20/05/2026
CHURCH LEADERS MEET WITH LAGUNA GOVERNOR; LIVELIHOOD COLLABORATION DISCUSSED
A delegation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints paid a courtesy visit to Governor Sol Aragones at the Provincial Governor’s Office in Santa Cruz, Laguna, on Monday, May 18. The meeting was led by President Michael Oliver Gomez and President Ronnel Catungos, stake presidents of Santa Cruz and San Pablo stakes.
Also attending the visit were priesthood leaders and volunteers: Brother Lance Tirazona, Church Humanitarian Project Manager; Bishop Rayjohn Estera of Calauan Ward and Church Manager of Public Affairs; Brother Tracy Bonh, San Pablo Communication Specialist; Sister Venus I. Castañeda, nurse from Bay District Hospital; Sister Raquel Tirazona, senior service missionary; Sister Salve Gomez; Sister Evangeline Bonh; Sister Rhea Esquillo, Communication Specialists; and Sister Heidie Pamatmat, Santa Cruz Communication Director.
The meeting was arranged through an invitation from the Governor’s Office to coordinate with the Church’s Humanitarian Services regarding support for livelihood development initiatives in Laguna.
During the meeting, President Gomez presented a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” to Governor Aragones-Sampelo as a token of appreciation, which she warmly received.
Governor Aragones expressed gratitude for the Church’s continuing humanitarian efforts in Laguna, particularly the recent donation of medical equipment to Bay District Hospital on May 7. President Gomez also provided an overview of other Church-supported initiatives within Laguna, including donations of NICU infant incubators and other medical equipment for improved newborn care, desktop computers, televisions, refrigerators, and other school equipment distributed to 16 barangays in Majayjay, as well as foldable tents donated to the Municipality of Santa Cruz for emergency and community use.
In her remarks, Governor Aragones expressed her hope for future collaboration in strengthening and expanding livelihood opportunities in the province so that more residents may benefit and have greater opportunities to improve their source of income. Discussions were particularly focused on programs that empower women through skills training and small start-up support for micro-enterprises.
To further coordinate possible livelihood initiatives, the delegation was referred to Ms. Michelle Garcia from the Governor’s Office and Ms. Jemelie V. Villarina, Project Development Officer of the Provincial Livelihood Office, for additional briefing and discussion on potential joint projects.
The Church leaders and volunteers also visited the Provincial Livelihood Office, where staff members showcased various locally made products created through the livelihood program. These included handmade flowers crafted from fuzzy wire, bangus sardines, and pineapple jam.
Both parties expressed willingness to continue discussions and conduct further visits and observations to better understand how the Church may support and contribute to the province’s health and livelihood initiatives.
The meeting reflected a shared commitment between the local government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strengthen communities through humanitarian service, self-reliance efforts, and Christlike care for those in need.
✍🏽 Florhaida Pamatmat/Rhea Esquillo
📷 Rhea Esquillo
