A Gathering of Healing Hands: My Experience at the DOH Consultative Meeting on LINGAPP

Last November 28, 2025, I arrived early at the Park Inn by Radisson along North Avenue, Quezon City, the venue for a very special meeting. The Department of Health –Bureau of Local Health Systems and Development (DOH-BLHSD), under the leadership of Dr. Mar Wynn Bello, had organized a Consultative Meeting on Strengthening Faith-Based Health Initiatives for Lingkod Kalusugan ng Alagad ng Pananampalataya at Pamayanan (LINGAPP).

As the representative of the Davao Episcopal Area (DEA) Health Board of The United Methodist Church, I was excited for the opportunity that the government can acknowledge the role of faith-based organizations in the health of our communities.

I was the first person in the conference room but I was impressed by the diverse assembly they invited including representatives from the Philippine Relief and Development Services (PhilRADS) of PCEC, Caritas Philippines of the Roman Catholic Church, the Islamic Medical Association of the Philippines, and several other faith-rooted organizations. Seeing everyone seated together reminded me that despite our theological differences, we share a deep and abiding commitment to human dignity and compassionate service.

The meeting opened with an ecumenical prayer that I also participated in. Then an opening remarks by Dr. Bello. He emphasized that before the government prescribes policies or action plans, it must first listen to the stories, struggles, and insights of the organizations that have long been embedded in communities. I had to agree with his remarks. For years, faith-based organizations have been the unsung frontliners by providing medical missions in remote barangays, supporting families in times of disaster, and tending to the spiritual and emotional wounds the healthcare system often overlooks.

Again, I was the first speaker to share our experience in the UMC. I introduced myself as PasDoc Neki and spoke about the work of our DEA Health Board, our HIV SAVE approach and desire to build HIV competent churches, our growing mental health programs among youth and women, our peer educators Tigbansay and Manuglaygay, and our Wesleyan heritage of combining faith and medical ministry. I felt grateful to represent a church rooted in holistic care of body, mind, and spirit.

I also realized how unique our perspectives are as faith-based practitioners. We bring compassion shaped by Scripture, ethics informed by community life, and a sense of mission that pushes us beyond what is convenient.

Throughout the meeting, one theme kept echoing back and that is we all want to bring healthcare closer to the people as an expression of love. We also openly discussed challenges like limited funding, lack of coordination, unclear policies and the need for stronger government support. Yet, despite these concerns, there was a hopeful spirit in the room. This was just a beginning of a new partnership.

As the meeting ended, I felt encouraged. It was clear that LINGAPP is a program that will bridge between government and faith communities, between policy and compassion, between systems and souls. Walking out of the meeting venue, I carried a sense of renewed purpose. Our church may have simple programs but it is not alone, for along with our friends from various denominations and faith traditions, the FBOs has a vital role in building healthier, more resilient communities. 

This meeting reminded me that healing is not just a medical act, we are really called to take part in God's ministry. 

Reflections of a Community Doctor in the Palay

Being in the community always gives me that feeling of what it really means to be a missionary doctor. It is not the walls of the hospital or the bustle of outpatient clinics, but the everyday lives of people whose health is shaped long before they ever meet a doctor. Here in the community, health is not just measured in blood pressure readings or BMI charts or other vital signs, but rather it is written in harvest cycles, market stalls, and the weary yet dignified faces of the farmers who feed the community.

As I walked through the barangay road where the palay occupies the road instead of cars, I couldn't help but reflect on the choices farmers have to make with the lack of infra to support them, including problems in the rising cost of fertilizers, the unpredictability of the weather, and the stubbornly low buying price of palay. It was disappointing. The market price of palay, or unmilled rice, stands at only eight pesos per kilo. Yes, eight pesos. A number so small it barely captures the sweat, the aching backs, the hours beneath the sun, and the generations of knowledge poured into every grain.

The eight pesos reflect not the value of palay, but the value we have chosen to assign to the people who grow it.

As a community doctor, I’ve long understood that food security is fundamental to population health. When families do not have stable access to nutritious and affordable food, diseases multiply. Malnutrition, anemia, lifestyle diseases, mental stress, and even intergenerational poverty will just persist. But seeing the farmers’ struggles up close reminds me that the health of our food system is inseparable from the health of the people who cultivate it. When the ones who feed us cannot feed their own families, we actually make the entire nation malnourished physically, socially, and morally.

The Gospel of Luke reminds us, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” This is not just a spiritual teaching but a call for social justice. The price of palay calls us to check where our moral compass is pointing in terms of justice, dignity, and compassion. Honoring those who labor honestly is a reflection of who we are as a society. But in many ways, we have failed to honor our farmers. We have underpriced their produce, overlooked their needs, and taken their labor for granted.

