Our History
HISTORY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL CONFERENCE
The early history of the Advent Message in Negros Island dates back in 1917 with the growth of the message in the island of Panay, particularly in Iloilo, which was started on March 06, 1912 and in Cebu in 1914. Why Cebu is mentioned is that until the organization of Negros Mission, the churches in Negros Occidental were then affiliated with West Visayan Mission in Iloilo, while those of Negros Oriental and Siquijor were affiliated with the old East Visayan Mission, now Central Visayan Mission.
Among the earliest missionaries and workers who have left their influence among the early constituents in Negros were Elder Adams, G. Hugh Murrin, William Bergherm, F. M. Mote, H. P. Evans, and F. A. Pratt. Those in the Oriental Negros and Siquijor sections have to look back to F. E. Fattebert, a colporteur evangelist, Hugh Murrin, E. E. Douglas, W. B. Riffel, E. N. Lugenbeal and M. C. Warren.
Literature Evangelism in Negros was pioneered by brethren Pedro Habana, Primitivo and Juan Sumagaysay, Nicolas and Luis Roca, Adriano Aguiree, Alejandro Muchuelas, and Demetrio Juanillo. We also remember today evangelists Pastor Aquilino Same, Juan Golez, Jose Roca, Diego Sabrine, Maximo and Francisca Lirazan, and several more who pioneered in evangelizing Negros Occidental while the Arrogantes and the Llagunos were doing their part in the Oriental section.
These men and women have left their footprints never to be erased in the memory of those early converts. Some of them were still alive and were the nucleus of the membership of this conference when it was organized into a mission. Other workers that followed continued to build the solid foundation laid by this consecrated pioneers.
Each convert did his best to tell the gospel story to relatives, friends and neighbors, making southern and central Negros heavy with membership.
The time came when the church leaders decided to let this fast growing territory be weaned from her two mother missions. On January 1, 1962, Negros Mission was added to the sisterhood of missions in the South Philippine Union Mission, now the Central Philippine Union Conference with Pastor Meliton M. Claveria and Orlando C. Aguirre as President and Secretary-Treasurer respectively.
For the baby mission to survive and function properly, assets were given by the mother mission: 44% by the West Visayan and 18% by the East Visayan. There were 134 churches and companies, 86 of which were organized, with a membership of 7,620 and pastured by workers, administrators, departmental directors, literature evangelists and 6 church school teachers to start with.
Future plans for an educational institution and mission office were expressed by Elder F. M. Arrogante, the second mission president who presided the first general meeting on its 5th anniversary on April 18-22, 1967.
From a one-man crusade conducted by layman Urbano Hechanova, Sr. during the last general meeting at West Visayan Mission while soliciting support for the defunct Magalleon Junior Academy, the fire of Adventist education flourished in the hearts of every parent and youth and all became united crusaders of the establishment of Negros Mission Academy.
A Junior Academy with Pastor David J. Recalde as the first principal was started on make-shift classrooms made from the materials used during the general meeting, while simultaneously the mission officers and workers continued to campaign for funds for its completion, equipment and books. How the “school built by faith” (to quote Elder B.R. Arit, then Education Director of Central Philippine Union Mission) was started and built, only heaven knows, but it stands as tribute to the faith and courage of the workers and brethren.
Meanwhile, at this period 1962-1968, the office headquarters was at 44 Lacson Street and later moved to Atty. Remetio’s bldg. in Mabini St. The great need for an office building was the appeal made to the then Far Eastern Division (now Southern Asia-Pacific Division) through CPUM and an allocation of Php60,000.00 was released. The ground breaking on October 23, 1969 was immediately followed by the construction on the following day with the late Engr. Eliezer Roca, Sr., at the helm, while Mr. Esteban P. Genis, the Secretary-Treasurer, led as campaign manager for more funds from the local brethren and friends abroad, the fund of which was affected by the floating rate of the Philippine peso.
To save the rent expense of the office building and fare of workers who were incidentally residing around Taculing, and for closer supervision of the construction, it was wisely decided to move into the new building while the finishing touches were going on. On March 15, 1970, the equipment and personnel of the mission office in Mabini was moved to the new building, the total cost of which was Php77,831.87. The inauguration took place on December 17, 1971 while the Mission President, Pastor Diego C. Sabrine bowed out for retirement and Pastor David J. Jucaban took the reins of the administration.
