08/07/2026
CONGRATULATIONS! The Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary (SPBTS) is pleased to recognize Bp. Francisco (“Frank”) Ponio Santos, Senior Pastor of Tarlac First Baptist Church, and Dr. Ester Zuyco-Plaga, Professor IV, Sociology Department, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mindanao State University–General Santos City, as the respective speakers for the Graduate Studies Commencement Exercises and Baccalaureate Service on August 19, 2026. In recognition of their faithful advancement of the Gospel through various Christian ministries, distinguished service to Christian education, and meaningful contributions to SPBTS programs, they will be conferred the honorary degrees of Doctor of Divinity (D.Div.) and Doctor of Pedagogy (Pd.D.), respectively. Additionally, Atty. Howard Scott Lagora Faldas, Lead Legal Counsel of SPBTS, will also receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) during the Commencement Exercises in recognition of his distinguished leadership, legal advocacy, and contributions to SPBTS initiatives.
-- Since 2023, the Commission for Independent Education of the State of Florida Department of Education (U.S.A.) has annually verified SPBTS’s authorization to offer educational programs that prepare students for religious vocations as ministers, professionals, or laypersons in ministry, counseling, theology, education, administration, music, fine arts, media communications, or social work. Having met the requirements of Section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes, SPBTS is authorized to confer academic degrees, including the Master of Arts, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Education. In addition, under Administrative Code R 6E-1.0041 of the State of Florida (U.S.A.), SPBTS is also authorized to award honorary degrees. For more information, contact the Commission at: Florida Department of Education, 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.
-- SPBTS, a member of Philippine Association of Bible and Theological Schools (PABATS), is an active member of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities (www.baptistschools.org) and the International Alliance for Christian Education (www.iace.education). The Philippine government’s Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognizes SPBTS’s undergraduate degree programs in Theology and Christian Education, and the Philippine government’s Department of Education (DepEd) recognizes its Basic Education Program.