Health may be measured by medical instruments, but the community will really tell us the real status of our health.

Launch of Migrant Mental Health Ministry

 
A New Beacon of Hope: The Launch of the Mental Health Support Initiative for Migrants in Japan

In a momentous occasion, the United Methodist Church (UMC) in partnership with the New Creation Church in Japan (NCC) unveiled the Mental Health Support Initiative for Migrants. This groundbreaking launch took place during an uplifting online worship service that brought together migrant workers, church leaders, and other church and ministry partners.

During the worship service, the warmth heartfelt greetings from leaders representing both the Philippines and Japan enveloped the digital space, reflecting the collaborative spirit that breathes life into this essential new ministry. Rev. Federrico Noble, Administrative Assistant from the DEA Bishop’s Office, welcomed everyone that reminded everyone the feeling of a family gathering rather than just an assembly of individuals.

Prof. Cristy Framer Mella, a leading light from PCC-CORR and Chairperson of the DEA Health Board, passionately spoke about the initiative’s significance. She articulated how it directly addresses the intercultural needs and increasing mental health challenges faced by migrants—a topic that resonates deeply with many in our global community. Rev. Dr. Nezer Soriano, Director of the DEA Health Board, shared insights about the church’s vital role in promoting holistic mental well-being, reminding us that as Wesleyans we provide holistic care for our minds as this is crucial as caring for our bodies and souls.

From the Eastern Visayas District, District Superintendent Rev. Maximino Maregmen expressed unwavering solidarity with those working abroad, reinforcing a unified commitment to uplift migrant communities. Mrs. Mayvelyn Salavia, representing the New Creation Church in Japan, warmly articulated her support for ongoing intercultural ministry efforts, emphasizing the beauty of diversity in a shared mission.

The worship experience led by Ms. Dinah Serrano was a sanctuary of reflection. Through scripture, prayer, and uplifting music, participants were nurtured in a spirit of unity and hope. A particularly moving moment was the Litany of Commitment, led by Pastor Iris Terana, where attendees collectively vowed to walk alongside migrants on their journeys, championing mental health as an essential aspect of comprehensive ministry.

In his powerful sermon, Bishop Israel Painit of the Davao Episcopal Area painted a stark reality: about one in three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) faces significant mental health challenges—anxiety, depression, and burnout are all too common. “The reality is that many OFWs endure immense mental health challenges,” he noted, emphasizing that the Church’s response is a manifestation of God’s unconditional love for all. Bishop Painit also highlighted the importance of intercultural competence, acknowledging the unique struggles Filipino migrants face, from language barriers to the isolation that often accompanies living in a foreign land.

The Mental Health Support Initiative for Migrants is poised to offer essential services that resonate deeply with the needs of this community—counseling, support groups, intercultural training, and advocacy. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between Filipino migrants and the broader Japanese community, fostering connections that can heal and empower.

As the worship service came to a close, leaders and partners extended their blessings, a collective affirmation of this initiative as a significant milestone in enhancing migrant care and promoting holistic health for those in need. Together, they are not just launching a program; they are igniting a movement rooted in compassion, understanding, and the shared belief that everyone deserves mental well-being, no matter where they come from.

Launch - Business as Mission

The Weekend Leadership Seminar held on February 22-23, 2025, at Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro was a gathering of visionary entrepreneurs ready to take on leadership roles in solving societal challenges. With the theme "Launch," the event focused on launching business solutions that address real-world problems as the 2025 new year begins. The conference also reminded the concept that Business can be a venue for mission work.

This nationwide seminar brought together both international and local business leaders who shared strategies, inspiration, and faith-driven perspectives on leadership. Among the esteemed speakers were renowned European business couple Aleksy Mautanov and Vera Arhipova, who emphasized the responsibility of entrepreneurs to lead not just in business, but also in society. Their insights on innovation, resilience, and social impact encouraged attendees to think beyond profit and into purpose-driven leadership.

One of the most significant aspects of the event was the strong participation of local emerging business leaders. Filipino entrepreneurs including Mr. Neki and Ms. Ghie Soriano had the privilege of hosting the international speakers, where Filipino hospitality and leadership reflected the growing influence of Filipino entrepreneurs on the global stage.

But beyond business strategies and networking, the conference stood out for its heart for social impact. More than ever, Filipino entrepreneurs are realizing that business is not just about making money—it can be a mission toward making a difference. In a world where economic inequality, health issues, and social challenges persist, business leaders must rise to the occasion and become part of the solution.

