Hon. Clavel Ann David, an active member of Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries in Davao, Philippines, and elected member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod of the Island Garden City of Samal, stood before the City Council as a legislator and woman of faith.

In the session presided over by Vice Mayor Richard Guindolman, David addressed the spiritual dilemma facing Seventh-day Adventist students at Samal Island City College (SICC). Examinations are scheduled on Saturdays, which directly conflict with Sabbath observance. Her appeal to SICC President Jennifer Chua Gonzaga was for the institution to allow these students to take their exams on another day, without penalty or prejudice, so they can practice their faith and take their necessary exams.

David’s words echoed constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and drew guidance from DepEd Order No. 105, series of 2010, which underscores inclusivity in education. The memorandum affirms that the right to worship is protected under Article III, Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution: “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.”

The order further instructs that “DepEd personnel and students belonging to any religious group, where Saturday is their day of rest or ‘church day,’ should not be required to attend seminars, examinations, special classes, trainings, and other school activities on Saturdays.” It adds: “There should be no diminution or deduction in the salaries (in the case of teachers) or no effect in the grades (in the case of students) for those teachers and students who incur absences on Saturdays due to the exercise of their right to religious worship.”

David reminded the council that genuine inclusivity means more than opening doors; it means adjusting policies so every student can walk through those doors without compromising their convictions.

The original article was published on the Southeastern Philippine Union website.