In a spirit of unity, faith, and remembrance, members from five stakes: Davao, Davao-Buhangin, Davao West, Panabo, and Tagum, gathered on October 19 at the Buhangin Meetinghouse for a special multi-stake devotional celebrating the enduring legacy of faith among the Saints in Mindanao.
Despite an unexpected power interruption during the program, the speakers pressed forward with unwavering faith, sharing heartfelt conversion stories and testimonies.
Inspiring Messages from the Speakers
Sister Kathleen Mumar Yuson shared her family’s conversion story, beginning with her grandparents and continuing with her own return to the Church.
“Had I not made a decision to return, stay, and learn more of the Savior, I know my life would have been much harder… Let us decide today, brothers and sisters, to be part of the Lord’s great work in these latter days. Let us decide to stay and be on the Lord’s side. Let us decide to be happier by applying the things we have learned in the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Sister Purita Bernales recounted her conversion through a friend’s invitation to learn about the gospel. Her testimony emphasized the Book of Mormon, Church activities, priesthood power, tithing, and temple covenants.
“Simplicity in all forms—that’s my simple formula of keeping and making my covenants.”
Brother Ricardo Cobing shared how he learned about the Church through his employer and a coworker who introduced him to the missionaries.
“That day has changed my life and has changed my life forever.”
He later served a full-time mission, which deepened his testimony and shaped his future.
“While looking back—from being a houseboy, to a missionary, to finishing college, working for the Church Educational System, raising a family in the gospel, and later serving as a mission leader—I can see how the Lord has guided me every step of the way.”
Sister Virginia Cuyong, daughter of Davao pioneer Sister Daniela Dela Victoria and former Manila Philippines Temple Matron, bore powerful testimony of the gospel, the Book of Mormon, and the temple.
“I am blessed to witness the Davao Temple today. To live to this day and see a temple built in my very own place is a fulfillment of God’s promise to the faithful Saints. I encourage each of you to dedicate time to serve in the house of the Lord.”
President Maligon, Davao Philippines Mission President, who served his full-time mission in Davao in 1983, spoke about his family’s conversion and the importance of remembering our spiritual heritage.
“Remembering our shared legacy of faith, devotion, and perseverance can give us perspective and strength as we face the challenges of our days.”
Elder Bartolome Madriaga, Area Seventy, expressed gratitude for the remarkable growth of the Church in Davao, especially among the rising generation.
“I’m especially thankful for the many good things that happened in Davao because of this rising generation. Indeed, they are really prepared by the Lord.”
He highlighted milestones such as the groundbreaking of the Davao Philippines Temple, multiple FSY conferences, the first Light of the World event in Davao, and the first-ever Strive to Be concert in the Philippines, held in Davao last August.
“As you do many wonderful things for the Church, make time to record them because those who will benefit are not only us but the future generations. Record them. It will be a record of faith and testimony for those who follow us—that this is the Lord’s Church, that Jesus Christ is our Savior. He loves us and He knows every one of us. And if we turn to Him, He will sculpture us. He will give us power equal to the burdens that will come to us.”
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A Legacy of Faith Across Generations
The devotional also strengthened testimonies by honoring the faith of early converts in Mindanao.
Ena Beatrice Justaga shared:
“One of the greatest blessings is being raised with strong examples of faith and unwavering commitment to the Lord and His restored gospel. Growing up surrounded by testimonies and stories of faith has deeply shaped my spiritual growth in the Church and strengthened my desire to emulate the Savior.”
Marion Q. Galvez expressed gratitude for her grandfather’s faith:
“I am grateful for my grandfather, Jaime G. Galvez Sr., for accepting the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of the gospel, we have the assurance that we will be together with our families in the next life when we stay true to the covenants we made in the temple.”
Joseph Anthony Mumar testified of the blessings of being part of a multi-generational family in the gospel:
“I’m grateful that I belong to a multi-generation family in the Church—my grandparents as the first generation, my parents as the second, I’m in the third, and my children belong to the fourth generation. We are so blessed because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m sure it will bless all of our generations.”
A Night to Remember
Despite the power outage, the devotional became a powerful reminder of gratitude, faith, and discipleship. It honored the pioneers of the past and inspired today’s Saints—and the rising generation—to continue building the Lord’s work in Mindanao with steadfast hearts and unwavering testimonies.