MAKING THE BIBLE KNOWN

The Philippine Bible Society (PBS) marked a monumental milestone on November 22, 2025, celebrating its 126th Anniversary with worship, thanksgiving, and reflections on God’s faithfulness. From the moment guests began arriving at the 14th Floor PBS Tower on UN Avenue, the atmosphere became alive with joy and anticipation.

A Spirit-Led Beginning 

The celebration began with prayer led by Bishop Evangelio L. Mercado, followed by a Scripture reading by Ms. Maria Lourdes T. Bilog, both esteemed PBS Board members. Coro Cantabile, a Filipino choral group dedicated to sharing God’s Word through smooth and beautiful a cappella music, then led the congregation in praise and worship.

Their songs, including “Our Father,” “Find Us Faithful,” “Dakilang Katapatan,” and “You are Good” set the tone for a day of gratitude, lifting hearts in worship and reminding everyone present of God’s enduring faithfulness throughout PBS’s 126-year history.

Honoring God’s Word 

In his warm welcoming remarks, Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno (Ret.), PBS President and Chairman of the Board, emphasized the Society’s critical mission:

“I cannot overemphasize the significance of this critical role of the Philippine Bible Society in scattering the Word of God in the history of our people, especially at times when moral darkness drives our people to moments of hopelessness.”

He highlighted how PBS has remained steadfast, translating, printing, and distributing Bibles to millions of Filipinos across the country and beyond, touching lives through God’s Word during times of both joy and hardship.

A Powerful Message on Gratitude

The attendees also heard a moving keynote message delivered by Bishop Cesar Vicente P. Punzalan, III, D.Min., Ph.D., a former PBS President and Chairman of the Board. Bishop Punzalan reminded everyone of the transformative power of gratitude:

“The life of gratitude means that we will engage in truth-telling. Standing up for what this Bible claims to be true—the gospel of Jesus Christ—against the truth claims of the public square, the marketplace, the mainstream media, the social media, even the truth claims of our schools, and our churches, and our families.”

He shared personal reflections and stories, weaving the lessons of Scripture into real-life challenges. From the logistical challenges of making PBS materials digitally accessible to reflections on structural evils in society like poverty, corruption, and natural calamities, Bp. Punzalan encouraged the audience to live boldly in truth and gratitude, grounded in God’s Word.

Nourishing Lives with God’s Word

Mr. Albert Tanlimco, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Bible Society, reminded the audience of the enduring value of Scripture in the lives of believers:

“Do you still remember the first Bible that you owned? The one that accompanied you day in and day out as you discovered the journey of faith?”

He emphasized that everyone needs the Word of God, especially during times of challenge and uncertainty. Highlighting PBS’s vital role in supporting communities, he explained:

“Many people focus on acquiring food, water, and shelter during disasters—but it’s equally important that they have the Word of God. Through initiatives like the Adopt-a-Church Program, we aim to nourish and strengthen the spiritual lives of Filipinos, supplementing other efforts to meet their needs.”

Mr. Tanlimco then challenged the audience to actively support the Adopt-a-Church Program, reminding everyone that providing copies of God’s Word to communities is a meaningful way to help transform lives, strengthen faith, and share hope across the nation.

Special Tributes  

The celebration also highlighted the contributions of two remarkable women whose lives have been devoted to PBS.

Ms. Victoria Esperanza “Perry” Z. Cartera, outgoing General Secretary, was honored for nearly four decades (37 years) of faithful service, humility, and unwavering commitment to spreading God’s Word. 

Ate Perry’s words reflected her wholehearted faith in God:

“As he leads me in my new journey, I have peace that the Bible Society will always be under his care. He is the sovereign God who raises up leaders and calls them. He has chosen a new leader. As in the past, he will carry this work through the people whom he has called. His name will be praised now and forever.”

The audience also celebrated a new chapter in PBS’s leadership as Ms. Laura M. Valledo was consecrated as the new General Secretary. Her message expressed deep humility and readiness to serve:

“Receiving this call, embracing this call, saying yes to the Lord, yes to His call, to serve Him, to serve as General Secretary of the Philippine Bible Society… I feel the weight of both grace and responsibility. I feel deeply humbled, humbled that God would entrust [PBS to] someone like me with all my limitations, imperfections.”

Stepping into God’s Calling

In her heartfelt closing remarks, Ms. Emmaloisa “Maloi” Malibiran-Salumbides reminded the PBS family that leadership is not about comparison, but calling. “You are a child of God—empowered by God, called by God for such a time as this,” she affirmed, urging everyone to shine even in spaces where they think they don’t belong. She emphasized that God is a God of purpose, intentionality, and seasons—placing each person exactly where they need to be.

“It’s not about filling the shoes of somebody else. It’s about wearing the shoes God gave you and running with it.”  

The 126th Anniversary of the Philippine Bible Society was more than a commemorative event—it was a living testimony of God’s faithfulness, a celebration of leadership, service, and community, and a reminder that the work of making the Bible known continues with every generation.

From heartfelt messages to inspiring performances, from tributes to transitions in leadership, the day was a reminder, as we go forth, to always reflect on PBS’s mission: to bring God’s Word to every Filipino home, transforming lives and nurturing a nation rooted in faith, hope, and gratitude.

The Philippine Bible Society belongs to God, and its mission continues through those who faithfully serve Him. 

In all things, may God be glorified!