Philippine Bible Society

Who we are

ABOUT THE PHILIPPINE BIBLE SOCIETY

 

Mrs. Victoria Esperanza Z. Cartera
General Secretary
Philippine Bible Society

123 YEARS OF MAKING THE BIBLE KNOWN

Our Unwavering Commitment

Through the years, the Philippine Bible Society’s commitment has not changed nor waned one bit. We remain committed to making the Bible known to every Filipino and to providing each one with opportunities to encounter God in His Word. We believe that national transformation can only take effect when the inner man is transformed by the beautiful message and saving truth found in the Scriptures.

As our forebears envisioned, we continuously strive to produce translations of the Bible that are not only faithful to the original biblical languages but are also published in languages that our people understand. It is our prayer that our fellow countrymen get to read the Bible in the language closest to their hearts. As there are still Philippine languages without translations of the Scriptures, we commit ourselves to exploring more avenues to ensure that all Filipinos have easy access to God’s amazing Word. 

We work hand in hand with our dear ministry partners to effectively and meaningfully distribute the Bible in formats that meet the needs of the Filipino people. Whether print, audio, visual, or digital in format, we hope that people will develop a deeper appreciation and reverence for the Bible. Praise the Lord for He continues to be faithful and His Word remains unchanging.

As a non-stock and non-profit interconfessional organization, we also place much importance on making our PBS-published Bibles and Scripture materials affordable. In this way, more people can have Bibles of their own! Our efforts to make these Scripture materials as affordable as possible for our countrymen all stem from our desire to glorify the Lord and give thanks to Him for His goodness. His love for us simply abounds and overflows; we want others to experience this same joy.

Many nearby cities and far away provinces have been covered since our founding anniversary in 1899, but there are still several areas that we have yet to reach. So, we must not grow tired or weary. New generations mean new challenges; new situations call for new solutions. At the end of the day, one fact remains: the Word of God is what will transform and unite our nation. 

Let us continue to work together to make the Bible known! There is strength in numbers and we need one another to complete our mission for God’s greater glory.

“I, the Lord, have called you and given you power
to see that justice is done on earth.
Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples;
through you I will bring light to the nations.”
Isaiah 42:6, Good News Translation (GNT)

123 YEARS OF MAKING THE BIBLE KNOWN

In all this, we can only thank God for seeing the Philippine Bible Society through.
Many grounds have been covered since 1899, but a lot remains to be reached by the Light of Life.
New generations mean new challenges; new situations call for new solutions.

But one fact remains: the Word of God is the Light to the Nation!
“I, the Lord, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth.
Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations.”

ISAIAH 42:6, GNT

From Light to the Nations, Philippine Bible Society

The Cebuano Old Testament was completed and published separately from the New Testament.

The Cebuano Old Testament was completed and published separately from the New Testament.

Initial Encounters with the American Bible Society (ABS) (1827-1832)

During these years, the American Bible Society gradually increased its shipment of Scriptures abroad. As a consequence, one package of Spanish Scriptures was sent to the Philippines by a gentleman engaged in the South American trade.

Enter the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) (1834-1853)

In 1834, the King of Spain declared Manila as an open port in order to boost the local economy by wooing in foreign investors. Almost immediately there was a marked increase in commercial activity on the island. It was during this period that a number of multinational businesses were opened in Manila, including an American firm owned by a committed Presbyterian, Mr. D. Olyphant, through which the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) successfully distributed a considerable number of Bibles in 1838. Again in 1853, BFBS sold about a thousand Spanish Bibles through the same firm.

A German-Dutch Contribution (1870)

John Heinrich Haff enden, an Amsterdam-based trader of German descent (and later an agent of BFBS in Singapore), got through the Philippines with a number of Bibles by tearing off the cover and the front pages of these Bibles, so that Philippine customs would not interfere with their shipping.