With the academy and the office building fully established, the new president concentrated on church beautification. Baptism and church planting contributed to the steady growth of the church, bringing the membership count to 16,707 with 217 churches, 144 of which were organized after 16 years of cooperation.
1974 was banner year for the Publishing work with Pastor Joaquin S. Rosendo and his men hitting, for the first time, more than a million mark in sale of books and literature which also paved the way for the baptism of more than a hundred of souls.
The education department made a significant step in securing a permit and recognition from the Ministry of Education Culture and Sports. But with this fast progress, the mid-seventies marked the retirement of three dedicated ministers: Pastors Jose Corpus, Crisanto Garilva and Andres Savilla. But retirement did not stop them from actively participating in the shepherding and soul-winning program of the church. At the close of 1977, the president himself, joined the roster of retirees only to become “little president” of the mini mission in southern Negros.
Pastor Dionesio M. Niere continued the Harvest Time program of the then Far Eastern Division while actively taking the lead in the march for a college site, visiting scores of places until they settled on the very spot where Central Philippine Adventist College is now standing. While his Secretary-Treasurer, Pastor Solomon C. Cuizon, temporarity retired from administrative work because of health reasons.
The efforts of those strong and dedicated young people and laymen throughout the mission territories were blessed bountifully, and as they teamed up with our evangelists, they were able to reap rich harvest of souls and had the most number of Branch Sabbath Schools and Vacation Bible Schools throughout the union.
The early eighties started with Pastor Oscar L. Alolor as president. Some towns in Negros Occidental were entered and more churches were built. Soul-winning techniques and programs were upgraded and varied, and for the first time Public Health Evangelism was tapped and became a strong arm in the preaching of the gospel message. Dr. Daniel T. Alfanoso, Pastor Abraham T. Carpena, Mrs. Tessie O. Balacy and Pastor Prospero L. Gonzaga from Bacolod Sanitarium and Hospital were the exponents in this new ministry and became very much involved in the campaign against drug abuse, anti-smoking and alcohol cessation programs. At this time they have penetrated public and private schools, having the nod from the Ministry of Education Culture & Sports and an endorsement from the Provincial Government and Gov. Alfredo L. Montelibano himself.
One small, strong arm that was harnessed in soul-winning at this time is the training of child preachers in different districts. This was instrumental in leading many souls to Christ.
The challenge was even greater when Pastor Hector V. Gayares became president in 1984. Every department in the church ministry was tasked to vigorously involve in the Harvest ’90 Evangelism Program. The focus was on the Oriental section and four more towns, Ayungon, Amlan, Sibulan, and Valencia were penetrated. Churches were built in each of these unentered areas and was generously funded by the Quiet Hour Ministry. For three consecutive years, the Mission reached over 7,716 baptism which was more than the total membership of the whole mission when it was first organized. It was also in the leadership of Pastor Gayares that this mission experienced having 1,416 souls harvested in one baptism after the Health Expo Crusade with Elder Tucker as the main speaker on April 17-26, 1987. This was held at the Paglaum Swimming Pool, with more than twenty ministers officiating the rite on April 25.
Pastor Gideon B. Buhat became the next president. He continued the program led by Pastor Gayares. Holding Camp Meetings in the districts from 1989 – 1992. Pastor Buhat did much in the thorough preparation for the mission to become a conference.
In 1993 Pastor Buhat was succeeded by Pastor Trinidad G. Fortaleza, who became the last president of the Mission and the first president of the Negros Occidental Conference for on May 4, 1993, the mission was granted the conference status by the then Asia-Pacific Division.
Succession of Presidents:
1962-1965 - Pastor Meliton M. Claveria
1966-1967 - Pastor Florencio M. Arrogante
1968-1971 - Pastor Diego C. Sabrine
1972-1977 - Pastor David J. Jucaban
1978-1980 - Pastor Dionesio M. Niere
1981-1983 - Pastor Oscar L. Alolor
1984-1988 - Pastor Hector V. Gayares
1989-1992 - Pastor Gideon B. Buhat
1993-2000 - Pastor Trinidad G. Fortaleza
2001-2008 - Pastor Charlie T. Jondonero
2009-2015 - Pastor Luisito T. Tomado
2016-present - Pastor Renito C. Inapan
The early history of the Advent Message in Negros Island dates back in 1917 with the growth of the message in the island of Panay, particularly in Iloilo, which was started on March 06, 1912 and in Cebu in 1914. Why Cebu is mentioned is that until the organization of Negros Mission, the churches in Negros Occidental were then affiliated with West Visayan Mission in Iloilo, while those of Negros Oriental and Siquijor were affiliated with the old East Visayan Mission, now Central Visayan Mission.
