With the approval of the Church Administration, V. Agan Avenue Group Worship Service (GWS) in the Ecclesiastical District of Zamboanga City was elevated to local congregation status.

Brother Nelcar Loberiano, district supervising minister, officiated at the worship service that marked its milestone, which was held on August 26, 2026.

In his Bible-based homily, Brother Loberiano encouraged the worshipers to bear and hone the characteristics of members who will be saved on Judgment Day, one of which is dedicated to serving and worshiping God.

In an interview after the worship service, Brother Oliver Jandolf Paragoso, resident ministerial worker, explained that the rapid growth of the Church in the area was “Because of the enthusiasm of the brethren in taking part in the activities launched by the Church Administration.”

The new congregation’s place of worship is located along Gov. Ramos Street, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, in Mindanao, Philippines. The property is owned by Marcela Pascual, a deaconess. “I truly recognize it as a massive blessing to have been able to let the Church use our home as a place of worship,” she said, adding, “I’m incredibly happy that our former GWS is now a full-fledged local congregation.”

Fellow deaconess Fidela Calasang enthused, “I have been eagerly looking forward to this day when we will worship God near our homes. To God be all the glory.”

“I’m overjoyed that, in my own small way, I was able to contribute my professional engineering experience to the renovation and beautification of our place of worship,” remarked Randy Eugenio, a deacon and finance officer.

 “To Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, our Executive Minister, thank you very much for your continuous love and care for us,” said deaconess Jeanelyn Bentic.