Spanish Scriptures was successfully brought into the Philippines by three separate sea captains. (1882)

A quantity of Spanish Scriptures was successfully brought into the Philippines by three separate sea captains. One ship went to Iloilo, where workers and government officials gladly received the Book. At another island port, the second captain managed to send a package of Spanish testaments to soldiers of a garrison who received them with gratitude. The third captain had a nostalgic experience, testifying that he only felt relieved after the people had received the Testaments that he secretly transported into the country.

Gospel of Luke to the Pangasinan language

Rev. Fr. Manrique Alonso Lallave translates the Gospel of Luke to the Pangasinan language

The Philippines’ liberation

August 13, 1898—This date was momentous in many respects because Bible reading was no longer restricted, thus prompting the official start of Bible Society work in the country. This also enabled Protestant missionaries to openly distribute Bibles in Spanish, English, and major local languages, including the early translations by Lallave, Poblete, Lukban, and de los Reyes.

Early Filipino Translations

Under the auspices of BFBS, Filipino expatriates in Spain were commissioned to translate the Bible into the major Philippine languages using the then modern Spanish Bible as a model. Don Pascual Poblete—a renowned poet—translated the Synoptic Gospels and Acts into Tagalog. Don Cayetano Lukban—a lawyer by profession—translated the Gospel of Luke into Bicolano, while the Gospel of Luke and Acts were translated into Ilocano by a labor leader and journalist, Don Isabelo de los Reyes. All these patriotic ilustrados were formerly incarcerated in Spanish colonies outside of the Philippines, due to their outspoken criticism of the Spanish excesses. These Philippine

British and Foreign Bible Society work begins

On September 6, or three weeks after the surrender of the Spanish forces to the Americans, Charles B. Randall, a Singapore-based BFBS representative, arrived in Manila to commence the work of Scripture distribution under the umbrella of BFBS. Randall brought along with him Spanish Bibles and the Lallave Pangasinan Scripture portions as well as Gospels and Acts portions earlier translated into Tagalog, Bicolano, and Ilocano. The BFBS work in the Philippines was combined with the Indo-China in the North Malaysian Agency, so that there was no BFBS Philippine Agency as such established.

American Bible Society (ABS) work begins

ABS’s agent in China, Dr. John Hykes, made a trip to the Philippines on September 23, 1898 to determine the prospects of opening up an agency in Manila. His report gave a graphic survey of the social and religious conditions in the country and was circulated widely throughout the United States. His report paved the way for the commissioning of Rev. Jay Goodrich, a Methodist minister, to serve as ABS’s Manila office agent. Goodrich arrived in the Philippines on November 26, 1899— a date that will be remembered as the beginnings of official Bible Society work in the Philippines.

Rev. Jay C. Goodrich arrives in Manila and officially begins Bible Society work in the Philippines.

On November 30, 1899, four days after his arrival, Goodrich set up an ABS Bible depot in Manila, thus, signaling the formal start of ABS’s Scripture programs in the Philippines. Eventually, this ABS Bible depot would be located in the Y.M.C.A. building at the intersection of Calle Real and Calle Arroceria inside the walled city of Intramuros—the general structure of which remains to this day.

Tagalog Bagong Tipan

In 1901, the Tagalog Bagong Tipan, integrating the earlier drafts of Poblete, was completed and published by BFBS.

The Tagalog Ang Biblia is published, making it the first-ever translation of the whole Bible into a Philippine language.
Gospel of Mark in Bontoc

In 1908, BFBS published the Gospel of Mark in Bontoc, translated by Walter Clapp and J.C. MacKenzie, in partnership with the Protestant Episcopal Mission.

Ilocano Ti Santa Biblia was published

In 1909, after eight years in the making, the Ilocano Ti Santa Biblia was published. It came to be known as the “Union Version” owing to the interdenominational composition of the translation team (i.e., United Brethren, United Methodists, Disciples, and other groups).

