A total of 24 disciples from all over the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) Philippines graduated with diploma and certificates from the Asia Pacific Leadership Academy (APLA) on August 25th during ICOC Davao’s 25th anniversary service in the most livable city in the country.

ICOC Philippines teacher Rolan Monje and his wife Weng, the APLA registrar, awarded diplomas to Fritzie M. Asuncion of Makati, Jonas L. Tandinco of Tacloban and Gregorio M. Torres of Batangas.

Diplomas in Christian Studies were also given to Marvin I. Adel of Batangas, Berlito D. Bernardino of Tarlac, Peter Michael D. Corpuz of Quezon City, John A.L.Q. Dolina of Laoag, sisters, Aubrey Q. Estioco of Manila and Monica Q. Estioco of Baguio, Amor Q. Ladores of Davao and Loren James D. Lee of Manila. They passed eight courses including five core and three electives.

Monica Estioco, who was one of the top two graduates this year (the other one being John Dolina), gave all the glory to God in her speech. She thanked “Manong Rolan and Ate Weng Monje for their unceasing devotion to teaching the word and equipping the church” as well as her family and Baguio Church for their encouragement, patience, and prayers.

“Finally, to my fellow APLA students, I thank you for your encouragement and inspiration, for being my friends and partners in this very noble endeavor of growing in our knowledge of the Word. May we always remember that this is an honor and privilege not extended to all. May we allow the Scriptures and the lessons to truly change us, so that our lives will be a testament of God’s power to other people,” she said, adding that gratitude should compel them to spread God’s word to as many as possible, so that they may also experience the miracle of a changed life.

She also urged her fellow APLA graduates to embrace every opportunity to learn, because they owe it to the brothers, sisters and the people they are helping to be trained as good stewards who can correctly handle the word of truth.

Meanwhile, Marianne S. Abalayan (Davao) along with Elda R. Bathan, Karen A. Morilla and Donna D. Torres (all of Batangas), Giovanni E. Belgar (Pasig), Richard M. Fauni (Cavite), Rommel Guce (Manila), Oliver V. Gulapa (Naga), Rodolfo S. MarteIII, Ma. Rosario M. Marte-Rediang, Rex Antonio C. Rediang and Rona C. Rediang (all of Quezon City) and Carina L. Soriano (Marikina) received their Certificates in Biblical Studies. APLA, according to its official website, was established to train leadership in Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Guam and the Philippines.