The United Methodist Church - Philippines

04/09/2026

𝐎𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

We pray for the Kasibu 11, their families and communities, the people of Kasibu and Nueva Vizcaya, Indigenous Peoples, environmental defenders, and all who seek justice peacefully. We also pray for lawyers, judges, government officials, law-enforcement personnel, and community leaders entrusted with decisions affecting these communities. May God grant all wisdom, integrity, courage, humility, and compassion.

03/09/2026

United Methodists stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.

The UMC in the Philippines stands in solidarity with Indigenous peoples as they defend their rights, protect their ancestral lands, and uphold human dignity.

03/09/2026

The Asuncion A. Perez Memorial Center, Inc. walks with the most vulnerable sectors of Philippine society as they empower women, youth, and children.

24/08/2026

𝗔𝗔𝗣𝗠𝗖𝗜 𝟱𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆: “𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.”

A celebration of an enduring mission and service took place at the United Methodist Church Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, last August 15, 2026. This marks the 54th founding anniversary of the Asuncion A. Perez Memorial Center Inc. (AAPMCI) of social work by walking with the communities in the mission of uplifting the lives of the vulnerable sectors—serving as the official social arm of the Philippines Regional Conference.

“Fifty-four years is more than a measure of time. It is a testimony of faithfulness. A testimony that when the church chooses to stand behind those who are often unseen, those who are often unheard and forgotten, the ministry of Christ becomes visible in the world,” shared Bishop Rodel Acdal, Resident Bishop of Baguio Episcopal Area, during his solidarity message. He emphasized that the celebration was also an opportunity to commemorate God’s faithfulness and reaffirm our calling to social holiness and the persistent pursuit of the fullness of life with those whom we are called to serve.

𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

Faithful to their vision, AAPMCI commits to facilitating opportunities for the attainment of security and empowerment of women, youth, and children, inspired by the Social Principles. In their week-long celebration, the organization gave importance to centering the inherent capabilities of their community partners, inviting them to the United Methodist Headquarters, Manila, from August 11–15.

The Ayta community of Sitio Lupang Pangako had a booth filled with farm products, a manifestation of the resources they have that support their self-reliance in the community. During that week, the community members also visited the National Museum of Natural History. Meanwhile, the Women’s Circle of Parañaque, Philippines’ service booth offered manicure, pedicure, and massage services—skills they learned through capacity-building activities.
Over time, the United Methodist Church has witnessed AAPMCI’s social welfare services. AAPMCI has not only strengthened its work with women but has also continued to grow its reach among marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society, regardless of race, gender, age, or religion. As part of their commitment, the week-long celebration included a special storytelling fellowship with street children. The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) extended its support to the celebration by providing a school bag, raincoat, and meal to each child.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗔𝗣𝗠𝗖𝗜 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴

AAPMCI was named after a renowned social worker of her time during the World War II, Asuncion Arriola-Perez. She was the first woman to join the cabinet of the organization and was also a guerrilla during the war.
Asuncion Perez fought during a time of fear, conflict, and war. She was a Methodist and an active member who eventually became the inspiration for the organization. Inspired by her life and work, the United Methodist Church in the Philippines continued her legacy, and the organization was named after her. AAPMCI was established in 1969 as a relief committee under the Board of Women’s Work, initially known as the Coordinating Committee of the United Methodist Women’s Action Group (COCUMWAG).

On January 6, 1970, it was formally organized as a Center. Two years later, on January 12, 1972, it was incorporated as a non-stock, non-profit charitable organization. Carmy Erika Bumanlag, Executive Director of AAPMCI, explained how the organization continues to grow: “Historically, the organization was involved in disaster response and humanitarian work. [These were among the important foundations of the organization.] But now, we have expanded our work and are more focused on the sustainability of our programs. That is why we have integrated community organizing into our work, alongside community development and community advocacy.”

One of the community partners of AAPMCI is from Parañaque. “It is located in the middle of the community, on the creek side. We have been in partnership with the community members for a long time. The only difference is that, from 2024 until now, they have undergone not only capacity-building training and livelihood skills training, but also the integration of community organizing,” according to Bumanlag.