The Ibanag New Testament was completed and subsequently published in Manila by BFBS

The Ibanag New Testament was completed and subsequently published in Manila by BFBS

A permanent Bible House (1912 and 1913)

In 1912 and 1913, BFBS acquired and opened with great enthusiasm a Bible depot with a warehouse and residence at No. 636 Isaac Peral Street, Manila (now 890 United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila). This would later become the site of the Philippine Bible Society, serving as the main base of operation for all translation, production, distribution, and promotion works of the Holy Scriptures. Previous “houses” of the Bible Society include the Y.M.C.A. in Intramuros and a house along 503 Rizal Avenue, among others.

The Old Testament in Hiligaynon was completed but was published.

The Old Testament in Hiligaynon was completed but was published separately from the New Testament, in partnership with the Baptist Mission.

The Bicolano Bible was published

The Bicolano Bible was published, in partnership with the Presbyterian Mission.

The whole Bible in Pangasinan came into existence.

The whole Bible in Pangasinan came into existence, in partnership largely with the Methodist Mission. That same year, ABS also published the Gospel of Luke in Kiangan, a dialect of Ifugao.

The Pampango Ing Biblia was published.

The Pampango Ing Biblia was published. That same year, the Cebuano Old Testament was completed and published separately from the New Testament.

Establishment of the Philippine Bible Society

Good leadership and cooperation are keys to the strong foundation of any organization. In 1919, by mutual agreement of the two Societies’ governing bodies, the ABS became wholly responsible for the work in the Philippines, at the same time relinquishing its interests in Korea in favor of BFBS. Such arrangement was arrived at in the interest of maximum efficiency and economy of Bible work. The ABS Philippine Agency established thereafter has since been known as the Philippine Bible House (PBH)—the precursor of the Philippine Bible Society. Thus ended twenty-one years of BFBS work in the Philippines. By the grace of

The Cebuano Ang Biblia was published as a single book.
“Bible Cart” to “Bible Truck” (1922)

At fi rst, all modes of Scripture distribution were carried out through kariton (carabao-drawn carriages). However, in 1922, PBH acquired a second-hand truck to transport Scripture materials up and down Luzon, visiting fiestas and tiendas to promote the reading of the Bible.

PBH leadership to put in place innovations for printing Bibles locally

A major earthquake hit Japan in September 1923, destroying platemolds and paper stocks for the printing of Philippine translations. This prompted the PBH leadership to put in place innovations for printing Bibles locally, affording the Bible Society to print more Scriptures with the funds and time saved.

The Waray New Testament becomes available, thus completing New Testament translations in major languages.
The Word in Waray

In 1928, the New Testament in the Waray Language became available, thus completing New Testament translations in major languages.

The “Phonographic” Bible Truck (1930-1939)

In 1931, PBH acquired a new truck equipped with phonograph and amplifier, used for public promotion of the Bible in the barangays.

Bible “Colporteurs”

Dedicated local colporteurs or Bible distribution agents ensured that God’s Word was brought to eager Filipino readers. Reports told of colporteurs who risked their lives—facing diseases, natural disasters and even goons—enduring everything to bring the Scriptures to remote places in the country.

World War II and the Word (1942-45)

Business is difficult in Japanese-controlled Philippines, but selling of the Holy Scriptures is not prohibited.  The Japanese authorities takes over the Bible House.

Revised Hiligaynon OT drafts destroyed and Church workers and missionary partners aided in the distribution of the Scriptures.

After the war, repairs needed to be made at the Bible House. It was later found out that the Revised Hiligaynon Old Testament was destroyed and needed to be reworked all over again, which could only be done with God’s grace and provision.

Philippine Bible House became an affiliate member of UBS (May 6-9, 1949)

The United Bible Societies (UBS), the fellowship of national Bible societies, is born in Elfinsward, England.  By virtue of its American association, Philippine Bible House becomes an affiliate member.

PBS and Dr. Eugene Nida

Dynamic Equivalence, the reproduction in the receptor language of the closest natural equivalent of the source language, is established by world-renowned linguist and Bible Scholar, Dr. Eugene Nida.

