Elder Rasband Dedicates BYU–Pathway Worldwide Global Education Center in Cebu

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the BYU–Pathway Worldwide Global Education Center (GEC) in Cebu City, Philippines, during a special devotional on February 23, 2025.

Elder Rasband was joined by Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., Philippines Area President, and his wife, Sister Marie Revillo; Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, and his wife, Sister Cristin Strong; as well as Brother Matt Eyring, Vice President for Advancement at BYU–Pathway Worldwide.

Excitement filled the devotional as nearly 1,500 people from various wards and stakes in Cebu and nearby areas attended, filling two stake centers and overflow rooms. Many others, unable to find seats, stood in the halls, watching through doors and windows.

A Historic Milestone for BYU–Pathway Worldwide

The BYU–Pathway Worldwide GEC in Cebu City is the first of its kind in Asia and one of only four operating worldwide. Elder Rasband shared that the First Presidency — the Church’s highest governing body, led by President Russell M. Nelson — carefully selected its location based on key factors, including its proximity to a temple and its potential to support a strong student base.

“They had to have certain qualifications. They should be near a temple. They have to have the ability to attract a strong student base. We’re anticipating that this particular center will eventually be of service to thousands of students,” Elder Rasband said before offering the dedicatory prayer.

“This is a pioneering effort in the Philippines and in the whole world... You are now going to have a BYU center here in the Philippines. What a great blessing for the people of the Philippines and for you of Cebu. I implore you to support it,” he added.

The center will serve as a hub for students enrolled in BYU–Pathway Worldwide, an online higher education institution sponsored by the Church. It will provide hands-on training, career preparation resources, interview practice rooms, remote workstations, English language classes, and collaborative study spaces.

Currently housed at the Lahug Stake meetinghouse within the Cebu Philippines Temple Complex, the BYU–Pathway Worldwide GEC also features nearly 100 computers, high-speed internet, and industry-standard technical equipment, ensuring students have the resources needed to succeed.

In his dedicatory prayer, Elder Rasband prayed for the success and protection of Cebu’s BYU–Pathway Worldwide GEC and, most importantly, for the temporal and spiritual success of its current and future students.

"We ask a special blessing on the students who will come here to learn and grow, to become more self-reliant, and to prepare to accomplish the responsibilities and challenges they will face in their lives. May they be blessed to learn how to be good husbands and wives — loving, caring, and wise mothers and fathers — honest businessmen and women, learning how to support themselves and a family. May they also be blessed to learn how to balance their daily lives spiritually, physically, and emotionally, and to prepare to one day return to their Father in Heaven," Elder Rasband said.

“May these precious souls be blessed to serve as a leaven to bring blessings to all the people in this region. May they each follow President Nelson’s charge to 'think celestial' and to 'let God prevail' in their lives. May each one strive to be peacemakers always,” the prayer continued.

Faith-Based Learning and Leadership Development

BYU–Pathway Worldwide seeks to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who lead in their homes, the Church, and their communities. In 2024 alone, the institution served nearly 75,000 students in more than 180 countries, including almost 4,000 Filipinos at various stages of their education.

In his message, Elder Revillo shared how the education provided through BYU–Pathway Worldwide differs from secular institutions. Reflecting on his experiences while studying engineering at a premier university in Manila, he emphasized the center’s unique integration of academic and spiritual learning.

“There is a difference in my education from that university in Manila versus what we are having here now in Cebu as we embark on the BYU–Pathway Worldwide Global Education Center,” he said. “The main difference is that I had a good secular education but without the spiritual component in that university. That is the main difference.”

“In the BYU–Pathway Worldwide Global Education Center, we are not just schooled with the education of the world, but we are educated in the things that are spiritual,” Elder Revillo added.

To learn more about enrolling in BYU–Pathway Worldwide and its Global Education Center in Cebu City, including available online programs, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities, visit byupathway.edu. ###