Phillipines Jurisdiction

Bishop Benjamin A. Justo, who led the Baguio Area in the Philippines until 2008, is being remembered for his guidance, integrity and wit. He died March 28 at age 84. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bishop Justo remembered as ‘pillar of faith’

Retired Bishop Benjamin A. Justo, who led the Baguio Area in the Philippines until 2008, died March 28 at age 84.

United Methodist deaconesses Norma Dollaga (right) and Rubylin Litao talk with Bienvenido and Estrella Nonay in Caloocan, Philippines. The Nonays’ son Bernardo was assassinated in 2018, one of thousands of extrajudicial killings carried out as part of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial "war on drugs." The deaconesses are founders of Rise Up for Life and for Rights, which unites family and friends of victims and advocates in demanding an end to the violence and punishment for those responsible. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

United Methodists react to Duterte arrest

Church leaders and justice advocates in the Philippines say the arrest of the former president is a step toward justice for the thousands who died during his war on drugs.

Social Concerns

Norma P. Dollaga listens as Bishop Ivan Abrahams reads the citation for the 2024 World Methodist Peace Award on Aug. 15 during the World Methodist Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden. Dollaga, a United Methodist deaconess, is being recognized for her efforts to stop extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. United Methodist Bishop Christian Alsted also was honored with a peace award for his work in Ukraine. Abrahams is the outgoing general secretary of the World Methodist Council. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

2 United Methodists receive Peace Awards

Bishop Christian Alsted and Filipino deaconess Norma P. Dollaga both received the World Methodist Council’s highest honor for courageous ministry in very different contexts.

Global Health

United Methodist Bishop Rodel M. Acdal (center) cuts the ribbon on a facility that will provide care and support for people living with HIV during a dedication service at Wesleyan University-Philippines Hospital in Cabanatuan City, Philippines. He is joined by Bishop Israel M. Painit (left) and Juanito Carlos Jr. (second from left), chair of the university's board of trustees. Photo courtesy of Wesleyan University-Philippines Hospital.

New hub in Philippines supports people living with HIV

The Wesleyan University-Philippines Hospital initiative will provide a safe space for treatment and counseling.

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