Nationalization of the Bible movement in 1952

This was accomplished through the Advisory Council of the Bible House— a think-tank group consisting of representatives from 32 churches—formed by then ABS Manila agent William H. Fonger. This initiative eventually led to the full autonomy of the Bible House. Consequently, Rev. Angel B. Taglucop became the first Filipino General Secretary of the PBH.

Rev. Angel Taglucop is appointed as the first Filipino General Secretary.
More Minor Language Translations

In 1962, PBH published the Gospel of John in the Banaue dialect of Ifugao, in partnership with the Far Eastern Gospel Crusade and the Summer Institute of Linguistics. In 1963, PBH also published the Gospel of John and the Book of Acts in Bolinao, continuing the legacy of minor language translations.

Vatican II and the Bible: The New Wave of the Spirit

The Second Vatican Council (October 11, 1962 to Decem- ber 8, 1965) paved the way for a more active partnership be- tween the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian church- es and organizations. Specifically, one of the most important documents that came out of this historic gathering of Catholic leaders around the world was a document entitled Dei Verbum: Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, which was prom- ulgated by Pope Paul VI in November 18, 1965. Paragraph 22, Chapter Six, of this document promulgates: “Easy access to Sacred Scripture should be provided for all the Christian faithful. That is why

The Philippine Bible Society (PBS) is granted an autonomous and national status after its incorporation on March 3, 1966.
From PBH to PBS

The Philippine Bible House became the Philippine Bible Society after its incorporation on March 3, 1966. This phase was more than just gaining independence from the American Bible Society; it signified PBS’s maturity—PBS had reached the point of being able to take care of its own Bible work in terms of leadership and governance. At the time, Bible distribution was also ever increasing.

PBS’s membership in the United Bible Societies

This meant that PBS would continue to receive support and training in the areas of Scripture translation and tech- nological advances, enabling it to meet the growing local demands for Scriptures. Filipino scholars were also equipped, gearing towards full responsibility of local translation work.

Interconfessional partnership for Bible translation begins.

On February 14, 1967, the repre sentative of the local Roman Catholic leadership approached PBS requesting permission to use existing Bible Society translations. Knowing the inadequacy of their old texts for the contemporary young people, PBS leaders proposed a cooperative venture to produce Bibles in contemporary languages that could be used by both Protestants and Catholics, hence, interconfessional. Further talks led ultimately to the organization in May 1968 of five major language Bible translation projects in Bikol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilokano and Tagalog. Subsequently, three other NT projects (Pampango, Pangasinan, and Samarenyo) also commenced. These interconfessional projects were new translations of

Dr. Daniel Arichea, Jr. is appointed as the first Filipino UBS Translation Consultant.

The increasing demand for translation initiatives in the major and minor languages, locally and globally, neces- sitated the recruitment of additional Translation Officers. Having completed his doctoral studies, Dr. Daniel Arichea, Jr. was recommended by PBS leadership and eventually was appointed as a UBS Translation Consultant, not only for PBS, but for other translation projects abroad as well.

Formation of Interconfessional Translation Committees (1970- 1979)

In response to the need for new translations, PBS formed translation committees consisting of carefully selected translators and Bible scholars from the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches. Together they worked, guided by the Guiding Principles for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible agreed upon by the United Bible Societies and the Vatican Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity. Since then, Protestants and Catholics have come together in pursuit of the Bible cause.

Dr. Solomon Quila became General Secretary of PBS
Rev. Joel Vista succeeded Dr. Quila as General Secretary
Trials and Triumphs (1977-1979)

PBS is expelled from the global UBS fellowship, faced financial crisis, and for a time, is unable to fulfil the reason for its existence: distribute Bibles.  Dr. Ricardo Jumawan comes on board and leads the rehabilitation of PBS.

Dr. Ricardo B. Jumawan came on board and led the rehabilitation of PBS
Arrival of the Popular Version Bibles (1980- 1989)

This decade was marked with the completion of the Interconfessional Bible translations, either the whole Bible or the New Testament. First to be completed and subsequently published was the Tagalog Magandang Balita Biblia and the rest followed thereafter. More Filipinos start to read the much easier-to-understand yet faithful translations of the Holy Scriptures.

