UCCP CENDET EXPANDS TO UCCP SHALOM CENTER SUGBU

By: Ms. Beryl Grace C. Avila

“My favourite Old Testament character Caleb said, “If the Lord delights in us, we will be able to do it!”

 – Bishop Marigza –

Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza, UCCP General Secretary together with Mrs. Winifreda Barloso, UCCP Shalom Center General Manager, and Mrs. Susan Claro, VCMC Chief Executive Officer led the ribbon-cutting ceremony as the new expansion of UCCP CENDET – UCCP SHALOM CENTER SUGBU opened at Osmena Blvd., Cebu City last December 7, 2016.

CENDET is an acronym of Center for Development Education and Training. In a more comprehensive view, the main purpose of CENDET is to serve as a nerve center of the whole integrated development education and training activities, and Christian witness and service ministry of the Visayas Jurisdiction, UCCP. As it continues through the years, it became one of the resource generators in pursuing the UCCP’s programs thru the One Management System.  CENDET inspires people because of its hospitality and its staff’s countenance in accommodating guests and visitors all over the Philippines through the leadership of Ms. Carmelita Banlasan, CENDET Center Manager.  There have been many challenges encountered in serving the people who need comfort and safety but CENDET has proven its total quality service. And for that, the need for growth and expansion was considered in order to serve more people who want a “Christian home away from home” in Cebu City. The collaborative efforts of UCCP National Office, UCCP Shalom Center, and UCCP VCMC in the expansion of CENDET was made possible and resulted to having a new two-floor building with 27 rooms located in the VCMC building.

Prior to the blessing ceremony, an advance party from the pool of coordinators in UCCP Shalom Center Manila led by Mrs. Barloso came over to CENDET to train the new workers of UCCP Shalom Center Sugbu, that included: Ms. Priscy Darling Morales (Administrative Assistant), Ms. Jhoanalyn Agbo-Reyes (Marketing Coordinator), Mr. Jessie Hernandez (Accountant), Engr. Jeffrey Serafica (Engineering and Maintenance Head), and Mr. Ramon Palileo (Housekeeping Assistant, OIC). They helped in the orientation of the One Management System’s Vision, Mission, and Goal, conducted actual training to hone the skills of the applicants, and later evaluated the newly trained personnel for them to be prepared in their designated tasks.

At around 10 o’clock in the morning, the Blessing Rite started with the ribbon-cutting ceremony which was led by the leaders mentioned above. Bishop Jezer E. Bertoldo, Western Visayas Jurisdictional Assigned Bishop graced the event as he took the lead in the act of dedication. The purpose of the gathering and welcome greeting was given by Bishop Marigza, the UCCP General Secretary. The 27 rooms were consecrated through sprinkling of water done by the Bishops, One Management Board Members and VCMC Board Members. The gathering was also attended by the following people who honor and value the significance of UCCP’s endeavor in the vineyard of God’s kingdom; Bishop Hamuel G. Tequis (OMB/SEMJA Assigned Bishop), Rev. Rannieh B. Mercado (UCCP Executive Secretary for Program Ministry and Administration), Mr. Pio D. Baconga (National Council Chairperson/VCMC), Mrs. Ruth C. Abad (OMB), Atty. Frank Levi C. Ugsad (OMB), Mr. Geuel Auste (OMB), Rev. Paunil Abella (VCMC Board), Rev. Aldrin Jovita (VCMC),Dr. Lucia Florendo (VCMC Board), Mr. Norman B. Ramiro (VCMC), and other notable guests. After the liturgy, a luncheon fellowship took place at the new cafeteria of UCCP Shalom Center Sugbu.

In the inspirational message given by Bishop Marigza, he said “Here in VCMC, Shalom Center and in the UCCP, people have the mind to work – and our edifice will be completed because we have the mind to work and to make our vision come true. May God deem it fit to bless the endeavor of our hands as today we have signed the agreement which will turn our dream and vision to a life-enhancing reality.”  May these words be the guide of our leaders and church workers in the venture of UCCP Shalom Center Sugbu. We fervently pray that this institution will show its unusual kindness for it kindles a fire and welcomes all the guests, receives and entertains all people hospitably, becomes a place of healing and recovery, the staff will go the extra mile in their service, and will be the source of joy and bliss to everyone who are entering this place called “a room in the inn”.

Indeed, God is great for His never-ending provisions and that He is worthy to be praised and thanked; if the Lord delights in us, we will be able to do it together!  UCCP Shalom Center Sugbo would like to extend its immense thanks to the people/organizations behind the success of this event; UCCP National Office, UCCP Shalom Center, UCCP HARAN Center, UCCP CENDET Staff, Visayas Jurisdiction Office, VCMC, other unmentioned organizations and church institutions, in which they have offered their ample time, efforts and generosity that made all these things possible. The assurance of fulfilling God’s mission in building His Kingdom here on earth is made possible through manifesting our faith in action. God’s blessings be upon all of us, as UCCP Shalom Center Sugbu soars high in the coming years!

Shalom Chaverim!

For more information, please click on the link: UCCP Shalom Center Sugbu