More than 130 youth leaders and ministry directors gathered for the Youth Leadership Summit 2026, organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southwestern Philippine region (SwPUC) from April 2 to 4, 2026, with a renewed focus on preparing young people to take part in the global OneVoice27 movement.

Centered on the theme “Rooted in Mission,” the three-day gathering aimed to strengthen youth engagement while aligning local initiatives with the worldwide effort that will run from September 27, 2026, to September 27, 2027. The OneVoice27 initiative seeks to commemorate 2,000 years since the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of His ministry. Church leaders envision a united effort among members, leaders, and media platforms to share God’s message on a global scale “as has never been done before.”

The summit brought together youth leaders from regional headquarters across Zamboanga Peninsula, North Eastern Mindanao, Western Mindanao, Central Mindanao, and North Central Mindanao.

Junifer Colegado, SwPUC Youth Ministries director, opened the summit by calling for unity and intentional preparation. He encouraged participants to see themselves not only as local leaders but as active contributors to a global mission, setting the tone for a gathering centered on collaboration and purpose.

Participants attended 10 sessions designed to develop leadership skills, deepen discipleship, and equip them with practical strategies for ministry. In his opening message, pastor and presenter Jerrymil Pamunag emphasized that true involvement in ministry leads to transformed lives, urging young leaders to prioritize a genuine relationship with God as they prepare for broader engagement through OneVoice27.

During one of the key sessions, Chlue Tangente, Youth Ministries director from the Zamboanga Peninsula, challenged participants to make a visible impact in their communities. He introduced the initiative “one district, one house in one year,” encouraging collaborative efforts to serve families in need. He noted that such acts of service reflect Christ’s love and serve as practical expressions of the mission that OneVoice27 seeks to amplify worldwide.

Anecito Pableo, Youth Ministries director from Northeastern Mindanao, highlighted the importance of structured Adventist Youth Ministry (AYM) in sustaining long-term growth. He urged leaders to establish organized ministries that can effectively mobilize young people and ensure their active participation in the Adventist Church’s global initiatives.

During the Sabbath (Saturday) worship service, Heshbon Buscato, Youth Ministries director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, delivered a message on leadership marked by initiative and courage. Drawing from the story of Jonathan, he reminded participants that influence in God’s work does not depend on position but on faith and willingness to act—an appeal that resonated with the call to participate in the global mission of OneVoice27.

The summit concluded with a commitment service led by Jerry Patalinghug, SwPUC president. Newly recognized youth leaders and coordinators took part in an oath-taking ceremony, affirming their dedication to serve. Buscato offered a prayer of dedication, asking for wisdom and guidance as they take on their roles in both local ministry and the worldwide movement.

As participants returned to their respective fields, organizers expressed hope that the summit would serve as a launching point for greater youth involvement in mission. Leaders emphasized that empowering young people today is essential to the success of OneVoice27, as the church prepares for a united global effort to proclaim a message of hope in 2027.

The original article was published on the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference news site.