Among the earliest missionaries and workers who have left their influence among the early constituents in Negros were Elder Adams, G. Hugh Murrin, William Bergherm, F. M. Mote, H. P. Evans, and F. A. Pratt. Those in the Oriental Negros and Siquijor sections have to look back to F. E. Fattebert, a colporteur evangelist, Hugh Murrin, E. E. Douglas, W. B. Riffel, E. N. Lugenbeal and M. C. Warren.
Literature Evangelism in Negros was pioneered by brethren Pedro Habana, Primitivo and Juan Sumagaysay, Nicolas and Luis Roca, Adriano Aguiree, Alejandro Muchuelas, and Demetrio Juanillo. We also remember today evangelists Pastor Aquilino Same, Juan Golez, Jose Roca, Diego Sabrine, Maximo and Francisca Lirazan, and several more who pioneered in evangelizing Negros Occidental while the Arrogantes and the Llagunos were doing their part in the Oriental section.
These men and women have left their footprints never to be erased in the memory of those early converts. Some of them were still alive and were the nucleus of the membership of this conference when it was organized into a mission. Other workers that followed continued to build the solid foundation laid by this consecrated pioneers.
Each convert did his best to tell the gospel story to relatives, friends and neighbors, making southern and central Negros heavy with membership.
The time came when the church leaders decided to let this fast growing territory be weaned from her two mother missions. On January 1, 1962, Negros Mission was added to the sisterhood of missions in the South Philippine Union Mission, now the Central Philippine Union Conference with Pastor Meliton M. Claveria and Orlando C. Aguirre as President and Secretary-Treasurer respectively.
For the baby mission to survive and function properly, assets were given by the mother mission: 44% by the West Visayan and 18% by the East Visayan. There were 134 churches and companies, 86 of which were organized, with a membership of 7,620 and pastured by workers, administrators, departmental directors, literature evangelists and 6 church school teachers to start with.
Future plans for an educational institution and mission office were expressed by Elder F. M. Arrogante, the second mission president who presided the first general meeting on its 5th anniversary on April 18-22, 1967.
From a one-man crusade conducted by layman Urbano Hechanova, Sr. during the last general meeting at West Visayan Mission while soliciting support for the defunct Magalleon Junior Academy, the fire of Adventist education flourished in the hearts of every parent and youth and all became united crusaders of the establishment of Negros Mission Academy.
A Junior Academy with Pastor David J. Recalde as the first principal was started on make-shift classrooms made from the materials used during the general meeting, while simultaneously the mission officers and workers continued to campaign for funds for its completion, equipment and books. How the “school built by faith” (to quote Elder B.R. Arit, then Education Director of Central Philippine Union Mission) was started and built, only heaven knows, but it stands as tribute to the faith and courage of the workers and brethren.
Meanwhile, at this period 1962-1968, the office headquarters was at 44 Lacson Street and later moved to Atty. Remetio’s bldg. in Mabini St. The great need for an office building was the appeal made to the then Far Eastern Division (now Southern Asia-Pacific Division) through CPUM and an allocation of Php60,000.00 was released. The ground breaking on October 23, 1969 was immediately followed by the construction on the following day with the late Engr. Eliezer Roca, Sr., at the helm, while Mr. Esteban P. Genis, the Secretary-Treasurer, led as campaign manager for more funds from the local brethren and friends abroad, the fund of which was affected by the floating rate of the Philippine peso.
To save the rent expense of the office building and fare of workers who were incidentally residing around Taculing, and for closer supervision of the construction, it was wisely decided to move into the new building while the finishing touches were going on. On March 15, 1970, the equipment and personnel of the mission office in Mabini was moved to the new building, the total cost of which was Php77,831.87. The inauguration took place on December 17, 1971 while the Mission President, Pastor Diego C. Sabrine bowed out for retirement and Pastor David J. Jucaban took the reins of the administration.