Pampango Ing Bayung Tipan at Ding Dalit (New Testament with Psalms)

The Pampango Ing Bayung Tipan at Ding Dalit (New Testament with Psalms), Catholic edition, is introduced to the public at the Cathedral of the Assumption in San Fernando, Pampanga.

National Bible Week proclaimed a national event

Pres. Ferdinand Marcos signs the Presidential Proclamation No. 2242, declaring the last week of November as National Bible Week.

The PBS By-Laws is amended to include NCCP, PCEC, and other non-affiliated Christian groups or churches in the PBS Board of Trustees.
Increased eagerness to study the Scriptures

Reports of an increase in the number of Bible study groups, as a result of widespread Bible distribution, reached the Bible Society. During the 50th Founding Anniversary of the Bible Society, Rev. W.H. Fonger reported to the membership that since its formal beginnings in 1899, the Society has already distributed a combined total of 4,294,478 copies of the Bible and the New Testament. In 1984 alone, 25,810 copies of the Bible were distributed, the largest in its history at the time.

An Engineer for the Bible Cause

On October 1, 1985, Dr. Medarlo B. Rivera, an engineer by profession, became General Secretary of PBS, succeeding Dr. Jumawan. Under Dr. Rivera’s leadership, PBS continued to respond to the Scripture requirements of the churches in the Philippines, in whatever format people would appreciate.

PBS launched a Bible week stamp

In 1985, PBS launched a Bible week stamp, showing an open Bible and the words of Matthew 22:37-39.

The National Bible Week gains more government support

Pres. Cory Aquino supports the Bible Cause by signing the Presidential Proclamation No. 44, assigning the last week of January as the National Bible Week celebration and the last Sunday as National Bible Sunday.

PBS leadership goes global

Rev. Dr. Cirilo Rigos is elected as General Secretary of the UBS, the first Asian to have held the position.  In the same year, Dr. Anicia H. Del Corro is appointed as a UBS Translation Consultant, making her the first ever translation officer in the Asia-Pacific region.

First Asia-Pacific female UBS Translation Consultant

In 1988, Dr. Anicia del Corro was appointed as a UBS Translation Consultant, making her the first-ever female UBS Translation Officer in the region.

Increased Bible distribution

The distribution of Bibles steadily increased from 170,000 in 1981 to 414,781 in 1989.

Emergence of multimedia presentation of the Scriptures (1990- 1999)

With the development of technology came new ways of presenting the Scriptures. PBS produced and distributed Scriptures in multimedia formats such as tapes (Faith Comes By Hearing), videos, diglot formats, etc.

PBS becomes a Bible Society that is capable of financially supporting its own operations and contributing to the global fellowship of Bible Societies.
PBS became a self-supporting Bible Society in 1995

PBS becomes a self-supporting Bible Society, able to contribute to the global fellowship in terms of financial support, leadership, and expertise.

The Bible recognized by the government in nation-building

Pres. Fidel Ramos signs the Presidential Proclamation No. 1067 recognizing the Bible as “an excellent source of life-giving principles to develop a value-oriented, morally strong, and socially responsible citizenry.”

A Centennial of Bible Work

In November 1999, PBS celebrated its centennial, marking the 100 years of formal Bible work in the Philippines. A series of activities had conducted including the campus lectures of Dr. Eugene Nida, who had seen the simple beginnings and eventual growth of PBS.

Financial stability despite the odds (2000-2009)

The country faced many challenges during this period, including economic and political instability, and insurgency. The Philippine peso value dropped several times, yet the Bible Society unwaveringly continued to deliver the Scriptures needed by the people, even the highly subsidized Scripture editions such as the Ang Pangako Bibles.

