By Cyrus A. Natividad

The Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches and the Barrio Obrero Iloilo City Baptist Church held the 2nd Memorial lecture in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Edwin I. Lariza on Monday, March 8, 2021 thru a Facebook premiere. This year’s theme for the memorial lecture is “#Padayon: Towards Societal Transformation.”

The program started with an invocation by CPBC Program Director Lady Deborah Bedona-Tan. On behalf of the Lariza family, Mr. Noel Ibanez Lariza, brother of Rev. Dr. Lariza gave the opening remarks. He extended his heartfelt appreciation for everyone who has helped in organizing the first and the second memorial lectures. The first Rev Dr. Edwin I. Lariza
Memorial Lecture last year was held at the Barrio Obrero Iloilo City Baptist Church.

On behalf of the Barrio Obrero Iloilo City Baptist Church (BOICBC), Mr. Ed Dello, BOICBC Chairman thanked the people who made the 2nd Memorial Lecture possible. He sentimentally mentioned the works of Lariza and all he did that has benefited The Barrio Obrero Iloilo City Baptist Church and its members. He mentioned the great impact of the works that Rev. Dr. Lariza had on them and their church.

In his message, CPBC National President Rev. Mark Vergara mentioned that Pastors should continue to uphold and support one another. He encouraged everyone to continue with God’s mission with the legacy that Rev. Dr. Lariza left behind. CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso acknowledged the dedication of Rev. Dr. Edwin Lariza in his missionary work as a reason that the Memorial Lecture is held in honor of him.

A musical intermission number “In the name of the Lord” was rendered by the Children’s Choir of Barrio Obrero Iloilo City Baptist Church. Professor Kareen Jay Diesto-Lozada, led the scripture with reference from Luke 19: 38-44 and in Romans 12: 2.

The speaker, Rev. Dr. Nestor D. Bunda was introduced by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, CPU Office of Communications Director. The speaker was a close friend of Dr. Lariza who worked with him in making ministries. Bunda said that “Edwin” was a man of faith; a biblical man while he (Dr. Bunda) was a Theologian. He interpreted Dr. Larizas’ thinking and shared their experiences and ideas in their Christian mission, for some years of working together.

Rev. Dr. Edwin I. Lariza who was Chairman of the CPU Department of Social Work in his time left a legacy of service – through his pastoral and socials ministries. He was engaged in academic service and was a CPU TV program host. He loved people and networking. He initiated outreach projects with several local NGO’s in Iloilo. He and Dr. Bunda had for two years hosted a CPU TV program “Ukay Baluskay,” as his means of reaching out to people. Rev. Dr. Nestor Bunda is now working as a Chaplain at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Rex Baco a local folk singer made a guitar intermission with his composition, ‘Asin kag Suga’. Ms. Celia Ibanez Lariza gave her closing remarks and thanked everyone for making it possible. The program ended with a closing prayer by CPBC Program Director Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado.