2025 Philippines Delegates
Pablito A. Baybado
Professor, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Pablito A. Baybado, Jr., PhD is a theology professor and program lead of the Graduate School of Technology program, a professor of theology at the Institute of Religion, and a researcher at the Center for Theology Religious Studies, and Ethics of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. He is the Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Education and Faith Formation, and the Associate Secretary General of Religions for Peace Asia. He is also a member of the Regional Experts of ASEAN Institute of Peace and Reconciliation and a trainer at the KAICIID Training on Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue for ASEAN Officials. His research interests are the theology of dialogue and peacebuilding.
Pablito A. Baybado, Jr., PhD is a theology professor and program lead of the Graduate School of Technology program, a professor of theology at the Institute of Religion, and a researcher at the Center for Theology Religious Studies, and Ethics of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. He is the Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Education and Faith Formation, and the Associate Secretary General of Religions for Peace Asia. He is also a member of the Regional Experts of ASEAN Institute of Peace and Reconciliation and a trainer at the KAICIID Training on Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue for ASEAN Officials. His research interests are the theology of dialogue and peacebuilding.
Michael B. Strong
General Authority Seventy and Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Philippines
Elder Michael B. Strong was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the April 2024 general conference. At the time of his call, he had been serving as a member of the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy in the Utah Area. He is currently serving in the Philippines Area Presidency. Elder Strong has served in several Church callings, including full-time missionary in the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission, bishop, stake president, and president of the Perú Lima Central Mission from 2018 to 2021. Elder Strong received a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and a minor in chemistry from Brigham Young University in 1989 and a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in 1993. He worked as a physician and the Chief Medical Information Officer for the University of Utah.
Elder Michael B. Strong was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the April 2024 general conference. At the time of his call, he had been serving as a member of the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy in the Utah Area. He is currently serving in the Philippines Area Presidency. Elder Strong has served in several Church callings, including full-time missionary in the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission, bishop, stake president, and president of the Perú Lima Central Mission from 2018 to 2021. Elder Strong received a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and a minor in chemistry from Brigham Young University in 1989 and a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in 1993. He worked as a physician and the Chief Medical Information Officer for the University of Utah.
Salma Pir T. Rasul
Professor, University of the Philippines College of Law; Program Director, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, Philippines
Salma Pir T. Rasul has been admitted to the Philippine Bar and successfully sat for the state bar examinations of New York and Maryland. She is the Program Director of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy. She is the Director for the Islamic Law Studies of the University of the Philippines Law Center (UPLC) and develops the core programs on Islamic law and jurisprudence. She lectures at the Tañada-Diokno School of Law of De LaSalle University, the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program of the UPLC, and the International Studies Program of the Miriam College. Rasul is a research fellow of the National College of Public Administration and Governance, focusing on issues relating to Islamic Banking and Finance, and Shari’ah Justice system. She is also a member of the TWG on Shari’ah of the Supreme Court’s Committee on the Enhancement of Justice of Underserved and Marginalized Communities. She obtained her JD in Law from the University of the Philippines College of Law, with an undergraduate degree in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines School of Economics. She recently completed the Insider Mediation training at the Clingendael Institute at The Hague.
Salma Pir T. Rasul has been admitted to the Philippine Bar and successfully sat for the state bar examinations of New York and Maryland. She is the Program Director of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy. She is the Director for the Islamic Law Studies of the University of the Philippines Law Center (UPLC) and develops the core programs on Islamic law and jurisprudence. She lectures at the Tañada-Diokno School of Law of De LaSalle University, the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program of the UPLC, and the International Studies Program of the Miriam College. Rasul is a research fellow of the National College of Public Administration and Governance, focusing on issues relating to Islamic Banking and Finance, and Shari’ah Justice system. She is also a member of the TWG on Shari’ah of the Supreme Court’s Committee on the Enhancement of Justice of Underserved and Marginalized Communities. She obtained her JD in Law from the University of the Philippines College of Law, with an undergraduate degree in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines School of Economics. She recently completed the Insider Mediation training at the Clingendael Institute at The Hague.
Reverand Jerome R. Secillano
Executive Secretary, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs (CBCP-ECPA), Philippines
Rev. Fr. Jerome R. Secillano, MPA is the Rector of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace under the Archdiocese of Manila. He concurrently serves as the Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. He is also the Spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Minister of the Archdiocesan Ministry on Public Affairs. He hosts a public affairs program every Saturday at Radio Veritas titled VERITASAN. He graduated in Theology and Canon Law at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila. He obtained his master’s degree in Public Administration and in Public Policy at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), Diliman, Quezon City. He took an Executive Course on National Security at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. His work includes engaging with the public and private sectors on Church and State affairs.
Rev. Fr. Jerome R. Secillano, MPA is the Rector of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace under the Archdiocese of Manila. He concurrently serves as the Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. He is also the Spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Minister of the Archdiocesan Ministry on Public Affairs. He hosts a public affairs program every Saturday at Radio Veritas titled VERITASAN. He graduated in Theology and Canon Law at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila. He obtained his master’s degree in Public Administration and in Public Policy at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), Diliman, Quezon City. He took an Executive Course on National Security at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. His work includes engaging with the public and private sectors on Church and State affairs.
Alizaman Dumangcag Gamon
Assistant Professor, Abdulhamid Abusulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, Islamic International University of Malaysia; Vice President, International Affairs, Ranao Council Al Khwarizmi International College Foundation Incorporated, Philippines
Dr. Alizaman D. Gamon is an assistant professor at the Department of Fundamental and Inter-Disciplinary Studies, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. Dr. Alizaman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies (Shari’ah) from Mindanao State University, where he graduated cum laude in 1991. He also earned a second bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the International Islamic University Malaysia in 1995. Dr. Alizaman pursued his academic journey further at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), IIUM, where he obtained his master’s degree in Islamic Civilization in 2001 and his PhD in Islamic and Other Civilizations in 2014. Dr. Alizaman is the Vice President for International Affairs at Ranao Council Al Khwarizmi International College Foundation Incorporated in Marawi City, Philippines (RC—AKIC). He is also the IIIT Country Representative for the Philippines and is actively helping private colleges empower teachers and lecturers in developing curricula based on the Integration of Knowledge framework. Dr. Alizaman’s research primarily focuses on reviving the intellectual and religious dimensions of Islam and examining its relevance in secular contexts, particularly within Muslim communities in Southeast Asia. He advocates for the reformulation of a culture of knowledge that fosters peace, integration, and sustainable development, aimed at advancing a contemporary narrative.
Dr. Alizaman D. Gamon is an assistant professor at the Department of Fundamental and Inter-Disciplinary Studies, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. Dr. Alizaman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies (Shari’ah) from Mindanao State University, where he graduated cum laude in 1991. He also earned a second bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the International Islamic University Malaysia in 1995. Dr. Alizaman pursued his academic journey further at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), IIUM, where he obtained his master’s degree in Islamic Civilization in 2001 and his PhD in Islamic and Other Civilizations in 2014. Dr. Alizaman is the Vice President for International Affairs at Ranao Council Al Khwarizmi International College Foundation Incorporated in Marawi City, Philippines (RC—AKIC). He is also the IIIT Country Representative for the Philippines and is actively helping private colleges empower teachers and lecturers in developing curricula based on the Integration of Knowledge framework. Dr. Alizaman’s research primarily focuses on reviving the intellectual and religious dimensions of Islam and examining its relevance in secular contexts, particularly within Muslim communities in Southeast Asia. He advocates for the reformulation of a culture of knowledge that fosters peace, integration, and sustainable development, aimed at advancing a contemporary narrative.
Jeremy Gatdula
Dean, Institute of Law, University of Asia and the Pacific Law School, Philippines
Dr. Jeremy Gatdula is a lawyer specializing in international law, constitutional law, and the philosophy of law. He has authored, co-authored, or edited books and articles on public international law, international economic law, and natural law. Dr. Gatdula has spoken before governments and international organizations on matters relating to international law and the Constitution, particularly regarding foreign relations, international trade agreements, Philippine territorial issues, religious freedom, the nature of judicial power, and family and marriage.
Dr. Jeremy Gatdula is a lawyer specializing in international law, constitutional law, and the philosophy of law. He has authored, co-authored, or edited books and articles on public international law, international economic law, and natural law. Dr. Gatdula has spoken before governments and international organizations on matters relating to international law and the Constitution, particularly regarding foreign relations, international trade agreements, Philippine territorial issues, religious freedom, the nature of judicial power, and family and marriage.
