Hope Channel Philippines Breaks Ground for New Building

The ground-breaking ceremony for Hope Channel Philippines (HCP) is yet another leap of faith and a manifestation of the growth of the gospel work in the Philippines, regional Seventh-day Adventist church leaders said.

Held on November 5 at the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) campus in Silang, Cavite, the event drew leaders from the Communication and Hope Channel departments of the Southern-Asia Pacific Division (SSD), as well as officers from regional church offices throughout the Philippines. Contractors, lawyers, HCP staff, and presidents from the four Philippine union conferences — key individuals who have played integral roles in advancing HCP — were also present to show their support.

At the beginning of the program, Danielo Palomares, president of Southeast Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), provided a brief history of HCP from its beginnings in 2011. He acknowledged the pioneering effort of its first president, Jonathan Catolico, who was also present at the November 5 ceremony.

In his welcome remarks, SSD communication director Heshbon Buscato shared his joy over this new development for the church’s broadcast ministry. He remarked, “This is God’s blessing. God allows people to make plans, but it is God who blesses and brings them to fruition. This project is ambitious. It will be hard financially, but God will provide the resources needed.”

AUP president Arceli Rosario also shared her excitement that the project, discussed as early as 2022, is finally coming together. She conveyed how grateful she is that church leaders have seen AUP as a strategic location for HCP. Since the university has communication students, they can gain hands-on experience and, in turn, the channel benefit from fresh talents.

“Together, we can make great and mighty things for the Lord — things beyond our imagination,” Rosario said. “The work of the Lord will be finished, and we praise God that AUP is part of something great that is about to come.”

Project contractor Desmond Diaz provided an overview of the building’s features, noting that it will include an archive section in the lobby to allow visitors easy access to the history of God’s providence to HCP. The building will have a holding area, make-up room, pantry, a large studio with high ceilings for flexible lighting setups, and adaptable backdrops to support three large-scale productions. There will also be two mini-studios for smaller productions. In addition, the entire facility will be designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, to encourage them to serve through media ministry.

“God in His mercy and faithfulness has chosen this place to be the right place, this time to be the right time, these leaders to be the right leaders, this project to be the right project, to bring the right message, songs, content, so people will end up in the right place,” Diaz said.

SSD Hope Channel coordinator Micael Palar inspired attendees saying, “I admire you because you continue to dream big to accomplish the Lord’s mission.” Quoting Isaiah 66:19, he emphasized that through Hope Channel the gospel message will reach every island in the Philippines. “Attempt great things for God; expect great things from Him,” he said.

The original version of this story was posted on the North Philippine Union Conference news site.