Laoag Communications Council (2024)

17/11/2022

November 15, 2022– The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints humanitarian services provided resources for the improvement of the vegetable garden and distributed learning, and teaching materials, such as the Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning (RACHEL) Plus servers, laptops, printers, and televisions, to the Ilocos Norte Regional School of Fisheries (INRSF) in La Paz, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Mrs. Susan A. Mariano, Principal IV, expressed her gratitude by saying, "The donations from the Church of Latter-Day Saints that Ilocos Norte Regional School of Fisheries received were truly a rain of blessings. It started with a small request to help the school provide materials to improve the school vegetable garden. We never expected that much more would be given. The laptops, printers, and television sets will undoubtedly enhance teaching and learning."

Also present in the turnover were Elder and Sister Leininger, service missionaries assigned to humanitarian services, President and Sister Baquiran, Laoag Mission President, President Aniceto Zabala, a member of the Laoag Stake (Diocese) Presidency, Brother Willfredo Estrada of the WSRS, Department of Education Officials of Laoag City Division, teachers, staff, and students of INRSF, Barangay Captain and Councilors of Barangay La Paz, and Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) officers of INRSF.

The church seeks to alleviate suffering, promote self-reliance, and offer service opportunities, including the support and resources given to schools to promote quality and practical education in the Philippines. Its unique support system is funded by church members all over the world and local volunteers.

Elder Steven Leininger emphasized that the love of Jesus Christ for everyone will never go away. He said, “We hope that all these [projects] will help you learn in your studies, and you will come to learn about Christ. All of these [projects] come from members throughout the world. If you remember the widow’s mite, the money spent on all of these [projects] comes from the sacrifices of our members throughout the world.”

03/11/2022

October 18, 2022 - Latter-day Saints Charities (LDSC), the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated medical equipment, supplies, and technologies to Gattaran Emergency Hospital in a turnover ceremony on October 18 in Calaoagan Dackel, Gattaran, Cagayan.

Dra. Diana Rhea Garde, Chief of the Hospital, emphasized that donations will significantly benefit the hospital in rendering the needed healthcare services and required medical attention to the people living within the remote community of Calaoagan Dackel and its nearby barangays. Moreover, she uttered about the plan to request from the government a financial budget to purchase necessary items the hospital lacks. Fortunately, a group of missionaries, along with Brother Willie Estrada, the Welfare and
Self-Reliance (WSR) manager, toured the facilities and asked for a list of the desired equipment and items for the hospital. Dra. Garde gave her utmost gratitude and appreciation for the aid and assistance handed out by the LDSC.

Sister Elissa McConkie, the international manager for Self-Reliance Services (SRS), was also present during the turnover of the donations. She also emphasized the importance of medical work and the contributions made by the members of the Church to help other people’s lives significantly. “You are the Savior. You are the one who provides medical attention to make people healthy and strong physically, emotionally, and in every other way”, she added.

Among the donated items were one portable X-ray machine, projector, otoscope, and emergency cart; two sets of 50-inch flatscreen TVs, laptops, and printers, a mobile ECG unit; ten pieces of pulse oximeters and surgical packs, four stethoscopes, three wheelchairs; two heavy and portable suction machines, and cardiac monitors, and five units of digital sphygmomanometer.

Furthermore, Elder Steven Leininger and Sister Marilyn Leininger, who serves as the senior service missionaries for the Church, highlighted the symbolism of every piece of medical equipment and how it could reflect the Savior in every way. Elder Leininger further expresses how every effort of the medical team of the said hospital could give hope to the people.

LDSC Country Director Jairus Perez spearheaded the endorsement of the donated items, along with Dr. Garde, who signed the donation deed.

Also present during the turnover were Elder Mernard P. Donato, Area Seventy; George Kenneth Lee, the manager for Humanitarian Services; Appari Philippines District (diocese) Presidency and members; and the young church-service missionaries of the Philippines North Luzon Service Mission.