“The relationship with the women in the community has become stronger and more stable. They are women who do not have stable sources of livelihood, yet they are eager to find opportunities to earn a living so they can provide for the needs of their families,” Bumanlag added. Through community organizing, the Women’s Circle was formed. With the women gathering every Saturday, they created a space where they could share their experiences and support one another. These regular gatherings strengthen their relationships and build their collective capacity.

𝗣𝗮𝗴𝘀𝘂𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

“Gatherings like this are very important because they remind us that we are all co-workers [in God’s mission]. We face the different challenges and trials of life through their meaningful service and accompaniment of those on the margins of society,” shared Bishop Ruby-Nell Estrella, Resident Bishop of Manila Episcopal Area, during the liturgical service of the celebration.Every step taken by AAPMCI is known to recognize the strength of collective cooperation and unity. Bishop Estrella emphasized that poverty, injustice, corruption, various forms of crisis, war, and violence are like great waves and storms that threaten to overwhelm us, bringing profound fear and anxiety. She also added that, when these challenges are faced together, they become braver, more patient, more resilient, and filled with hope because they are accompanied not only by one another but also by God, who never abandons them—a guiding principle that she sees AAPMCI is embodying.

Bishop Israel Painit, Resident Bishop of Davao Episcopal Area, highlighted the celebration theme in his solidarity message: “To face [the challenges before us] means to keep moving forward even when danger lies ahead. It is not simply about facing challenges and continuing; it is about moving forward with courage. Let us not allow what is happening around us to defeat us. Instead, we are challenged to continue moving forward so that our mission may reach even farther.”

The lives of people should be transformed. The best way to find oneself is to serve others, an example AAPMCI has shown for more than five decades. This means giving hope, restoring dignity, and reminding the world that church people are not the only ones with the right to eat and have a decent home.

In Joshua 1:9, the key verse of the theme celebration, Bishops Estrella and Bishop Acdal reminded us not to be afraid and to take courage in mission. The calling of church people involves loving boldly, shown through serving joyfully the least, lost, and last, and leading courageously amidst threats and strong works of evil.

The program featured inspiring presentations from Teatro KaLaw (Kalingang Lawag), Union Theological Seminary – Teatro, Harris Memorial College – Choraliers, and Nagkahimay Katutubong Ayta ng Lupang Pangako (Zambales)—each reflecting the spirit of social work, fight for human rights, community development, highlighting culture, and collective action that continues to shape the organization’s mission.

The celebration was graced by Guest Speaker Arlene D. Brosas. She enumerated several social issues that she has previously worked on and continues to advocate for, including fair wages and reduced tax burdens on workers; rising prices; human rights; decent work in the Philippines and the challenges associated with the country’s labor export policy; high electricity bills; support for affordable and effective mass transportation in response to rising oil prices; support for the agricultural sector, particularly farmers and fisherfolk, including compensation during disasters and preparedness for the impacts of El Niño; the education system; the mental health of the current generation; and children in conflict with the law.

“The struggle of women is the struggle of us all. It is about standing up against abuse, discrimination, and violations of rights. It is about taking a stand rooted in the people’s struggle—a stand for the rights of women who are exploited in factories, children who go hungry in classrooms, LGBTQIA+ people who are denied [their right to] humane and gender-responsive care, and the Filipino people as a whole who are being suffocated by a single exploitative system that oppresses and impoverishes the masses. Every call [for action] is rooted in the concrete experiences of Filipino women and the Filipino people,” Brosas emphasized.

Anchored on the theme of the celebration, Brosas challenged church people to stand together and advance the equal rights of every person. As advocates and workers build and strengthen the broader movement of women, LGBTQIA+ people, working people, and the Filipino people, both inside and outside Congress, organizations and individuals should continue to push for meaningful and lasting change based on social realities.
The program concluded with a meaningful Commitment Exercise and Cultural Dance, renewing the shared call to faithful service and mission.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Bumanlag hopes that church people will continue this work. “Faith-based community organizing through our local churches and Annual Conferences in every Episcopal Area is one of the initiatives that we see continuing, because we want to strengthen the unity of churches as they engage with their communities and respond to the issues facing society. The second is the psychosocial team of every Annual Conference, because we believe that healing is collective and encompasses all aspects of our humanity,” shared Bumanlag.

