The UCG elders held a ministerial meeting during the weekend of June 26th and 27th at the Punta Villa Resort in Iloilo City. All UCG elders were present (Mr. David Baker, Mr. & Mrs. Eriz Dizon, Mr. & Mrs. Rey Evasco, Mr. & Mrs. Florante Siopan, Mr. & Mrs. Raul Villacote, Mr. & Mrs. Norman Julag-ay, Mr. & Mrs. Edmond Macaraeg, and Mr. & Mrs. Rodrigo Florencondia). The elders began arriving at the resort on the afternoon of the 26th. During the evening of the 26th, the elders held a working dinner at Tatoy’s Manokan with two lawyers from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). During the dinner Mr. Norman Julag-ay led us in a discussion as we reviewed our by-laws for the United Church of God–RP. The two lawyers were able to offer many helpful suggestions regarding our proposed by-laws. Mr. Julag-ay has been appointed to help us transition from UCG-IA to UCG-RP.

On Sunday, June 27th we began our meeting with an overview of the work in the Philippines. Each pastor gave an informative update on their areas of responsibility. After discussing the work in the Philippines, David Baker mentioned that the Philippines will be featured in this year’s Feast video. The title of the video will be “I Shall Return.” Some of the members in the Philippines will be interviewed by Peter Eddington. The video will focus on doing the work in the Philippines including the challenges that our members face as well as their dreams and aspirations.

We also discussed the Philippine representation for the General Conference of Elders (GCE) for 2005-07. Mr. Dizon and Mr. Siopan are scheduled to represent the Philippines in 2005, Mr. Macaraeg in 2006, and Mr. Evasco in 2007. Mr. Baker gave a brief update of the International Meetings held at the 2004 GCE. UCG is trying to produce our publications with an “international” view rather than simply an American view. In order to strive for an “international view” and to avoid possible cultural misunderstandings, a couple of our ministers are serving with other international ministers in reviewing articles for The Good News and World News and Prophecy. Mr. Macaraeg is reviewing articles for The Good News and Mr. Evasco is reviewing articles for World News and Prophecy.

Finally, to conclude the morning session of the meetings, we reviewed the discussions from the previous evening regarding our proposed by-laws and the process of incorporation.

In the afternoon session we covered many areas of the work in the Philippines. We discussed the composition of the future national board. Initially we will have two elders from each region (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao) plus the senior pastor totaling seven members. We also discussed the transition from the Good News newsstand program to the Good News brochure program. It is much more cost effective for the United Church of God to advertise and introduce the Good News through the brochure program than the newsstand program. Initially we will use both programs as we transition from the newsstand to the brochure program. We are hoping to have the brochures available either shortly before or shortly after the F.O.T.

We also discussed the future location of a national office. After much discussion it was decided that we will seek assistance from organizations that help locate businesses and offices based on the unique criteria provided by the business or office. Mr. Evasco, Mr. Julag-ay, and Mr. Macaraeg were asked to help locate such organizations. We would also like to ask our members to pray for guidance and wisdom as we go through this process.
The next item discussed was the need to develop a combined financial accounting system for the Philippines. It was decided to acquire a financial accounting program (QuickBooks Pro 2004) and each pastoral area will use the same program, chart of accounts and receipt template. This will greatly aid in the process of developing a combined financial accounting system for the nation.

We also discussed many other topics such as the United Youth Camp, the feasibility of a combined F.O.T. site, The United News, performing weddings, etc. The conference concluded at 5:50 p.m. Below are some of the comments from the elders:

David Baker: “I really enjoyed the opportunity of being a part of this conference. It was a real joy to spend time with my fellow elders and I feel we were able to accomplish a great deal. I look forward to our next meeting which should occur toward the end of this year or the beginning of next year.”

Norman Julag-ay: “I hope we can have our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws submitted to SEC before F.O.T. comes.”

Eriz Dizon: “I fully enjoyed the meeting in Iloilo. I believe that it was most fruitful. When the paperwork is approved then we can work more efficiently.”

Rodrigo Florencondia: “It took us years for a meeting like what we had in Iloilo City, held on June 27, 2004. Altogether, it was timely and fruitful. Let us all continue to pray for God’s guidance on all these matters.”

Florante Siopan: “It’s a very rare opportunity to have a ministerial meeting for all the UCG elders. The gathering of the ministers in Punta Villa in Iloilo, working together for the common good of the Work of God, is a milestone in His Church in the Philippines. My thanks go to everyone who participated in making the meeting a success. The plans for the future of the Work look bright. I really appreciate the endeavor, knowing that if people work together as a team, united in every way, great things could be accomplished.”

Edmond Macaraeg: “The recent meeting in Iloilo City was a most welcome development, seeing that our last general meeting was in Bacolod City on the final week of December 2001, when we were trying to finalize a revision of our Bylaws. As a Church, we had our share of challenges, but with God’s help we hope to move on forward with greater speed and magnitude to accomplish the great Work God has given us to do. We need to catch the vision of God’s purpose in our calling and in our lives. We are most thankful for the recent meeting, and it is hoped that it had somehow galvanized and energized us to charge on in that forward direction.” UNP