A key highlight of the seminar was the health talk by Dr. Nezer Soriano, entrepreneur and health advocate who discussed the public health concern of sarcopenia—a condition linked to age-related muscle loss. He emphasized the critical role of protein in muscle health and challenged health entrepreneurs to make their business contribute to solving this issue.

With an aging Filipino population and increasing cases of nutrient deficiencies, there is a great business opportunity for innovation in health and wellness. Dr. Soriano’s message was clear: entrepreneurs must not only sell products but also educate and empower Filipinos to take control of their health. His talk was a powerful reminder that business leaders can directly impact public health outcomes.

Throughout the two-day seminar, there was a common thread running through all the discussions—leadership is not just about power, but about service. Entrepreneurs are in a unique position to bless others through the solutions they create.

The verse in John 10:10 serves as a reminder that leadership in business is a mission to help people live abundant lives—not just financially, but in health, knowledge, and well-being. God gives each of us opportunities to be a blessing to others. Whether through creating opportunities, offering quality products, or addressing pressing social concerns, entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for change. When businesses are built on ethical foundations and a heart for service, they become channels of God’s provision and grace.

The Weekend Leadership Seminar was more than just a conference—it was an empowerment movement. Attendees left not only with business insights but with a renewed sense of purpose. The event successfully challenged Filipino entrepreneurs to rise as leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers in their communities.

 

The Year of Vlogging

 This blog started years ago as a diary of the different reflections on my daily activities in ministries. It has transformed to include academic thoughts, sermons, and reflections. This year 2025, I will go back to logging and recording the daily ministry activities through a video. I will write news articles written in 3rd person with commentaries on significant events I will participate in. Another option, is for me to put on short clips of less than 2 minutes reporting on the ministry activity that I will cover. It will be more like a reporting with snippets of some rhetorical insights of the activity for the year 2025. But the ministry in focus will be my role as missionary doctor. Here is an example:

This year 2025, Dr. Nezer A. Soriano will remain as Health Board Coordinator of the Davao Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church. Our ministry focus will be raising Mental Health Awareness among youth in the community, and HIV Awareness towards building HIV competent churches. I hope you will join us and pray with us as we journey through God's healing ministry this year. 

Praise the King

 This sermon was preached on the dawn before Christmas Day at Tuguegarao Central United Methodist Church. The theme of the celebrations and title of the sermon was Praise the King. The scriptural text was taken from the Gospel of Luke 2:13-20. The theme focus of the sermon was focused on Jesus, the King, is born to bring social justice, inclusivity, and hope for all people, especially the marginalized. Thus, we must come, and let us adore Him. The good news is that Jesus Christ the King is born.

 

The FB Live record can be found here. 

or here.

World Council of Churches and the Church Health Ministry on Reversing HIV Epidemic

 

Phnom Penh, Cambodia—The World Council of Churches and Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) convened a Regional Interfaith Forum on “Reversing the HIV Pandemic in Asia: Faith-based Engagements” from November 13-16. Over 80 participants from various Asian countries, including religious leaders, healthcare professionals, and advocates, gathered to explore the vital role of faith communities in combating the HIV epidemic.

The forum highlighted the need for faith-based organizations to take an active role in addressing the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV). Among the notable speakers was Dr. Nezer Soriano, representing the United Methodist Church in the Philippines. Dr. Soriano shared valuable insights on bridging the gap in mental health services for PLHIV, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual health. “John Wesley emphasized a holistic Christian ministry of the mind, body and spirit. In our work, we’ve seen that addressing the mental health challenges of PLHIV is essential to improving their overall well-being and quality of life,” Dr. Soriano said. He outlined best practices implemented in faith-based initiatives, including community-based counseling programs and support groups that integrate mental health care with spiritual guidance.

The forum also featured discussions on prevention, treatment, and advocacy, with case studies from countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines showcasing the success of faith-based interventions. Participants underscored the importance of collaboration between religious organizations, governments, and international bodies to expand access to care and education.

The event concluded with a joint declaration calling for intensified efforts to eliminate HIV-related stigma and ensure equitable healthcare for all. Faith leaders committed to leveraging their influence to support the United Nations’ goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

See other related stories: Mental Health Care of individuals living with HIV

The Church Narthex

 
Many of the protestant church buildings are smaller that the different parts of any medieval church are no longer recognizable. One church part is the narthex. What is this area in the church? 