With the academy and the office building fully established, the new president concentrated on church beautification. Baptism and church planting contributed to the steady growth of the church, bringing the membership count to 16,707 with 217 churches, 144 of which were organized after 16 years of cooperation.
1974 was banner year for the Publishing work with Pastor Joaquin S. Rosendo and his men hitting, for the first time, more than a million mark in sale of books and literature which also paved the way for the baptism of more than a hundred of souls.
The education department made a significant step in securing a permit and recognition from the Ministry of Education Culture and Sports. But with this fast progress, the mid-seventies marked the retirement of three dedicated ministers: Pastors Jose Corpus, Crisanto Garilva and Andres Savilla. But retirement did not stop them from actively participating in the shepherding and soul-winning program of the church. At the close of 1977, the president himself, joined the roster of retirees only to become “little president” of the mini mission in southern Negros.
Pastor Dionesio M. Niere continued the Harvest Time program of the then Far Eastern Division while actively taking the lead in the march for a college site, visiting scores of places until they settled on the very spot where Central Philippine Adventist College is now standing. While his Secretary-Treasurer, Pastor Solomon C. Cuizon, temporarity retired from administrative work because of health reasons.
The efforts of those strong and dedicated young people and laymen throughout the mission territories were blessed bountifully, and as they teamed up with our evangelists, they were able to reap rich harvest of souls and had the most number of Branch Sabbath Schools and Vacation Bible Schools throughout the union.
The early eighties started with Pastor Oscar L. Alolor as president. Some towns in Negros Occidental were entered and more churches were built. Soul-winning techniques and programs were upgraded and varied, and for the first time Public Health Evangelism was tapped and became a strong arm in the preaching of the gospel message. Dr. Daniel T. Alfanoso, Pastor Abraham T. Carpena, Mrs. Tessie O. Balacy and Pastor Prospero L. Gonzaga from Bacolod Sanitarium and Hospital were the exponents in this new ministry and became very much involved in the campaign against drug abuse, anti-smoking and alcohol cessation programs. At this time they have penetrated public and private schools, having the nod from the Ministry of Education Culture & Sports and an endorsement from the Provincial Government and Gov. Alfredo L. Montelibano himself.
One small, strong arm that was harnessed in soul-winning at this time is the training of child preachers in different districts. This was instrumental in leading many souls to Christ.
The challenge was even greater when Pastor Hector V. Gayares became president in 1984. Every department in the church ministry was tasked to vigorously involve in the Harvest ’90 Evangelism Program. The focus was on the Oriental section and four more towns, Ayungon, Amlan, Sibulan, and Valencia were penetrated. Churches were built in each of these unentered areas and was generously funded by the Quiet Hour Ministry. For three consecutive years, the Mission reached over 7,716 baptism which was more than the total membership of the whole mission when it was first organized. It was also in the leadership of Pastor Gayares that this mission experienced having 1,416 souls harvested in one baptism after the Health Expo Crusade with Elder Tucker as the main speaker on April 17-26, 1987. This was held at the Paglaum Swimming Pool, with more than twenty ministers officiating the rite on April 25.
Pastor Gideon B. Buhat became the next president. He continued the program led by Pastor Gayares. Holding Camp Meetings in the districts from 1989 – 1992. Pastor Buhat did much in the thorough preparation for the mission to become a conference.
In 1993 Pastor Buhat was succeeded by Pastor Trinidad G. Fortaleza, who became the last president of the Mission and the first president of the Negros Occidental Conference for on May 4, 1993, the mission was granted the conference status by the then Asia-Pacific Division.
Succession of Presidents:
1962-1965 - Pastor Meliton M. Claveria
1966-1967 - Pastor Florencio M. Arrogante
1968-1971 - Pastor Diego C. Sabrine
1972-1977 - Pastor David J. Jucaban
1978-1980 - Pastor Dionesio M. Niere
1981-1983 - Pastor Oscar L. Alolor
1984-1988 - Pastor Hector V. Gayares
1989-1992 - Pastor Gideon B. Buhat
1993-2000 - Pastor Trinidad G. Fortaleza
2001-2008 - Pastor Charlie T. Jondonero
2009-2015 - Pastor Luisito T. Tomado
2016-present - Pastor Renito C. Inapan