Opportunities to reach special audiences through Ilaw sa Tahanan family Bible

PBS established new ties and strengthened existing ones with the government and private agencies, which opened opportunities to reach the masses with God’s Word through programs such as the Ilaw sa Tahanan. In 2002-2003, about 20,000 families were blessed with a copy of the Ilaw sa Tahanan family Bible. PBS also focused on producing Scriptures relevant to the needs of people, printing Scriptures targeting specific audiences—prison inmates (Paano na ang Bukas Ko?), children-at-risk (Joseph comics), drivers (Huli Ka!), the youth, etc—in cooperation with partner agencies and the UBS through Opportunity 21

Poimen: Bible for Pastors

A special Bible edition specifically designed to cater to the needs of pastors was launched in 2002 to help ministers build up their resources in terms of fulfilling better their ministerial functions.

Dr. Nora G. Lucero became the first woman General Secretary

She was elected as Chairman of the UBS Global Board from 2009-2011, making her the first Asian woman to hold the position.

Developments in technology

Technological development has proven to be an ally in terms of Scripture presentation. In a fast-changing world, God’s Word must be in step with technological advances so as not to be swallowed by emerging forms of media. Thus, PBS made the Bible available on the Web for people who prefer to read the Bible the “modern way”. PBS also launched the first-ever electronic Bible (Filipino E-Bible), featuring 20 translations of English and local languages, all in one CD. Other electronic projects are being undertaken to continue to meet the Scripture needs of our growing population, marked with electronic sophistication.

Revision of the Magandang Balita Biblia of 1980 is launched.

In 2001, PBS launched the revised edition of the 1905 Tagalog Ang Biblia. Subsequently, in 2005, the revision of the Magandang Balita Biblia of 1980 was also launched. These were done in order to make the Word of God speak afresh to new generations and to account for the changes that have come to the Tagalog language brought about by extensive and rapid contact with other non-Filipino languages.

Regional Auxiliary Bible Office (RABO)

On October 11, 2006, the PBS Board of Trustees led the dedication of the first-ever Bible Society branch office, known as RABO, outside the island of Luzon. The dedication of the PBS Cebu-RABO testifies to the continuing desire of the Bible Society to bring the Word of God closer to the people. PBS Bible depots are also now in place in Mabalacat, Pampanga and Cagayan de Oro City.

Philippine Bible Society at its permanent location

PBS fulfils its dream of having a BibleHouse constructed in its permanent location at 890 United Nations Avenue, Manila.  Also, the first Bible Society branch office, RABO, is launched in Cebu City.

The May They Be One Bible Campaign is launched, in partnership with the Catholic Church.

In yet another show of committed partnership between the PBS, the Catholic Church, and the Protestant Christians, the May They Be One Project was launched in September 2009, aimed at accentuating the Filipino consciousness of our need for national transformation, by distributing five million (5,000,000) copies of the Bible to poor Filipino families.

New Translation Initiatives

To serve specialized segment of the Filipino society, PBS also launched audience-specific translation projects. The Greek-Tagalog Interlinear New Testament Project was launched to help in enhancing Filipino biblical scholarship. On the other hand, the Pinoy Version, was undertaken as PBS’s offering for the Filipino youth whose language preference for a Bible version has become a challenge— the Pinoy Version would certainly bring them closer to God as they would realize that God can also speak their language. For those who prefer a more literary- liturgical translation, the Filipino Standard Version is PBS’s response.

Taking the Word where the world is

In response to the growing need for people to get the opportunity to encounter God’s Word even in non-traditional avenues, PBS has been progressively intensifying its distribution efforts not only in church-related events but also in malls, in bank offices, in social events, in international events such as the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), and other events where the people are!

God is our Shelter Program

In the aftermath of the strongest typhoon ever recorded in human history, PBS launched its own disaster-response initiative—the God is our Shelter Program, not only providing immediate physical relief support to Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) victims but more importantly giving them much needed hope and encouragement that spring only from the Word of God. This program has been implemented through the active partnership of local and international friends of the Bible Society. To date, PBS has freely distributed 1.6 million copies of the Bible under this program.