09/10/2022

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distributed RACHEL Plus Servers to thirteen schools in the Department of Education – Division of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Monday, September 26.

26/09/2022

September 26, 2022 – The Latter-day Saints Charities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distributed Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning (RACHEL) Plus Servers to thirteen schools in the Department of Education – Division of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Principals and school heads, together with Dr. Vilma D. Eda, Schools Division Superintendent were present during the turnover of the device.

Mr. Arnel S. Bandiola, Assistant School Division Superintendent said, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always been partners in education. We couldn’t be thankful enough for your generosity and thinking of how this technology upgrade could benefit the learners in Laoag City. Surely, this is the beginning of a more strengthened relationship between the Schools Division of Laoag City and the Church as we all think of the lives of the children in this community.”

RACHEL (Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning) is a portable, battery-powered device that contains copies of educational websites in an offline format. This means that RACHEL can go anywhere in the world and wirelessly deliver free digital educational content to nearby tablets, laptops, or smartphones with no internet or data plans required.

The Latter-day Saints Charities, the charitable arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, seeks to alleviate suffering, promote self-reliance, and offer opportunities for service to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and afflicted, made it possible to distribute the RACHEL-Plus Servers. Funding from church members all over the world and local volunteer help make it unique in terms of its support system.

Elder Steven and Sister Marilyn Leininger, and Elder and Sister Haff, who serve among the volunteer missionaries for the church said that as members of the society of greatest priority should be blessing the lives of the children. Sister Leininger said, “Every child needs a better future. The effort of teaching them is an effort of love, care, and service no one could ever imagine. Teaching them requires the best technological advancement available.”

Also present during the turnover is Mr. Romeo Rodriguez of World Possible and the Laoag Philippines Stake (diocese) President, Dennis Catubay, who both emphasized how the church values quality education. President Catubay said, “Through education, we can change the world and have better leaders in the future. This is why members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through the Latter-day Saints Charities put the effort in imparting and investing to our children, whose educational needs must be met so we can all have a promising future.”

The devices were handed over directly to the principals, school heads, and coordinators of each of the schools in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, namely, Vira Elementary School, Caaoacan Elementary School, Balatong Integrates School, Bacsil Elementary School, Salet Elementary School, Cataban Elementary School, Amarosa Elementary School, Bacsil Elementary School, Cutaban Elementary School, Gabu National High School, and Ilocos Norte Regional School of Fisheries.

In her acceptance message, Dr. Vilma D. Eda, said “Our principals and heads will ensure that each teacher will put value to the love given by the Latter-day Saints Charities. These devices will transform children in the community, help them develop skills, and guide them as they progress in their learning.”

04/09/2022

September 4, 2022 – Sarrat, Ilocos Norte

𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬:
𝐀𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

Elder Mernard Donato of the Area Seventy and his wife, Sister Gemma Donato visited Sarrat, Ilocos Norte to dedicate the newly built Sarrat Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in the Brgy 5 San Vicente Sarrat, Ilocos Norte on Sunday, September 4, 2022. Several leaders from the Laoag Philippines Stake (diocese) led by President Dennis Catubay graced the event. Honorable Ferdinand Gaño, Municipal Councilor of Sarrat also attended the dedication.

𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒉

Before the dedicatory prayer of Elder Donato, Sarrat Branch President, President Russel Ver gave a brief history of the Sarrat Branch.

1974 - Two American missionaries, Elder Mullin and Elder Wood, proselyted in Sarrat to meet the Agor Family in Barangay 2, Palma, and the Zabala Family in Barangay 6.

1988 - Elder Mahilum and Elder Hawkins resumed missionary work in Sarrat. These two missionaries visited Barangays 6 and 3, where they were warmly welcomed by families and individuals eager to hear the Gospel. The missionaries would bring interested people to Laoag Bantay Chapel every Sunday to let them feel the Spirit in the church of the Lord.

