By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

The group had a pit stop at Banate Baptist Church before going to Camp Higher Ground.

On December 20, 2021, Central Philippine University and the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches co-hosted the 78th memorial celebration of the Hopevale Martyrdom at Camp Higher Ground, Barotac Viejo.

As part of the celebration, 32 bikers, who are mostly Centralians and members of churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, biked from the campus of Central Philippine University to Camp Higher Ground. The group passed by Dumangas Baptist Church where they were treated by a breakfast of native delicacies and welcomed by the church officers. The next pit stop was Banate Baptist Church where once again they were given some pizza and buko juice. The bikers arrived by 10:30 am after more than 70 kilometers of biking.

During the Worship Service, the assembled group remembered what happened 78 years ago on December 20, 1943. 11 American Baptist missionaries and one boy were martyred in the hills of Tapaz, Capiz. They were beheaded and burned by the Japanese soldiers who captured them a day before. They were most probably preparing for their Christmas celebration as this could have been their second Christmas since they evacuated in 1942. But they were not able to celebrate Christmas that year.

The bikers started biking at 530am from the CPU campus.

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles gave a reflection on what lessons can we learn from the life of the American missionaries.

After the Opening Prayer by Rev. Mark Vergara, President of the Convention Baptist Ministers Association, the CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, greeted and thanked everyone for gracing the memorial service. The Chairman of the Camp Higher Ground Committee, Rev. Job A. Santiago, shared that the American Baptist missionaries were assigned to Central Philippine College, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Filamer Christian College, and churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. They committed their lives to do mission, and as such, we should as well.

The main speaker of the event was CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. In his reflection, he shared that we must emulate the values of the American Baptist missionaries. He emphasized the values of perseverance, honesty, and sharing of resources. Dr. Robles also challenged the group to “walk the talk” as shown by the lives of the missionaries. He said that they came for a purpose, and they did it even to the point of giving their lives. Furthermore, Dr. Robles said, “Even though we do not know them personally, we are products of their mission work and their values of service to humanity.”

32 bikers led by the CPU Bikers group went to Camp Higher Ground.

The celebration was closed by a prayer by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church.

The whole event was organized by Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado, Director of the Pastoral Placement, Theological Education, and Ministerial Concerns. The organizers would like to thank CPU for the ambulance, convoy vans, media team, and food. Special thanks also to the Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Peter C. Corvera, Gen. Ezra Enriquez and family, and Gen. Tyne Bañas.