United Church of Christ in the Philippines

27/08/2026

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟

Here is the Liturgical Resource Material for the month September 2026.

Please click the link to access the downloadable file: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gYiWiO8P0qJJLGHp6RNXwSGMU90X1Zj1/view?usp=sharing

We would also like to hear your feedback and suggestions, as these will help us improve the release of Liturgical Resource Materials.

𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdN8KMsTP3GqhCMWBpsUEzpnGlXYWjPD24-4nZHel-JdTlmpQ/viewform

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa, UCCP General Secretary, extended his greetings and words of welcome during the Opening Liturgy of the 65th Church Workers Convocation of the Silliman University Divinity School held at the Silliman University Church.

The SUDS 65th Church Workers Convocation, with the theme “Doing Mission with Jesus,” brings together church workers, members of the academic community, ecumenical partners, and guests for a time of fellowship, reflection, and renewed commitment to the ministry and mission of the Church.

22/08/2026

𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Let's start from the very basic question: What is Pax Silica and for whose benefit will it ultimately be?

Join us in this very timely discussion with Dr. Giovanni Tapang of AGHAM (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People) who will help us understand what this is all about, together with UCCP Bishop Jessie Suarez who will help us see through this issue from the perspective of faith.

Listen to the discussions, ask your questions and together let us understand what this Pax Silica is all about and especially whose it for ultimately.

August 26, 2026, Wednesday, 1:30PM
Online via ZOOM:
Meeting ID: 816 5351 7058
Password: 071917 See less

Let's start from the very basic question: What is Pax Silica and for whose benefit will it ultimately be?

Join us in this very timely discussion with Dr. Giovanni Tapang of AGHAM (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People) who will help us understand what this is all about, together with UCCP Bishop Jessie Suarez who will help us see through this issue from the perspective of faith.

Listen to the discussions, ask your questions and together let us understand what this Pax Silica is all about and especially whose it for ultimately.

August 26, 2026, Wednesday, 1:30PM
Online via ZOOM:
Meeting ID: 816 5351 7058
Password: 071917

22/08/2026

𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗜𝗗 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚
August 12-14, 2026

The UCCP Laity and Local Church Development Ministries-Community Ministry (LLCDM-ComMin), together with Justice, Peace, and Human Rights (LLCDM-JPHR), through its Program Staff, Ms. Karen M. Cabibil and Rev. Irma M. Balaba, participated in facilitating the recently conducted Psychosocial First Aid Intervention Training held on August 12–14, 2026, at UCCP Lagao, General Santos City.

The three-day training strengthened ecumenical formation among participants from South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City (SOCCSKSARGEN), equipping them with the knowledge and skills to conduct psychosocial activities in two targeted communities affected by the recent earthquake in the province.

The training was conducted in collaboration with the United Church Aid and Relief Services, Inc. (UCCP CARES), UCCP South Cotabato-Sarangani District Conference, ACT Alliance of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and the Children’s Rehabilitation Center.

It was a meaningful and empowering gathering that deepened the participants’ commitment to compassionate service, care, and support for communities and individuals in need.

20/08/2026

𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗘𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦!
A Pastoral Appeal on the Arrest of Environmental Defenders in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya

“𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝐺𝑜𝑑.” -𝑃𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑚 24:1

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Council of Bishops has received with deep concern reports that environmental defenders Lei Jin Dugay, Donny Dugay, and June Fiataccag, members of the Kasibu Inter-Tribal Response for Ecological Development (KIRED), were reportedly arrested by PNP personnel on August 19, 2026 at a community barricade in Barangay Paquet, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, while opposing the operations of the North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC).

The arrests reportedly occurred while residents were questioning the entry of seven barrels of crude oil intended for a road project involving an NLMRC backhoe. Further concern was raised by reports that their legal counsel was prevented from communicating with them, raising serious questions regarding their access to legal assistance and due process.

The three environmental defenders have since been released on bail. However, their release does not erase the circumstances surrounding their arrest nor the broader concerns regarding the continuing harassment, intimidation, and legal actions reportedly directed against environmental defenders in Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela, including nearly 20 reported Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) cases.

CEC-Philippines, ANVIK, and Kalikasan PNE have condemned the arrests and called for the protection of the three KIRED members and an end to attacks against environmental defenders.

𝗔 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

As the UCCP Council of Bishops, we unequivocally join this call for justice and condemn the continuing harassment and intimidation of environmental defenders. We affirm the right of every person to due process, legal counsel, and protection from unjust and retaliatory actions.

Our faith calls us “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Humanity is entrusted by God to “till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Thus, protecting creation and defending the dignity and rights of vulnerable communities are integral to our Christian calling.

As Amos declares, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). Environmental defenders who protect land, water, communities, and creation deserve respect and protection not intimidation, harassment, or repression.

