The Philippines was filled with mourning upon the passing of veteran broadcaster Miguel “Mike” Enriquez on August 29, 2023. While he was best known for his successful career in newscasting, Mike also dedicated his life to fervently supporting God’s work through his significant contributions to promote the Bible. Along with his service to the country and to God, he was a friend and a faithful partner of the Philippine Bible Society.

In January 2017, during the National Bible Month celebration, Mike willingly opened his radio broadcast studio to the Philippine Bible Society to promote the meaningful celebration of the Bible. On his radio show “Saksi sa Dobol B,” aired over Super Radyo DZBB 594kHz, Mike shared his microphone with Dr. Nora Lucero, the General Secretary of PBS at that time, and Dr. Natividad Pagadut, then Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate.

During the interview, Mike echoed Dr. Lucero on the importance of making the Bible available to everyone and living by its words. He said, “Magandang paalala ito taon-taon na sa kalaunan, wala tayong ibang masasandalan kundi ang Salita ng Diyos. Magsikap lahat tayo pare-pareho, ‘ke nasa sa gobyerno man, ‘ke nasa pribadong sektor, na gawin ang ating bahagi sa pagpapabuti ng buhay natin at ng ating mga kapwa. Ngunit sa huli, hindi ito matutupad kung hindi ito nakabatay sa Salita ng Diyos na matatagpuan sa Biblia.” (“This is a good yearly reminder that, in the end, we have no one else to rely on except the Word of God. We should all strive, whether in government or the private sector, to do our part in improving our lives and the lives of our fellow people. However, in the long run, this won’t be fulfilled unless it’s based on the Word of God that we can read in the Bible.”) This interview marked the beginning of Mike’s partnership and earnest participation in the ministry of the Philippine Bible Society in promoting the Bible throughout the country. Over the years, since its proclamation and legislation, Mike kept his radio studio open to actively promote and champion the sincere observance of the National Bible Month.

Due to this partnership, Mike was invited as one of the speakers during the Philippine Bible Society’s 47th Annual Membership Meeting in 2012, where he spoke about the role of media in proclaiming God’s Word towards national transformation.

In a recent interview with Dr. Nora Lucero, now PBS Treasurer, when asked about her significant encounters with Mike, she described him as “a real friend, supporter, and a partner in spreading God’s Word.” She remarked that “when it comes to promoting the Word of God, you can count on Mike.”

“If you look at his life, you’ll see in his service that he loves the Lord. The way he served God was reflected in the quality of service he provided to people,” shared Dr. Lucero.

As the Enriquez family opened his wake for public viewing on Saturday, September 2, 2023, Mrs. Esperanza “Perry” Cartera, current General Secretary of the Philippine Bible Society, along with other staff, paid her respects at Christ the King Parish in Greenmeadows, Quezon City. The Bible Society presented a Bible to Mike’s wife, Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping-Enriquez, which was received by his sister, Mrs. Rose Gutierrez. Additionally, PBS also gave his bereaved relatives 100 copies of the Ang Bible: Pinoy Version as tribute to and in loving memory of him.

As Mike said in one of the NBM promotions on his show, “Kami po ang nagpapasalamat sa inyo, sa paggamit niyo sa amin, at nagpapagamit naman kami, sa magandang trabaho ng Philippine Bible Society. Sa amin po ang pasasalamat.” (“We are the ones who are thankful to you for using us, and we are willing to be used for the good work of the Philippine Bible Society. The gratitude belongs to us.”) His heartfelt willingness to contribute to proclaiming God’s Word to our fellow countrymen, with hopes for a transformed nation, will continue to inspire us in our ministry.

The Philippine Bible Society is grateful for and will fondly remember you, Mr. Mike Enriquez—our friend and faithful partner in the mission of making the Bible known.