The FFWPU Philippine Region in collaboration with the FFWPU Asia Pacific has organized the 3-Day Philippine CIG Leaders Meeting and Kick Off Workshop on February 15-17, 2026 at the FFWPU Philippine HQ, Quezon City and via Zoom. Centered on the theme, “United for Renewal: Empowered Leaders, One Vision,” the workshop gathered a full strength of the regional leadership, consisting of 52 leaders onsite and 20 attendees online.
This meeting and workshop was spearheaded by the Heavenly Asia Pacific Continental Director, Rev. Yutaka Yamada, as a re-echo of the education and spirit shared during the recent Asia Pacific 40-Day Jeongseong Workshop in Cheongpyeong, South Korea. This initiative especially aimed to reach local leaders who were unable to travel to Korea due to visa concerns, ensuring they could still receive the same guidance and inspiration. It also served as a meaningful opportunity to convey and extend True Mother’s love to the Philippines.
The meeting and workshop was blessed with the presence of the following leaders who also were instruments and medium to share the lectures from our Cheongpyeong lecturers:
1. Rev. Doo Song Yeon, Director General, WMHQ (recorded)
2. Rev. Yutaka Yamada, Continental Director, FFWPU Asia Pacific
3. Miki Abe, Instructor of Education Dept, FFWPU Japan HQ(recorded)
4. Dr. Julius Malicdem, Vice Continental Director, FFWPU Asia Pacific
5. Rev. Leo Angelo Halog, Director of Church Growth Department, FFWPU AP
6. Rev. Jaime O. Vergara, President, Sun Hwa International Academy
The first day of the workshop opened with inspiring and hopeful remarks by Rev. Ronnie Sodusta, Regional Director of FFWPU Philippine Region. He emphasized that although many Philippine leaders were unable to attend the workshop in Korea, Heaven had not forgotten them and instead extended this precious educational opportunity here in the Philippines. Afterward, a summary video of the Asia Pacific 40-Day Jeongseong Workshop in Cheongpyeong was presented, along with selected testimonies from participants.
One of the main highlights from Day 1 was the opportunity to experience the Intensive Resonance Prayer during the evening. The program led by Rev. Yutaka Yamada was full of spiritual energy and heartfelt longing to comfort True Mother especially in the current situation.
On the morning of the second day, all leaders joined the Necrological service of our Ambassador for Peace, Hon. Jose De Venecia, at the House of Representatives in Quezon City. The leaders expressed profound gratitude for his unwavering support of the Unification movement in the Philippines especially during the 1990s persecution and for being one of True Father’s closest Filipino VIP partners.
The Day 2 session resumed in the afternoon, where leaders received meaningful lectures about Completion of the Spirit Body (Well Dying), Life’s Purpose and Life of Cheon Il Guk. The messages were especially timely and profound, as the participants had just witnessed the life and legacy of Hon. Jose De Venecia during the Necrological Service earlier that day. His example gave deeper reflection and context to the teachings on living a purposeful life and preparing well for eternity. The day ended with an opportunity to attend the Cheon Shim Won Night Prayer Vigil.
On the last day of the meeting workshop, attendees gathered to listen to the Philippine Region Report by Rev. Ronnie Sodusta, along with reports from selected churches and departments. The Philippine Status Report from WMHQ was also presented, highlighting that the Philippines successfully achieved its 2025 tithing goal. WMHQ expressed strong confidence that the Philippine Region can further grow and produce even greater results in 2026.
A glimpse of the lectures from Practical Ministry Education for Leaders was also shared by Rev. Miki Abe from Japan via video record, especially on how to make a Good Sermon during Sunday Service. The session provided practical guidance to help leaders become the mouthpiece of True Parents to share Heavenly Parent’s love.
In the afternoon, leaders participated in a creative “Retain vs. Change” activity. This session allowed everyone to openly express what aspects of the current church structure and activities should be preserved, as well as what areas need improvement or transformation. This session gave the opportunity for leaders to become honest and be open to development for the betterment of our church.
