Baptist educators told: Continue teaching faith, love, hope to Filipinos

FILE PHOTO: Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. (Photo screengrab from House of Representatives YouTube livestream)

MANILA, Philippines — Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. has urged Baptist educators to continue teaching Filipinos the values of faith, love, and hope while serving as guiding lights.

In his statement to commemorate National Baptist Day on Thursday, Abante said the celebrations also aim to recognize the impact of Baptist communities on the Philippines,

Under Republic Act No. 11897, the second Thursday of January is designated a special working holiday to celebrate National Baptist Day in recognition of Baptists’ “continuous pursuit of their evangelical mission to contribute to nation-building by establishing Christian schools that instill academic excellence and build character in individuals.”

“To our Baptist educators and communities, you are more than teachers and congregations – you are stewards of faith and character,” Abante, a Baptist pastor and a co-author of R.A. No. 11897, said.

“National Baptist Day is more than a celebration; it is a recognition of the indelible impact that Baptist communities have in uplifting lives and spreading the teachings of faith, love, and hope across our nation,” he added.

According to Abante, the Baptists’ efforts help shape the minds of several generations of Filipino students.

“Your efforts help shape the hearts and minds of younger generations of Filipinos, instilling values that inspire them to become responsible, compassionate, and God-fearing citizens who embrace their role in nation-building,” Abante, who heads the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, stressed.

“Let your leadership and example continue to serve as a guiding light of hope and a force for good in our nation,” he added.  “(The National Baptist Day commemoration) serves as a call to action for individuals and communities to reflect on their values and actions.”

R.A. No. 11897 was crafted during the 18th Congress, with Abante as the author of the House version.  Prior to Abante’s work as a legislator, he founded the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church in 1975 and the Bible Believers League for Morality and Democracy in 1986.

“Faith is the light that guides us through the challenges of modern society and shields us against its temptations. It compels us to do the right thing and to take the morally upright path when confronted by the corrupting influences that have eroded traditional family values,” he said.

“Our shared faith reminds us that despite our differences, we are all called to love one another and work together for the common good. This is the spirit that Baptists embody and inspire in others,” he added.