Union Theological Seminary, Philippines

Calling All Church Workers, Alumni, Students, and Friends!

You are warmly invited to the 2026 Church Workers’ Convocation and Name Day Celebration of Union Theological Seminary, happening on January 27–29, 2026.

Theme: Prophetic Witness in the Age of AI and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Join fellow church workers for a time of learning, reflection, and fellowship as we discern faithful ministry in a rapidly changing world.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/UTSat119th and be inspired to witness prophetically in our time!

Union Theological Seminary Philippines extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of Ms. Franelli Pableo.

We remember Ms. Pableo with gratitude for her faithful service to the Seminary as a member of the Board of Trustees and as its Secretary. Her dedication, wisdom, and commitment to the mission of the institution will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

We join you in mourning her passing and pray for comfort, peace, and strength for the family during this time of loss.

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Sharing here also the tribute of Dr. Eleazar S. Fernandez, who served as president of the Seminary from 2013 to 2023:

“Trusteeship as Vocation: Remembering Franelli Pableo

In times of great challenge, institutions endure because of people who hold them together quietly, faithfully, and with uncommon clarity. Franelli was one of those people. I remember her most vividly in her role as Secretary to the Board of Trustees—a role she inhabited not merely as a task, but as a vocation.
Her work was marked by precision, discipline, and care. Minutes were never merely records; they were acts of stewardship. Documents were not simply filed; they were made accessible, timely, and trustworthy-even across distance, disruption, and the isolations of the pandemic.

In a season when so much felt fragmented, her work gave the institution coherence. When physical presence was impossible, her preparation created presence. Our Board Meetings were efficient and productive, not by chance, but because she came ready — committed to the work and to one another-engaging fully until the very end. That kind of attentiveness is rare, and it matters.

As Secretary, she listened carefully and took notes with seriousness and respect. When she spoke, it was with clarity, substance, and purpose— never noise, always meaning. She understood that trusteeship is not about visibility, but responsibility.
Franelli's life of service reminds us that institutions are sustained not only by vision and leadership, but by faithful people whose quiet commitment makes shared work possible.

Her vocation of service continues to speak, even in her absence.”

Happening Now:

The Service of Death and Resurrection of Bishop Jose Castro Gamboa, Jr. at the Salakot Chapel led by the College of Bishops, Philippines Central Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The Service of Committal shall follow at the Manila Memorial Park, Dasmariñas.

Union Theological Seminary mourns the passing of a great teacher, co-worker, Pastor, and Bishop of the Church.

The UTS Community respectfully announces the wake of Bishop Jose Gamboa, Jr., held at Union Theological Seminary, City of Dasmariñas.

The wake will provide family, friends, colleagues, and members of the Church an opportunity to gather in prayer, remembrance, and thanksgiving for the life and faithful ministry of Bishop Gamboa, whose service and leadership greatly blessed the Seminary, the Church, and the wider community.

The Bishop Jose Gamboa, Jr. served as member of the faculty and Registrar of Union Theological Seminary. He initiated the establishment of the Theological Education by Extension at Union in May 1974, which celebrated its 50th year last November 2024. He was the first Director of the UTS Theological Education by Extension.

The Bishop Jose Gamboa Jr. faithfully served as the first Resident Bishop of Davao Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church from 1986 to 1994. He is also instrumental in the establishment of the Southern Philippines Methodist Colleges, Inc.

This year, Bishop Gamboa launched his book, “A Shepherd Goes Island Hopping”. On the said event, UTS TEE together with the TEE Alumni awarded a plaque of appreciation for his dedication to the theological and pastoral endeavor through the TEE program.

Further details, including the schedule of prayers and services, will be announced as they become available. Those who wish to sponsor or offer a prayer service are kindly requested to coordinate with Dr. Stella G. Cua at +63908 864 6139, Rev. Carleen Nomorosa at +63919 809 9562 or Pastor Kakay Pamaran at +63917 889 1907. We invite all who were touched by Bishop Gamboa’s life and ministry to join us in honoring his legacy and offering comfort to his family.

Please keep the Gamboa family and the United Methodist Church in your prayers during this time of mourning and hope.

SAVE THE DATE!

We joyfully invite all pastors, deaconesses, lay leaders, church workers, alumni, partners, and friends of Union Theological Seminary to gather for the 2026 Church Workers' Convocation and the 119th Name Day of Union Theological Seminary, Philippines, with the theme, “Prophetic Witness in the Age of AI and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

🗓 January 27–29, 2026
📍 UTS Dasmariñas Campus and the PCU Conference Center

As we enter a rapidly evolving era shaped by artificial intelligence and technological transformation, how are we called to speak truth, pursue justice, and embody Christ’s love? Let’s reflect, learn, worship, and discern God’s leading together.

During our time together, let us expect inspiring keynote lectures and panel discussions, community worship and fellowship and a special Name Day celebration honoring UTS’s 119-year legacy!

Spread the word and come be part of this meaningful gathering. Please register here: https://tinyurl.com/UTSat119th
See you in January!

Happening now: The first worship service of the second semester of this academic year with our President, Rev. Dr. Francisco J. Hernando, delivering the homily and Chaplain Wesley Cabansag celebrating the Lord’s Table.

Join us for an interfaith forum on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM to discuss updates on the Marawi IDPs and their ongoing campaign for a dignified return. Our speakers will discuss the sentiments of Muslim and Christian residents of Marawi City, who were among the victims, and whose institutions were destroyed due to the carpet bombing ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte from May 23 to October 17, 2017.

Register here for more information: https://forms.gle/PWk9NWKi8timbf9n9