On December 8, 2024, the new Cavite Mission (CM) headquarters was officially inaugurated. The ceremony gathered church officers from missions and conferences across Luzon, leaders from Adventist institutions in Cavite, and workers and church elders from the Cavite Mission. Joining the celebration were government officials, including Hon. Redel John Dionisio, Mayor of the Municipality of Amadeo, and Hon. Roger Salazar, Barangay Captain of Banay-Banay, where the new Cavite Mission office stands.
Heartfelt Felicitations
The event began with a heartfelt welcome from Pastor Israel Bacdayan, President of Cavite Mission, who expressed gratitude to all attendees. This was followed by congratulatory messages from key leaders.
Hon. Mayor Dionisio expressed his appreciation for choosing Amadeo as the location for the new headquarters emphasizing its potential to become a center of action and service. He stated, “The best religion is being of service to humanity. That’s the purpose of this establishment — not just for those in Amadeo or your fellow Seventh-day Adventists, but for everyone.” He also assured his full support to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Hon. Roger Salazar, Barangay Captain of Banay-Banay, warmly welcomed the Adventist community saying, “I am delighted that you are now part of our community.” He added, “Let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you.”
Pastor Han Seokhee, President of the 1000 Missionary Movement (1000 MM) offered an inspiring metaphor of a ship in his felicitations. “A ship is to go out into the sea and the great ocean. It encounters rough waves and violent storms, but overcomes them all. It is built not to stay or remain anchored; it has to sail. Likewise, CM must not simply stay on shore – it has to sail and move forward.”
Dr. Ginger Ketting-Weller, President of the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) also shared a heartfelt message. She said, “We will only be successful as we put self aside and focus not just on mere numbers like baptisms, offerings, or books given out. Our focus must be on people – nurturing people, serving people, ministering to people, reaching out to people, and connecting with people. People are far more important in God’s Kingdom than numbers. And so as we set self aside and minister to people, CM will be known as a light on a hill, a city that cannot be hidden. In everything may Jesus Christ be lifted up and may God be glorified.”
Pastor Leonardo Heyasa, President of the Philippine Publishing House (PPH), assured CM of their support. “Your PPH family is always here, ready to support you. We share in great joy and gratitude as we celebrate this inauguration,” he said.
Pastor Danilo Fiecas, Executive Secretary of the newly established Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (SLPUM) expressed admiration for the new headquarters, stating, “This is perhaps the most beautiful Adventist office in the Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission territory.”
Christ-Centered, Mission-Focused Headquarters
The keynote message was delivered by Pastor Gerardo Cajobe, President of SLPUM. He emphasized that the building represents more than just a physical structure, describing it as “a testimony of faith, a beacon of mission, and a sanctuary for spiritual growth.” He underscored its role as a Christ-centered headquarters symbolizing commitment to The Great Commission.
“This headquarters should be mission-focused,” he continued, “serving as a tool for His work, not just an office building but a hub for evangelism where strategies will be developed to proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages and prepare people for Christ’s Second Coming.”
He added, “May every activity conducted in this office be mission-driven and to magnify Christ only. Lastly, Cajobe emphasized that the building should be a house of prayer and unity – “a house where God’s people will gather and seek God in prayer – a headquarters that lifts people up to God.”
Lighting of the Torch and Ribbon Cutting
A highlight of the program was the lighting of the torch and cauldron. Twelve employees participated in a relay, passing the torch from the old office in Brgy. Malabag, Silang, Cavite, to the new headquarters in Banay-Banay, Amadeo, Cavite. Upon its arrival, the cauldron was lit by the administrators of the Cavite Mission. Simultaneously, the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly inaugurated three-story office building was led by Pastor Roger Caderma, President of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), the Adventist regional office in Asia together with Pastor Gerardo Cajobe.
Recognition of Contributions
During the program, special recognition was given to individuals who played significant roles in the completion of the building: Architect John Palattao, the project manager, and Engr. Desmond Diaz, the contractor, were commended for their dedication and expertise. Gratitude was also extended to individuals who donated significant amount and to the Cavite Mission employees who generously contributed from their own pockets to support the construction, demonstrating their commitment and sacrifice for the mission’s success.
Cavite Mission was officially approved as a full-fledged mission in November 2018. In June 2023, the construction of the new office finally began and in December 2024, it was completed and inaugurated.
In his closing remarks, Pastor Roger Caderma, President of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), the Adventist regional headquarters in Asia, reflected, “It’s not about who started the work. It’s not about who finished the work. It’s about giving God the glory through our work.” He concluded with these stirring words: “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the majesty, and the splendor. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom, and Your name is to be exalted.”
North Philippine Union Conference