speak different languages, and live in different cultures, we are one in Christ.

As we share in the bread and cup, may we be reminded of our calling to live in unity, love one another, and remain connected as one body of Christ.

𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙈𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝.

One Table. One Bread. One Cup. One Body in Christ.

(c) ResourceUMC

26/09/2026

📢 WE ARE HIRING! | FINANCE OFFICER

The SAMAHAN – Expanded Mental Health Project is looking for a Finance Officer.

The Finance Officer will assist in financial administration, bookkeeping, record-keeping, project monitoring, reporting, coordination of program activities, and financial accountability of the said project.

📌 Qualifications:

• Degree in a finance-related field, preferably with 2 years of relevant experience
• Familiarity with humanitarian principles and the United Methodist Church
• Experience in finance administration is preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft programs and smartphones
• Willingness to travel up to 35% within the covered Episcopal Area
• Sense of tact and diplomacy in complex situations

📅 Application Deadline: September 29, 2026
Send your applications to bishop.office@umcdea org and [email protected]

24/09/2026

📢 WE ARE HIRING! | PROGRAM COORDINATOR
The DEA HEALTH BOARD is looking for a dedicated and passionate Program Coordinator for the SAMAHAN | Expanded Mental Health Program.

Job Descriptions:
✔️ Coordinate program implementation and activities
✔️ Build partnerships and networks
✔️ Monitor, document, and prepare reports

📌 What we’re looking for:
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Preferably at least 2 years of relevant experience
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Basic understanding of mental health promotion and community support
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed

📩 Send your CV to:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Pas Doc Neki

23/09/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐄𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
KABACAN, North Cotabato — Thirty-seven participants composed of youth, church lay delegates, and church workers from the Davao Episcopal Area (DEA) attended the Christmas Institute Leadership Training (CILT) at Kabacan Central United Methodist Church on September 18 to 20, 2026.

The training aimed to prepare youth leaders who will facilitate and lead the Christmas
Institute in their respective Conferences.

DEA Resident Bishop Israel M. Painit , in his Opening Worship message, reminded the young leaders that before they can lead others, they must first allow themselves to be led by Christ.

Facilitating the training were two officers from the National Executive Committee (NEC), National President Jona Ira Nicole Lozano and National Finance Officer Jedrick Panit, with their Youth Coordinator Rev. Marchilla Aranton.

Aside from Bible study sessions, the training also featured a Welcome Night, Big Night, and Socialization Night, which organizers said helped strengthen the bond and fellowship among the delegates.