During the closing program, Rev. Yutaka Yamada is hopeful that Philippine leaders have gained substantial education and insight through this meeting and Kick Off Workshop, not only in their roles as leaders but also in their personal lives of faith. He also emphasized that knowing reality is not losing confidence, but an opportunity to do more, to be strategic. Finally, he encouraged everyone that if all leaders are united, everyone will succeed together.
The workshop ended with a powerful cheers of Eog Mansei shouting the firm resolve that as a Region, Philippines will continue to move forward and bring victory for Heavenly Parent and True Parents, especially to our Holy Mother Han in this providential era.
Moments captured on this day.
Reflections shared by participants during this event.
“The 3-Day Philippine Leaders’ Meeting and Kick-Off Workshop was a profound experience that reminded us of Heaven’s constant guidance. Although we were unable to travel to Korea due to visa challenges, Heavenly Parent and True Parents opened another path. Through the wisdom and love of our Continental Director Rev. Yutaka Yamada and the Asia Pacific staff, the workshop was brought directly to the Philippines. What could have been a disappointment became a blessing, showing us that Heaven always provides the right environment when our hearts are sincere. The atmosphere throughout the workshop was deeply spiritual and uplifting. The intensive prayers and Cheon Shim Won sessions created a sacred space where we could renew our faith, purify our hearts, and strengthen our determination as leaders. These moments of devotion reminded us of the importance of anchoring our leadership in prayer and spiritual discipline. Equally valuable were the discussions with fellow leaders. Listening to their thoughts and realities opened my eyes to the diverse challenges and victories across our nation. These exchanges reminded me that leadership is not a solitary path but a shared journey of unity, empathy, and collective vision. This workshop was more than a meeting—it was a spiritual ignition. We leave with renewed determination, hearts anchored in gratitude, and spirits strengthened by prayer and fellowship. The challenges we face as leaders are real, but so is the love of Heaven that guides us. With the wisdom of True Parents, the support of our Continental Director, and the unity of our Philippine leaders, we are ready to advance with conviction. The fire we received in these three days must now be carried forward, transformed into action, vision, and unwavering dedication to the providence. The Philippines will rise as a beacon of faith, love, and leadership—because we have chosen to respond to Heaven’s call with courage and determination.”
Rev. Ronnie D. Sodusta
Regional Director
“I am so thankful for being part of this 3- Day kick off Leaders Meeting. During my time here, I was really able to understand the structure of different lectures and some important key points that we can all improve as a whole of Asia Pacific. Seeing all the leaders here, I felt that this was a good opportunity for me to learn and grow my heart aligning it more on my leadership skills. And during the first day of our workshop, I really enjoyed the part where we did our own Cheon Shim Won Intensive Vigil Prayer just like the one in Cheon Pyeong. I felt in a different realm, as if I was transported back to the time I was doing intensive prayer back in Cheon Pyeong. And seeing how all the leaders here being so passionate for members and staff really warms my heart. I am truly grateful to learn all these new points and I wish to share some of my new learnings back in Singapore as well.”
Alicia Low
HTG Asia Pacific Missionary Batch 1
“For my reflection, attending the Philippine Leaders Meeting for three days helped me realign my heart and responsibility as a youth leader. More than the lectures and reports, this meeting reminded me that leadership begins with sincere devotion, prayer, and a clear sense of purpose. The testimonies, special lectures, and vigil prayers challenged me to reflect on my own life of faith and consistency. I realized that as a youth leader, I am not only guiding others through activities, but through my example, discipline, and heart toward Heavenly Parent and True Parents. Another important realization for me was we need to strengthen education and internal guidance for the youth. This meeting helped me see that our role is not just to gather young people, but to help them grow in principle, responsibility, and ownership of their faith, especially in today’s challenging environment. This meeting strengthened my resolve to lead with humility, deepen my prayer life, and take greater responsibility in educating and guiding the youth. I am grateful for this opportunity and will carry these lessons forward in my mission.”
Hiroto Guingayan
President, Philippine Blessed Children Department
