01/07/2026
PAOAY, Ilocos Norte โ June 28, 2026 โ In preparation for the upcoming adjustment to Sunday auxiliary class schedules, the Batac Philippines Stake conducted a specialized Teachers' Training at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Paoay Chapel. The training aimed to equip local teachers and leaders with the principles and skills of Teaching the Savior's Way, enabling them to deliver Christ-centered and effective lessons.
President Bonifacio T. Galapia, First Counselor in the Stake Presidency, opened the training by emphasizing the vital role of teachers and organization leaders in helping members strengthen their faith and achieve lasting gospel conversion. He encouraged participants to embrace the opportunity to make every minute of instruction meaningful and spiritually uplifting by the words of Elder Diether Utchford, saying, โTo become a better teacher is to become a better follower of Jesus Christโ
Brother Leighton Casas, Seminary and Institute director of the Laoag Philippines Institute of Religion (LPIR)facilitated the training. He presented an overview of Christlike Teaching and made an emphasis of focusing on Jesus Christ by highlighting the examples of Jesus Christ. In addition, Brother Casas specified that with the skill of helping members to connect what they are learning with how Christ exemplifies the principle being taught such as questioning, asking to relate personal experience and scripture stories, lessons will become personal and provide more meaningful learning experiences. A question and answer then followed wherein attendees raised their queries to teach better at a 25-minute lesson specifically on answering questions and in making class interaction centered on the principles being discussed.
To better understand what it means to focus on Jesus Christ in gospel teaching, Brother Jethro Java, a member of the Stake High Council assigned to Sunday School, conducted a demonstration lesson illustrating how teachers can keep Jesus Christ at the center of every class while effectively teaching within the allotted time. In return, participants applied what they have learned through unit-based teaching simulation led by local bishops and Sunday School presidents. Each group selected an upcoming Sunday lesson and formulated three meaningful discussion questions to serve as springboards for learning. The activity challenged participants to teach effectively within the new 25-minute class period while ensuring that lessons remained centered on Saviorโs example. Following the simulation, groups shared best practices and exchanged constructive feedback to further strengthen their teaching skills.
President Michael C. Duyao, President of the Batac Philippines Stake, as the concluding speaker, expressed his gratitude for the dedication and active participation of everyone involved. He encouraged teachers and leaders to faithfully apply the principles learned during the training as they prepare for the implementation of the new Sunday class schedule in September. He emphasized that through Christ-centered teaching, focused doctrine, and meaningful learner participation, every member can continue to enjoy a spiritually enriching lessons and leave lifelong impact.
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Photos and Article By:
Batac Philippines Stake Communication Council