September 11, 1988 – Valentina Sabido Tagaca and Francis Ucol Tagaca were the first pioneer members to be baptized, followed by Rowena Sabido Tagaca, Lito Sabido, and Sergio Rasalan the following week.

As the young church grew, many more families joined, including the Transfiguracion, Calantoc, Rarangol, Agodon, and Raza families, to name a few. This wonderful news was delivered to the Paat family in Manila, led by the late Ernesto Sr and his children Edgardo, Ernesto Jr, and Fidel. They were overjoyed to return to Sarrat and begin building the church in their hometown. Through their help, the first Church Meetinghouse was leased in the missionary apartment in the Agor Residence at Barangay 3, Sta. Barbara.

Under the direction of President Jose Tumaneng, the Laoag Philippines District President at that time organized the Sarrat group, with President Pepito Alvaro as their leader. This marked the start of the church’s growth, and more missionaries were sent to spread the restored gospel in the town.

Nearly 40 people joined the church in 1988 alone, and by the middle of 1989 the missionary apartment was no longer large enough to host Sunday Services. As a result, the group left the Agor Apartment and moved to the Irene Marcos Araneta Mansion (now Sarrat Presidencia) which served as the church's new meeting place.

June 19, 1989 – Sarrat group officially became a branch of the church in the newly created Laoag Philippines Stake.

1990 - The church in Sarrat expanded to Piddig, Ilocos Norte, as well as to nearby barangays in Laoag City, including San Mateo, Rioeng, Lataag, Caaoacan, and Bacsil.

Sarrat Branch sent their first missionaries, Sisters Valentina Sabido Tagaca, Remedios Foronda Rarangol, (both assigned to serve in Quezon City) and Elder Aniceto Perfecto Zabala II (assigned in Tacloban).

1991 - The Laoag Philippines Stake (diocese) President, Dany T. Daquioag, realigned the boundaries of Laoag to form new wards, paving the way for the establishment of the Batac Philippines District. Members were transferred to Laoag 5th Ward from nearby barangays of Laoag and Sarrat.

March 26, 1999 - Piddig Branch was split off from Sarrat Branch.

2018 - The church ultimately bought the Paraiso Residence (the meetinghouse currently being leased) in after decades of unsuccessfully attempting to acquire a property in Sarrat. The New Meetinghouse was ultimately built and completed after three decades of waiting, including two years of pandemic lockdowns.

𝑨𝒏 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈

President Ver said, “This is the time and season that God hath looked down from Heaven and bless us with this wonderful gift. The faith of our fathers, the legacy of Sarrat pioneer Saints, the prayers of the many missionaries, and the strong leadership of our previous leaders have all been realized. The Lord's Meetinghouse in Sarrat is now here to delight us and this will be an ensign of God's Kingdom in the continuance of Israel's gathering in this area.”

In his message and dedicatory prayer, Elder Donato emphasized the reason why we build buildings like this [meetinghouse]. He said, “This building will remind you [every time you come here to worship] that God loves you. In this place, there are many faithful people who keep their covenants, and because of that, you are experiencing the blessings of God that had prepared for His children.”

Members proudly exclaimed the joy they were feeling by sharing their brief and powerful testimonies during the meeting. Many reminisced their conversion stories, especially of how they came to know that Prophet Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Some revealed their sacrifices and prayers while they keep their covenants. Sister Gloria Baloloy, one of the members who shared her testimony said, “Even when we have waited for decades for us to have our own place of worship, I know that our testimony did not change because I know we love God with our heart, and we love our neighbors as ourselves. Together, we obeyed, sacrificed, and endured. Together, we forgave, understood, and strengthened our brothers and sisters.”