As they move forward, she reminds us that we have only one foundation for our work: what Jesus did during His time. May this milestone inspire us to continue courageously embracing the challenges of service and walking together toward a faithful, enduring, and transformative mission.

Written By Larren Jo Basillo and Jhoanna Kylle Ragasa

22/08/2026

Our 2027 Revised Common Lectionary Calendars are now available! 📖

Whether you follow the lectionary every week or use it occasionally, these calendars are designed to help you plan worship, preaching series, and special days throughout the year.

Start planning for 2027 today! https://bit.ly/4iiScIk

21/08/2026

Central United Methodist Church in General Santos City has been at the forefront of providing relief to families devastated by recent earthquakes and flooding.

What began as an immediate response to the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao on June 8 has grown into a sustained ministry of compassion, bringing relief, pastoral care and renewed hope to more than 740 families in General Santos City and neighboring communities.

Beyond material aid, Bishop Israel M. Painit said pastors and volunteers also have provided spiritual care to accompany families throughout the recovery process.

Read the whole story:
https://www.umnews.org/en/news/relief-reaches-hard-hit-areas-after-earthquake

In this photo:
Erwin Hyman N. Mari, outreach committee chairperson at Central United Methodist Church in General Santos City (center in black hat), distributes relief supplies in Sarangani province, Philippines, as the Rev. Jonathan R. Ulanday (in white shirt) look on. Ulanday, administrative pastor of Central United Methodist, said the relief missions have enabled affected communities to regain confidence and hope amid devastation. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Jonathan R Ulanday.

United Methodist News

20/08/2026

18/08/2026

UMYAF 101: Knowing Who We Are, What We Believe, and Why We Serve.
A brief introduction to the United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship in the Philippines—its identity, purpose, ministry, and call to serve Christ and the Church.

15/08/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐲𝐭𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲

“The United Methodist Church has a long history of condemning all forms of exploitation and colonization, from the period of colonialism to its current forms through globalization led by powerful nations,” shared Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella, Resident Bishop of the Manila Episcopal Area, in her solidarity message during the recent Ayta Day.

The United Methodist Church not only celebrates the lives of Indigenous Peoples in the country but also stands with them in the struggle to defend their rights, protect their ancestral lands, and promote human dignity.

“As written in the Social Principles, particularly in the Community of All Creation and the Social Community, we value and appreciate the lives and experiences of our national minorities. It is really important always to recognize their identity and acknowledge that they are part of our society,” shared Ayemarson Miguel Enriquez, Vice President of Rizal Philippines Annual Conference East (RPACE) UMYF.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬

Organized by local Ayta organizations in the provinces of Zambales and Tarlac, PAMILALAMU–Church and Ayta Partnership in Central Luzon, and KATRIBU Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, United Methodist church workers, lay members, and leaders attended Ayta Day 2026 on August 10–11 in San Marcelino, Zambales, and Capas, Tarlac.

The gathering demonstrated solidarity among advocates and organizations in the continuing defense of ancestral lands amid persistent militarization, land grabbing, and other threats to their land and resources, particularly the proposed establishment of a Pax Silica data center. Cultural activities through dance, storytelling, and solidarity messages were presented as expressions of resistance and as part of the communities’ continuing efforts to defend their ancestral lands. These expressions also sought to celebrate and preserve their culture, traditions, and deeply rooted connection to nature.

Justin Salas, Ecumenical and Church Society Affairs (ECSA) Department Head, Metro District UMYF - RPACE, gained a deeper appreciation for the richness of Ayta culture and traditions. “Witnessing their various performances taught me the value of preserving the heritage they have cultivated over generations. I learned the importance of being a voice for the Ayta.” These cultural expressions deepened his understanding and inspired him to join the movement. “As a young person, I want to use my voice to advocate for justice and the rights of the Ayta and all Indigenous tribes across the globe,” he added.

𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

By law, government agencies and local government units are expected to protect Indigenous Peoples. However, this has not always been the case. “In the presentation of the Lider Ayta of the Mansaway group, government agencies such as the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), which are supposed to uphold their well-being and rights, are instead becoming instruments for their ancestral lands to be seized by individuals and companies with land interests,” shared Pastor Glofie Baluntong, Executive Director of the Philippines Regional Conference–Board of Church and Society (PRC-BCS).

These unjust acts violate the rights of their communities and cause environmental impacts that are also heavily felt by communities in the lowlands. Communities were not consulted about the projects to be carried out on their ancestral lands, raising serious concerns about their safety, protection, and future.

Another central discussion revolved around the Pax Silica hub, which participants said could severely affect their communities and environment. They expressed concern that it would primarily benefit companies and could result in the displacement of communities.

“There were incidents like that before where companies had promised that they would work together, specifically with the government, in terms of compliance. These advancements are not important to the indigenous people; that's not what they need,” Deaconess Sheena Camille Calma-Sanchez of the Board of Women’s Work shared in her reflection on the discussion.
Bishop Estrella further emphasized, “Pax Silica is being presented as a gateway to modernization and employment. But in light of the Gospel, which teaches us justice for the poor, respect for the land entrusted to us by God, and protection of the vulnerable and oppressed, we cannot help but ask who will truly benefit from this development.”

Pax Silica is perceived to threaten land resources and undermine the rights of communities in pursuit of development that may primarily benefit the wealthy and capitalists.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬

The Church’s solidarity with these issues raised awareness about injustices, oppression, and unlawful projects that threaten ancestral lands. As church people, we remain in constant prayer, stand in solidarity with affected communities, and organize activities that demonstrate how Jesus lived and loved.

As part of the Church’s ministry, these solidarity activities also nurture church members and workers. “The activity strengthened the connection and goals of the Board of Church and Society and Christian Unity and Inter-religious Affairs ministries of our Church. It also deepened the understanding of the clergy regarding social action and the Social Principles of the UMC,” shared Ds. Egmedio B. Equila, District Superintendent of Tarlac City District, on how solidarity activities could nurture the mission and calling of church workers.

Angelu Razon, ECSA Department Head of Tarlac Philippines Conference UMYF, also encouraged church members to be critical and to join and lead discussions that demonstrate care and amplify the voices of marginalized communities affected by relocation.

Although it was a one-day solidarity activity, it challenged participants from the church sector to deepen their understanding and commitment. Enriquez highlighted the innate capability of tribal leaders: “Many of them are truly capable leaders. The way they rise, speak, and represent their groups shows bravery and courage. Their leadership is not only about being an Ayta but also about being part of the whole national minority.”

𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬: 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦

Some churches celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Sunday to be in solidarity with the community. But if our solidarity begins and ends with cultural dances, indigenous costumes, or gift-giving, then we have missed the point. Indigenous peoples are not merely recipients of our ministry. They are co-participants of the church’s mission.

The West District of the Pampango Philippines Annual Conference has local congregations in indigenous communities. “The district recognizes the gifts and contributions of Ayta communities and move from doing mission for them to doing mission with them. Ayta church workers also receive standardized allowance, the same with all the workers of the district,” Dss Sheena explained. Their leadership is recognized and the district honors their labor and share resources equitably.

There is still much work to do. Indigenous communities are not a project of the church; they are the church. We must stop being tokenistic and choose partnership rooted in justice and shared ministry. “They are our partners, not mere beneficiaries of our programs. We have much to receive and learn from them,” Dss. Sheena added.

As we create spaces and live and love like Jesus, Bishop Estrella advises us to: 𝗨𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 by protecting their ancestral domains—their land and source of livelihood; 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆; 𝗕𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀, as Pax Silica may offer only contractual employment without job safety and security; and 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, in contrast to the self-serving interests of the foreign industrialization being offered.

We continue to pray. To stand. To struggle. And to learn. In solidarity, we seek a just and life-giving community where Indigenous Peoples’ dignity, capabilities, and knowledge are affirmed, respected, and recognized within the community of all creation.

Written by: Larren Jo Basilio

11/08/2026

Relief reaches hard-hit areas after earthquake.

The United Methodist Church in the Philippines and church partners have provided food, supplies and spiritual care to more than 700 families following deadly quake.