The PBS Bible Seminars (BRIMS)

As a way of enhancing our support to churches, Bible seminars are being held around the country to equip church leaders and members alike to become more confident in using their Bibles. What used to be called as Bible Translation Seminars (BTS) have now expanded to include other specialized topics underscoring the relevance of the Bible even in our contemporary time and context. Hence, this service offering is now known as Bible Relevance in Modern Times Seminars (BRIMS).

Renewed commitment to the Minor Languages

Since its founding more than a century ago, PBS has committed itself to translating the Word of God into the language people understand and appreciate, that is, their heart language. Historically, PBS initiated and helped initiate translations of the NT into the minor languages. While it may be true that PBS has, through the years, put its major effort on the eight major Filipino languages, it has never abandoned its commitment to the minor languages. In fact, the dawn of the new millennium highlights this renewed commitment by PBS’s partnership with the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), the Translators Association

The Bible goes digital

As the early Christians took advantage of technological advances to broaden their platform of propagating the message of the Bible, so did the Bible society. PBS continues to take on the challenge of “converting” the Word of God into different modern platforms so that people who frequent cyberspace would also have the opportunity to hear the Word of God in their own backyard, so to speak. As such, PBS, in partnership with UBS and other national Bible Societies, contributes and shares in seeking ways to put the Bible in various digital formats.

President Rodrigo Duterte proclaims the whole month of January as National Bible Month through Presidential Proclamation No. 1067.
This year has the most number of launched Scripture offerings: six (6) New Testaments and two (2) Bibles.
PBS celebrates its 120th Anniversary and commemorates 100 years of the Cebuano Bible.
The beginnings of official Bible Society work in the Philippines

Rev. Jay Goodrich, a Methodist minister, to serve as ABS’s Manila office agent. Goodrich arrived in the Philippines on November 26, 1899— a date that will be remembered as the beginnings of official Bible Society work in the Philippines.

Thanksgiving Thursday
Thanksgiving thursday

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="23141" img_size="large"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] We are blessed to have our frontline workers in this fight against the pandemic! Let us support and encourage them as we uphold them in prayer. Today, let us once again #SpreadHopeNotFear “Father, our frontline workers are your gifts to us. We thank You for their love, their commitment, their passion, and their sacrifice. We lift them up today and honor their efforts to make a difference. Amen.” Our frontliners need hope through the Word of God! Join the #SpreadHopeNotFear Bayanihan for Frontliners today! Please continue to support our Campaign to raise PHP 6 million for 48,000

GENERAL SECRETARIES THROUGH THE YEARS

Rev. Jay C. Goodrich
(1899-1905)

Rev. J. E. McLaughlin
(1906-1920)

Rev. Bruce Cameron
(1920-1932)

Mr. Elmer Higdon
(1932-1934)

Dr. W.H Fonger
(1934-1957)

Rev. Angel B. Taglucop
(1957-1972)

Dr. Solomon E. Quila
(1972-1973)

Rev. Joel B. Vista
(1974-1978)

Dr. Ricardo B. Jumawan
(1979-1985)

Dr. Medarlo B. Rivera
(1985-2003)

Dr. Nora G. Lucero
(2003-2021)

Victoria Esperanza Z. Cartera
(2021-Present)

PRESIDENTS THROUGH THE YEARS

Rev. Alfredo P. Cathedral
(1966-1967)

Prof. Rufo R. Fabregas
(1967-1968, 1971-1974)

Dr. Virgilio C. Canlas
(1968-1969)

Atty. Vicente T. Velasco
(1969-1970)

Bishop Marciano C. Evangelista
(1970-1971)

Bishop Estanislao Q. Abainza
(1975-1978)

Dr. Eliseo M. Pajaro
(1980-1981)

Dr. Cirilio A. Rigos
(1984-1986, 1995-1996)

Bishop George F. Castro

Bishop George F. Castro
(1988-1989)

Dr. Federico M. Magbanua, Jr.

Dr. Federico M. Magbanua, Jr.
(1974-1975, 1978, 1982-1983, 1989-1992)

Justice Jose Y. Feria

Justice Jose Y. Feria
(1992-1994)

Ambassador Emmanuel N. Pelaez

Ambassador Emmanuel N. Pelaez
(Honorary President 1986-1988, 1994-1995)

Bishop Efraim M. Tendero

Bishop Efraim M. Tendero
(1996-1997, 1999-2000)

Bishop Daniel C. Arichea, Jr.