It was indeed a wonderful experience for the members to enter the chapel after more than three decades of waiting. They are excited to take care of what they believe an answer to their prayers and fasting. President Aniceto Perfecto Zabala II, one of the first missionaries sent by Sarrat, now the first counselor in the Laoag Stake Presidency, said, “This occasion is more precious not just because we got a new chapel for our church but also because of the gratitude we are feeling now to God for blessing the members [in Sarrat] with such a beautiful building.”

The chapel is on a spacious and clean compound with a large meeting hall for the Sacrament meetings. All rooms and offices of the branch president and clerk are air-conditioned. It will benefit over 300 members, and 28,000 people living within a 70.0 km² radius.

Laoag Stake (diocese) President, Dennis Catubay said, “This is a historic event for us. May we be able to maintain our spiritual momentum and behold God’s greatness and goodness in our lives as we take care of this chapel.”

Photo Credits: Urim& Thummim Laoag Philippines Stake Portal

04/09/2022

Let’s celebrate by joining us in the week-long virtual activities from September 25 - October 1 every 7:00 pm on our official page!

02/09/2022

Come and celebrate with us . This year's theme is “Urbanisasyon at Pamilyang Pilipino: Magkaagapay sa Pagpapatibay at Pagpapaunlad ng Bansa" [Urbanization and the Filipino Family: Working Together for a Strong and Progressive Nation].

We will broadcast Facebook live events every night at 7:00 pm on the official page of the Church starting Sunday, September 25, to October 1.

31/08/2022

August 31, 2022 – The Laoag Philippines Stake (Diocese) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through the Latter-day Saints Charities distributed 900 reams of bond paper, 100 sets of ink, 50 printers, and 10 laptops to elementary schools, junior high schools, and senior high schools in Bacarra and Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

“The provision of these equipment and printing materials is great news for the teachers, especially, when during the pandemic, these resources were most needed by the teaching and non-teaching staff. These [equipment] will be an ease to the hard work they have been doing,” said Marlon Macalma, Division Supply Officer, who spoke in behalf of Dr. Joann A. Corpuz, Schools Division Superintendent in Ilocos Norte.

The procurement of the laptops was made possible by the Latter-day Saints Charities, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ humanitarian arm which aims to relieve suffering, foster self-reliance, and provide opportunities for service to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, clothe the naked and visit the sick and afflicted. Unique in its support structure is funding from members of the church worldwide and local volunteer support.

Elder and Sister Leininger who serves among the volunteer missionaries for the church said that as brothers and sisters, our objective is to work together for the children of the Philippines. Sister Leininger who was once an elementary school teacher shared her love for children and how important children are in our world. She further emphasized that teaching children is not a job but a calling from God. Elder Leininger added, “The equipment you will receive [today] is a symbol of God’s love for you and for the children you are teaching.”

Also present during the turnover is the Laoag Philippines Stake (diocese) President, Dennis Catubay, and Laoag Mission President and his wife, President Richard and Sister Ma. Ionie Baquiran, who all emphasized how service to our fellow brothers and sisters are contributory to one another’s success in life. Moreover, Sangguniang Bayan Member Trina Saguiguit-Fulgar who represented Honorable Cresente Garcia, Municipal Mayor of Burgos Ilocos Norte said, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an attestation that the world can be filled with kindness and compassion. These characteristics would help create a better world for the children.”

The laptops, printers, bond papers, and inks were handed over directly to the teachers of each of the schools in the Bacarra and Burgos Districts of the Department of Education, Division of Ilocos Norte. A total of thirty-seven schools benefited from these donations.

“The Church does not only bless the lives of the members inside it but aims to also bless the people that surround it. These [equipment and printing materials] came from the sacrifices of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We want you to feel God’s love from you because we are all brothers and sisters,” Elder Mernard Donato of the Area Seventy said as he concluded the ceremonial handover.

Photo Credits: Urim and Thummim Laoag Philippines Stake Portal

Laoag Communications Council

17/11/2022

03/11/2022

09/10/2022

26/09/2022

04/09/2022

04/09/2022

02/09/2022

31/08/2022

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share