We are deeply concerned that government policies and actions may prioritize mining and corporate interests over community rights and ecological protection. Development must never sacrifice human dignity, Indigenous peoples’ rights, environmental integrity, or the welfare of future generations.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹

We call upon government authorities to:

• Ensure that the charges against the three environmental defenders are reviewed fairly and, where found baseless or retaliatory, immediately dismissed;
• Uphold their rights to due process, legal counsel, and protection from further harassment or intimidation;
• End harassment, intimidation, and retaliatory legal actions against environmental and community defenders;
• Respect Indigenous peoples and local communities whose lands, livelihoods, and environment are affected by development and mining projects;
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful participation in decisions concerning natural resources; and
• Pursue a vision of development that upholds human dignity, protects communities, respects Indigenous peoples’ rights, and safeguards God’s creation.

As a Church, we seek neither confrontation nor division, but justice that restores, truth that liberates, and peace that reconciles. We stand with communities who suffer and speak when silence would allow injustice to flourish.

We give thanks that the three KIRED members have been released on bail. We nevertheless call for vigilance and continued protection of their rights, as well as an end to the broader pattern of harassment and intimidation against environmental defenders.

May God grant wisdom to our leaders, courage to those who defend life and creation, protection to the vulnerable, and compassion to all who suffer.

May God guide us in the work of justice, preserve God’s creation, and lead our nation toward peace, reconciliation, and the common good.

NO TO THE HARASSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS!
DEFEND NUEVA VIZCAYA!
PROTECT GOD’S CREATION!

18/08/2026

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 : The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) is currently holding its National Secretariat Meeting and Planning from August 15-20, 2026 at UCCP Poblacion Pasuquin, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte under the Northwest Luzon Conference of the North Luzon West Jurisdiction.

16/08/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) National Secretariat and Incumbent Bishops extend their warm greetings to all Church Workers as we celebrate Church Workers Appreciation Sunday today, August 16, 2026. We honor the dedicated service of ordained ministers, conference licentiate pastors and diaconal ministers of the Church.

We praise God because of your commitment to edify the Body of Christ.

14/08/2026

Call for Donations for Communities Affected by Typhoon Maymay (International name Kujiro)and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat)

Many families have been displaced and are in urgent need of assistance due to the effects of Typhoon Maymay (Kujiro) and the continuing Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

We invite everyone to extend their compassion and support through prayers and donations. Every contribution, no matter how small, can help provide food, clean water, hygiene supplies, and other essential needs for affected communities.

Together, let us bring hope and healing to those in need.

12/08/2026

𝗨𝗖𝗪𝗢 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
August 3-7, 2026

The United Church Workers Organization (UCWO) held its 1st National Council Meeting from August 3-7, 2026, at UCCP Macalamcam, Rosario, Batangas, under the United Batangas Conference, South Luzon Jurisdiction.

The meeting opened with worship led by the Opening Speaker, Bishop Luisito H. Saliendra, Bishop Assigned to the South Luzon Jurisdiction. In his message, Bishop Saliendra emphasized the importance of deepening intimacy with Jesus and embodying Christ-like characteristics, while challenging participants to reflect on how they could faithfully walk and journey with the Anawim. The worship was followed by the meeting proper, presided over by Rev. Armando Pendon.

During the second day, participants received inputs on the Task of Church-Recognized Organizations (CROs) given by Ms. Jelyn D. Teves, Coordinator for the Organizational Ministry under the Program Ministries Department. The session reviewed the responsibilities and distinctive roles of CROs as partners in mission and implementing arms of the UCCP’s programs. This was followed by an Unification and Onboarding Orientation and Outcome-Impact Oriented Program Basic Orientation facilitated by Mr. Patrick Joshua O. Santos, UCCP Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Consultant. The sessions focused on the onboarding of judicatories into the UCCP’s Quadrennial Program and strengthened participants’ understanding of planning, monitoring, and implementation through the Outcome-Impact Oriented Programming framework, or “Theory of Change.”

Bro. Ralph Juden Andre Cadiz, Management Advancement System Association Inc. MASAI, volunteer staff, presented the initial findings of the Strategic Plan Review, providing an overview of the implementation of the UCCP Strategic Plan and discussing how the Quadrennial Program continues and aligns the Church’s priorities, programs, and initiatives with its overall strategic direction.

On the third day, Bro. Ronald Ramos shared his life testimony during the morning praise, reflecting on the transformative work of Jesus in his life and offering a message of hope amid persecution. Following the morning praise, the meeting continued with the presentation of the Jurisdictional Area priorities.

The participants also had the opportunity to visit the Joint Continuing Theological Education CTE gathering of the Southern Tagalog Conference (STC) and Northeast Southern Tagalog Conference (NESTCON) held at UCCP Candelaria, Quezon Province under the South Luzon Jurisdiction.