SULADS Sulu and Tawi-Tawi Cluster Batch “Machaira,” comprising over 61 volunteers, marked the conclusion of their mission during the Courtesy Exit with life-changing mission reports at the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission Headquarters on April 14, 2025.
As the morning devotional started, Pr. Vilmar M. Mandalupa, the ZPM HR and Executive Secretary, enveloped them with his message centered on the story of Joseph. As Joseph’s cry for vengeance became a cry of compassion and forgiveness, he resolved to be faithful to the Lord. Additionally, Pr. Mandalupa reminded them that, like Joseph—whose prayer life became part of his character and lifestyle—they too should keep their light shining amidst this dark, sin-stained world.
In the Sulu Cluster, with Supervisor Junarey Duarte at the helm, the team echoed their triumphs with great gusto as they shared activities such as jail ministry— the first of its kind in the “Land of the Brave.” They also highlighted students with exemplary performance, some even making it to the top three in the Sulu-wide Quiz Bee, as well as recent developments, especially in educational aspects.
It was also evident that the first graduation ceremony of the Peace Formation and Learning Center in Upper Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu, was recently held, proudly attended by the renowned partners of ZPM Adventist Mission, including the 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade and other government officials.
Programs such as the giving of free Iftar (the evening meal that Muslims break their fast with during Ramadan), health programs, feeding initiatives, and quarterly reporting continue across the island—surrounded by its pristine beaches.
Elje Perez, one of the SULADS teachers in the Sulu Cluster, said, “Before you can minister unto others, you must be the changed one first—basking in His goodness, gripping the truth with your hand as you minister unto others with God’s love in your heart.”
The SULADS Tawi-Tawi Cluster—known as the “Seaweed Capital of the Philippines”—has been active all year round with their Supervisor, Diudulo Luad and with their adage, “SULADS Tawi-Tawi: Reaching the unreached, one island at a time,” they engaged in various activities including feeding programs, house-to-house visitations, and the giving of free Iftar.
In one discipleship story, the assigned volunteers in Bagid Mission School took in a young Badjao boy and slowly taught him how an ordinary man lives—covering everything from personal hygiene to pursuing an education.
The boy’s parents once said, “I will not consider him our own anymore,” which, according to the assigned SULADS teacher Abbey Gail Locop, meant: “I will entrust my son to you because I have seen and I know that you are a good person—that you will teach him many good things and will build a bright future for him.” Today, this boy is under the care of Pagapong couple who are also SULADS volunteers.
Later, ZPM administrators awarded each volunteer a Certificate of Appreciation, acknowledging their efforts and hard work as frontliners in the mission field. Many have committed their lives to missionary work—some even dedicating their entire lives and personal families to the mission of “reaching the unreached.”
Abbey Gail Locop shared, “I thought I needed a lot of ‘me time,’ rest time from all the busyness around. But later I realized—it was that personal, undisturbed, solemn time alone with God that pulled my feet out of this restless world and placed me into His embrace, full of peace and solace.”
One of the ZPM administrators, Pr. Ronald Hazel Ramos, the ZPM Treasurer, expressed his gratitude to those who have been a blessing, who fought spiritually in the mission field, and who emerged victorious under the banner of Christ.
Event gallery:
Adventist Mission
Zamboanga Peninsula Mission
