In support of the “rapid growth” of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines, Sisters Perla “Viena” Aban, Claribel Colipapa, and Jessie Ann Villanueva have been called as Area Organization Advisers (AOA) to assist the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations in the country.
They will work alongside Sisters Perfecta Bautista, Marivic Tagnong, and Diana Cruz to ensure that women Church leaders in all stake and district organizations in the Philippines receive proper leadership instruction. They aim to teach by example that progress occurs when women and men serve together in unity and to include women’s perspectives at all council levels.
In a letter from the Philippines Area Presidency dated April 4, 2024, Elder Steven R. Bangerter, Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, and Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr. encouraged Church leaders in the Philippines to support Sisters Aban, Colipapa, and Villanueva as they begin their new callings.
“We express our sustaining support and welcome to these Sisters and look forward to the great work they will perform in the coming years,” the Philippines Area Presidency said. The letter was read in all sacrament meetings nationwide.
“We invite leaders throughout the Philippines to extend their heartfelt support to our Area Organization Advisers as they contact you to arrange training and instruction for your local organization leaders,” they added.
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From left to right, Sisters Perla “Viena” Aban, Claribel Colipapa, and Jessie Ann Villanueva have been called as Area Organization Advisers (AOA) to support the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations in the country.2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Sister Aban, from Cagayan de Oro, is an operations manager and co-owner of a food distribution company in Northern Mindanao. Her business and management experience spans over two decades. In addition to her business ventures, Sister Aban is also a registered nurse.
At Church, Sister Aban has served in various callings at the ward and stake levels, including seminary teacher, Relief Society President, and Primary President. She also served as an FSY session-directing couple with her husband, Ronald. Brother and Sister Aban are parents of four children.
Sister Colipapa has served as an elementary school teacher and school administrator under the Department of Education for over three decades. A mother of three, Sister Colipapa is also a proud grandmother of five grandchildren.
Sister Colipapa shared that she was a “bit shocked” to be called an AOA; however, she drew hope and assurance from one of President Thomas S. Monson’s famous quotes: ‘Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.’ “It is my humble desire to help hasten the Lord's work of salvation and exaltation in this part of Zion,” she said.
Like her colleagues in the AOA organization, Sister Villanueva has lived a life focused on faith and service. She has also served in various ward and stake-level positions involving the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society Organizations. She also served as a Mission Leader with her husband Raul in the Philippines Cauayan Mission.
Sister Villanueva said that she constantly seeks inspiration through prayer at the temple and that she feels that her new calling is an answer to her prayers, where she often asks for “new things to learn.”
“With fervent prayers, especially inside the House of the Lord… I lately feel this profound joy in my heart. I know angels are with me and our dear leaders as we faithfully serve. I'm now looking forward to working with them,” she said.
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