Leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Philippines Area Office recently participated in a strategic dialogue hosted by UNICEF Philippines on March 5, 2026 at the UNICEF Office in Manila, marking a significant step in strengthening humanitarian collaboration between the two organizations.
The Church was invited as the first faith-based organization to participate in this high-level discussion, which focused on exploring shared priorities and identifying opportunities for sustainable programs that benefit children and families.
Representing the Church were Abenir Pajaro, Area Manager for Welfare and Self-Reliance, Jude Solidarios, and Rudyard Buscato, Philippines Area Controller.
Brother Pajaro expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with UNICEF leaders.
“We are grateful to be part of this strategic discussion,” Pajaro said. “This is the first time we have been invited to participate in a dialogue at this level. We are excited to hear UNICEF’s direction and plans for the next five years.”
Strengthening Humanitarian Collaboration
During the meeting, UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Kyungsun Kim highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing humanitarian efforts.
She acknowledged the legacy of compassion and service associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and expressed optimism about the continued collaboration between the two organizations.
Kim noted that the partnership has the potential to extend beyond local initiatives and contribute to global humanitarian efforts, adding that the Philippines could serve as an example of effective cooperation between faith-based organizations and international humanitarian agencies.
The Church and UNICEF have previously collaborated on initiatives designed to support communities through sustainable and long-term development programs. Leaders emphasized that future projects aim to expand their reach and increase their impact, particularly in areas that benefit vulnerable children and families.
Shared Vision of Sustainable Service
In his closing remarks, Rudyad Buscato, Philippines Area Controller, emphasized the shared commitment between the Church and UNICEF to serve communities in meaningful and lasting ways.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from UNICEF and its ways of working,” Buscato said. “In the Church, we strive to follow the Lord’s way of serving others.”
He referenced the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, noting that both organizations share a similar vision: not only responding to immediate needs but also working toward long-term solutions that uplift individuals and communities.
Church leaders expressed confidence that through collaboration with UNICEF — with its global reach, technical expertise and established credibility — future initiatives can deliver sustainable humanitarian impact aligned with the Church’s welfare and self-reliance priorities.