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The Christian Family Organizations (CFO) Office hosted an International Conference for CFO Leaders that was held on June 21 to 23, 2025. For this three-day event held in various sites in the Philippines, CFO officers even from the US and Europe were in attendance.
On April 14, 2024, brethren from various local congregations convened at selected houses of worship. In total, 20 houses of worship served as venues for the special gathering. Connected via videoconferencing to the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Boac, the host site, they were able to attend the momentous occasion officiated by Brother Sabado.
During the said occasion, attendees praised the Almighty God for His unceasing help to the said district which enabled it to reap success despite the trials and hindrances, especially during its pioneering years.
The district supervising minister expounded from the Bible that members of the Church, especially the officers, should neither tire nor cease in fulfilling their Church duties. He reminded them that God Himself promises His servants that He will guide and strengthen them as they fully believe in, trust in, and rely on what He can do for them.
A highlight of the gathering was the awarding of certificates of recognition signed by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, Executive Minister of the Church Of Christ, to brethren and Church officers who have been active in their duties for decades now.
“Before, there were still no concrete roads, and there were only limited means of transportation. So, ministers, and brethren had to walk long distances for us to reach the house of worship,” shared Sabino Pelobello Jr., award recipient, and deacon for 53 years, from the Local Congregation of San Antonio, describing the condition of the said district during its early years. “Despite this condition, we were never hindered in fulfilling our duty.”
Fausta Rodela, another recipient, a choir member for 67 uninterrupted years from San Antonio Congregation expressed that she is “joyful for God helps [her] to continue performing [her] duty, and witness the growth of the Church Of Christ” in their district.
On the first day, the delegates attended a special worship service officiated at by the Deputy Executive Minister, Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Cubao, Ecclesiastical District of Central which was also witnessed by other CFO officers, via livestreaming, gathered at various remote sites.
“We, CFO officers, ought to be responsible and compassionate leaders to our fellow brethren,” said Thailand District KADIWA president Alexis Jae Quebral of what he learned during the gathering. He felt “so blessed to have witnessed the preaching of Brother Angelo Manalo himself. It’s truly inspiring to see him up close, and I’ve learned a lot from the biblical lesson,” he added.
Later that day, with the aim of learning more about Sign Language (SL), the delegates attended a Sign Language seminar at the EVM Convention Center (EVMCC). Then, the Iglesia Ni Cristo Production Company treated them to uplifting performances of INC original music before concluding the day.
In the morning, CFO officers were brought to the Philippine Arena in Ciudad de Victoria, Bulacan to attend several seminars that focused on mental health, School For Ministers (SFM) recruitment, and the effective leadership lecture that was led by Brother Joel San Pedro.
“I learned that as an officer, I have to be attentive to the struggles of my fellow officers and members. We were also encouraged to practice emotional intelligence by managing our own emotions well, foster support for one another, and promote spiritually healthy environment as we carry out our duties,” reflected Cebu City District KADIWA president Cheryl Moana Marie Enriquez.
Afterwards, those who belong to the same CFO were grouped together for their breakout sessions wherein they had team games, and leadership reflection, among others. “I learned more activities we can conduct in our district for the young members of the Church and how I can improve in performing my tasks,” said Calamba City, Laguna District Children’s Worship Service (CWS) chairperson Ryan Golez.
Before the day concluded, all the attendees were able to visit the attractions within Ciudad de Victoria.
A tour at the INC Museum for all attendees was held on the final day of the conference. “Being able to visit the Church’s museum is fulfilling since we’ve been in Canada for 23 years now,” shared Manitoba District KADIWA vice-president Anna Rosette Servino. “Walking through the various installations, I was able to see right in front of me the growth of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, from its humble beginnings to where it stands now: victorious and triumphant,” she added.
After the tour and a lunch-together at EVMCC, the CFO leaders attended a biblical lecture by Brother Antonio T. de Guzman Jr. at the left wing of the Central Temple’s main nave.
“It was reiterated to me that the duty I have is a gift from God, that is, as I prioritize it above my other responsibilities in life, I’d receive strength to take up all of them,” narrated Servino.
As the conference concluded, CFO leaders were gathered at the EVMCC for a final get-together with their fellow officers before returning to their respective districts.
“It’s utmost level of concern that the Church Administration has for us, actually working for our sake. Being able to meet with the Executive Minister’s primary helpers and hear the biblical lessons they taught reminded me of how well we’re taken care of by God through them—which is truly invaluable,” said New York District KADIWA secretary Emerald Jane Vidad.
On behalf of her fellow CFO leaders, Enriquez expressed her gratitude to the Executive Minister: “Through your leadership, vision, and love for CFO, this conference for CFO leaders was realized, for which we’re thankful. Through this, we’ve been strengthened in our faith, deepened our understanding with our sacred duties, and equipped with the must-have qualities to grow as better leaders.”
“We promise that in whatever we do in the performance of our duties, we will always lead with love and compassion, just as the Church Administration leads the entirety of the Iglesia Ni Cristo,” Servino added.