Aldrin M. Peñamora
Executive Director, Justice, Peace, and Reconciliation Commission and the Theological Commission of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches; Executive Director, Center for the Study of Christian-Muslim Relations, Philippines
Rev. Dr. Aldrin M. Peñamora is the Executive Director of the Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Commission and the Theological Commission of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC). He is also the Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Christian-Muslim Relations which is affiliated with PCEC. In addition, Peñamora serves as Program Director of the PhD in Peace Studies Program of the Asia Graduate School of Theology-International Graduate School of Leadership (AGST-IGSL). He was appointed in 2024 as Executive Director of the Theological Commission of the Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA). Peñamora teaches courses in systematic theology, theological ethics, public theology, political theology, and peace studies. He teaches at AGST-IGSL and the Asian Theological Seminary (ATS). Peñamora has published articles and written and co-edited book chapters. His forthcoming publications as co-editor and contributor are Pagsamba at Politika (Worship and Politics): Filipino Evangelical Insights in Political Theology, and Following the Prince of Peace: Christian-Muslim Relations in Southeast Asia. Aldrin is an ordained minister of the Conservative Baptist Association of the Philippines (CBAP) and is married to Christine Ching Peñamora. He earned his PhD in Theology, with a concentration in Christian Ethics, from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, USA.
Rev. Dr. Aldrin M. Peñamora is the Executive Director of the Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Commission and the Theological Commission of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC). He is also the Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Christian-Muslim Relations which is affiliated with PCEC. In addition, Peñamora serves as Program Director of the PhD in Peace Studies Program of the Asia Graduate School of Theology-International Graduate School of Leadership (AGST-IGSL). He was appointed in 2024 as Executive Director of the Theological Commission of the Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA). Peñamora teaches courses in systematic theology, theological ethics, public theology, political theology, and peace studies. He teaches at AGST-IGSL and the Asian Theological Seminary (ATS). Peñamora has published articles and written and co-edited book chapters. His forthcoming publications as co-editor and contributor are Pagsamba at Politika (Worship and Politics): Filipino Evangelical Insights in Political Theology, and Following the Prince of Peace: Christian-Muslim Relations in Southeast Asia. Aldrin is an ordained minister of the Conservative Baptist Association of the Philippines (CBAP) and is married to Christine Ching Peñamora. He earned his PhD in Theology, with a concentration in Christian Ethics, from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, USA.
Carlos V. Reyes
Minister, Ministry for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, Philippines
Reverend Father Carlos V. Reyes is a licensed civil engineer. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sacred Theology at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, and graduated magna cum laude in 1999. He received a licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, graduating magna cum laude in 2001. In 2003 he was appointed as Minister for the Ministry of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs. Since November 2022, he is the Rector and Parish Priest of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Reverend Father Carlos V. Reyes is a licensed civil engineer. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sacred Theology at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, and graduated magna cum laude in 1999. He received a licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, graduating magna cum laude in 2001. In 2003 he was appointed as Minister for the Ministry of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs. Since November 2022, he is the Rector and Parish Priest of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Bishop Efraim Tendero
Global Ambassador, Former Secretary-General, World Evangelical Alliance, Philippines
Bishop Efraim Manguiat Tendero serves as the Global Ambassador of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), a position he assumed after completing his term as Secretary General/CEO. Founded in 1846, the WEA is a global ministry spanning 143 countries, with 600 million constituents. Concurrently, Bishop Tendero is the Executive Director of The Galilean Movement, a global campaign that aims to equip millions of Christlike Disciple-Making Leaders by 2033. Prior to his current roles, Bishop Tendero served as National Director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC)for 22 years, leading the organization's growth from 7,000 to over 30,000 local churches. He also served as President of the Philippine Relief and Development Services. Bishop Tendero held various leadership positions, including Chairman of the National Ecumenical Consultative Committee (NECCOM), a consultative body created by an Executive Order of President Cory Aquino. He initiated national interfaith dialogues on pressing issues such as climate change, anti-human trafficking, and poverty alleviation. Bishop Tendero represented the Philippines in several interfaith dialogues in Asia, Europe, and the United Nations. He also served as a spiritual adviser to former Philippine Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Bishop Efraim Manguiat Tendero serves as the Global Ambassador of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), a position he assumed after completing his term as Secretary General/CEO. Founded in 1846, the WEA is a global ministry spanning 143 countries, with 600 million constituents. Concurrently, Bishop Tendero is the Executive Director of The Galilean Movement, a global campaign that aims to equip millions of Christlike Disciple-Making Leaders by 2033. Prior to his current roles, Bishop Tendero served as National Director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC)for 22 years, leading the organization's growth from 7,000 to over 30,000 local churches. He also served as President of the Philippine Relief and Development Services. Bishop Tendero held various leadership positions, including Chairman of the National Ecumenical Consultative Committee (NECCOM), a consultative body created by an Executive Order of President Cory Aquino. He initiated national interfaith dialogues on pressing issues such as climate change, anti-human trafficking, and poverty alleviation. Bishop Tendero represented the Philippines in several interfaith dialogues in Asia, Europe, and the United Nations. He also served as a spiritual adviser to former Philippine Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.