Bishop Daniel C. Arichea, Jr.
(1997-1998, 2001-2005)

Bishop Arturo M. Bastes

Bishop Arturo M. Bastes
(2008-2009)

Bishop Nathanael Lazaro

Bishop Nathanael Lazaro
(2009-2012)

Bishop Noel A. Pantoja

Bishop Noel A. Pantoja
(2017-2018)

Justice Raoul V. Victorino (Ret.)

Justice Raoul V. Victorino (Ret.)
(2019-2020)

Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, D.D.

Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, D.D.
(2012-2014 and 2020-2021)

Bishop Cesar Vicente P. Punzalan III

Bishop Cesar Vicente P. Punzalan III
(2007-2008 and 2021)

Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno (Ret.)

Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno (Ret.)
(2014-2017 and 2022-Present)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD

President and Chairman of the Board – Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno (Ret.) (NCCP – Lay)
Chairman, Environmental Heroes Foundation

Vice President and Vice Chairman – Rev. Fr. Arlo Bernardo S. Yap, S.V.D (RCC – Clergy)
Executive Secretary, Episcopal Commission on the Biblical Apostolate

Corporate Secretary – Atty. Roberto R. Barrales (Independent – Lay)
Managing Director, R.R. Barrales and Associates

Member-at-Large – Ms. Emmaloisa M. Salumbides (PCEC – Lay)
Founder and CEO, Wise Up Global Training and Equipping Ministry, Inc

Member-at-Large – Atty. Gerard A. Mosquera (PCEC – Lay)
Founding Dean, College of Law, Notre Dame of Marbel University

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rev. Fr. Oscar A. Alunday, S.V.D. – Director, John Paul I Regional Biblical Center for N. Luzon & the Cordillera
(RCC – Clergy)

Mr. Jon Dave A. Angeles – Resident Pastor, Deca IEMELIF Mission
(NCCP – Lay)

Rev. Dr. Reynaldo R. Avante – General Director, Conservative Baptist Association of the Philippines
(PCEC – Clergy)

Elder Rufino D. Dela Rosa – Chairman of the Board of Elders, Plaridel Bible Church
(PCEC – Lay)

Mr. John Jeremy A. Escobar – President, Word Riders Philippines
(Independent – Lay)

Dr. Maria Teresita Rita P. Guevarra, M.D. – Lay Coordinator, Biblical Apostolate
(RCC – Lay)

Atty. Robinson A. Landicho – Deputy City Prosecutor, Department of Justice’s Office of the City Prosecutor
(NCCP – Lay)

Mr. Karlo D. Lara – Founder and Program Director, Lakbay Biblia Catholic Bible Course
(RCC – Lay)

Bishop Jonel R. Milan – Christian Bishop, Hope of Glory
(PCEC – Clergy)

Rev. Leonardo R. Morada – Ordained Elder Pastor, Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Cristo
(NCCP – Clergy)

Mr. Ramon C. Realizan – Board of Trustee, Episcopal Commission on the Biblical Apostolate
(RCC – Lay)

Mr. Albert S. Tanlimco – President, AMTES Corporation
(Independent – Lay)

Bishop Justice Raoul V. Victorino (Ret.) – President, Iglesia Unida Ekyumenikal
(NCCP – Clergy)

 

PRESIDENTS EMERITUS

Bishop Daniel C. Arichea

Bishop Noel A. Pantoja

Most Rev. Arturo M. Bastes, D.D., S.V.D.

Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno (Ret.)

Bishop Nathanael P. Lazaro

Bishop Efraim M. Tendero

Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, D.D.

Bishop Cesar Vicente P. Punzalan, III

 

OTHERS
Dr. Natividad B. Pagadut – Executive Secretary, Episcopal Commission on the Biblical Apostolate
of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines