In the Ecclesiastical District of Leyte, Philippines, 137 officers received Gawad ng Pagkilala (certificate of recognition) during their special gathering on October 10, 2025.

Among them, two choir members were recognized for serving actively for 59 years now, Felix and Jacinta Cavite of Naval Congregation.

“Fulfilling Church duties is not without hindrances. But whenever trials come, the first thing I do is pray. For I firmly believe that with God, nothing is impossible. He can expect that I will continue upholding my duty,” said 77-year old choir leader Felix Cavite. “The only reason I’m able to remain upholding my duty, notwithstanding all obstacles, is God’s continuous guidance to me. Fulfilling it is my lifelong joy and treasure,” said his 71-year-old wife, Jacinta.

With the Ormoc City Congregation’s house of worship as main venue, that of the Local Congregations of Abanilla, Baybay, Naval, Isabel, Kananga, and Tabango served as remote sites connected via videoconferencing.

Officers from nearby local congregations attended at the said venues, together with the 280 newly appointed ones who took oath of duty. Meanwhile, the awardees made it to the host site to personally receive their Gawad. A total of 2,850 officers, seasoned and newly minted, were present in the said gathering which was officiated at by district supervising minister Brother Marvin S. Garlitos.

Through God’s words written in the Bible, Brother Garlitos reminded the officers of the importance of upholding their respective Church duties no matter what. Being beneficial to the Church, and most of all for God’s glory, their active performance is never in vain—God will bless them their needs in this life and the eternal blessings in the life to come.

“My faith in God, and the joy of serving Him, and knowing that He is always there to help and care for me and my family. That’s what keeps me going,” shared 72-year-old Myrna Apsay who has been in the choir for 55 years, and as choir directress for 12 years, and counting.

“Gatherings like this keep us, officers, inspired having received the upliftment of faith, one of God’s promised blessings that He lays in store for His faithful servants,” added Giovanni Cavite, one of the head deacons of Naval Congregation for a decade now, and also a Children’s Worship Service teacher for already 32 years. — With assistance from Gabby T. Macato and Alyza Mae E. Apsay