The narthex is a Greek word that means "scourge." The narthex is also defined as the gathering space before the nave, or the main worship space. This area is sometimes called the lobby but it is more appropriate to call it as the church narthex. According to the www.umc.org website, the narthex has been traditionally the area where the penitents and the catechumens are gathered because they cannot worship together with other Christians in the main worship space until they are able to complete their orientation or re-orientation to the Christian life. However, today we use this space as a place where we greet worshippers and exchange our pleasantries with one another. The narthex serves as a venue where we can welcome other Christian believers to come worship with us.

Mental Health Booth in Bicol

 

We were able to visit Daet during their Bicol Philippines Annual Conference. 

The conference was able to make an action to recognize the trained peer advocates called Tigbansay for Mental Health of BPAC. They also made a conference action that they would include in their Annual Conference budget to support the ministry of their Tigbansay.

During the 3 day event, we were able to serve more than a hundred people with Mental Health screening using DASS21, provide mental health break with our meditation area, refreshments to release the stress from a whole day of meeting, some raffle prizes that provides a break from the strenous acitvities of the day and some Words of Inspiration notes quoted from the Bible.

Last Supper during the Holy Week

The Last Supper is the Feast of the Passover for the Jews. 

We celebrate the Last Supper or the Holy Eucharist as one of the sacrament in the Church. On Maundy Thursday, we have a worship service with the Last Supper as a reminder of the time Jesus eat with his disciples on the night he was betrayed. 

February on fire

The hymnal keeps the Methodist theology aflame. 

But this month, the United Methodist hymnals in Davao City were literally in flames after the Cathedral UMC in Davao City was affected by the fire in the neighborhood. 

These hymnals held many memories for the early Christian Methodists that grew in faith in the church. I remember when I was a Junior Youth in the church, our yearly project included wrapping these hymnals with plastics to protect it from wear and tear, dirt and stains. Wrapping these hymnals also meant having to make sure that the hymnals are properly taken cared. That is where my affinity in making sure hymnals are physically cared for started.

When I became a youth, I started participating more in the choir. It always involved having practices for hymns that are going to be used the next Sunday. Yes, choirs back then do not only practice the song for the Choral but also all the hymns that are going to be sang the next Sunday. What more, the choir is supposed to know the hymns that are going to be new and introduced to the congregation if it is unfamiliar to them.

As I became more involved in ministry, I started teaching to the congregation that according to John Wesley, our hymns contain our theology and is formative of our faith. The hymnals are important documents in our church as it holds the theology and expression of our faith. The current trend of our churches singing more of the contemporary songs leads us to the desire to have the burning desire to sing our hymns agian in our worship services. The hymnals will keep our Methodist theology aflame.

January 2024: Baptismal Font

This year will be great.

We will start a series of blogs on the symbols in worship, church and in liturgy and reflect on how it relates to a significant event that I will participate.

Today is Epiphany Sunday. The lectionary text is on Mark 1:4-11 and the story of the Baptism of Jesus.

The baptismal font is situated in the altar. It is used for the sacrament of Baptism. The water used during in baptism is very symbolic as it relates to the many references of the water in the Bible as a cleansing of the people, the sins, the protection of God, the quenching of the thirst and the living water.

The Church and Mental Health in the Time of Pandemic

I was invited to talk to pastors, seminary students and community leaders of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. I focused on the impact of Covid 19 on the mental health on the youth and the need for the church to be a safe haven for those undergoing mental health crisis.

A Prayer for the World

"And the Word became flesh."

Dear God,

You are the ruler of the world

Who have given your Son on Christmas Day

Open our hearts to receive your precious Gift

Through the work of your Son among the people.

Amen.

 

A Prayer for the Church

"The church is the Body of Christ."

You are the Head of the Church

Who have called us to be your hands and feet in the world

Give us wisdom to know and obey your will

Through the inspiration of your Holy Spirit

Amen.

 

A Prayer for Schools

"Train up the child in the way they should go, so when they are old they will not depart from it."

- Proverbs

You are the great teacher

Who taught us to love one another

Teach us again to love our neighbors even our enemies

Through the schools and institutions you have made.

Amen.

 

A Prayer for the Departed Beloved

Family and friends are always remembered.

Our Father,

You are the author of our lives

Who knows our beginning and our end

Remember to call us in heaven

As you have called the saints and our dearly departed.

Amen.  

 

December 2021: Sunday After Christmas

After the first Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke, we read about the only recorded event in the Bible about the childhood of Jesus. An interesting story about Jesus who got lost and was found in the temple. This is the sermon I will preach entitled "Lost Without Jesus." 

I am preaching again in a live Face2Face Worship Service after almost 2 years of online worship.

Scripture: Luke 2: 41-52.

I remember how our daughter Neya got lost in the mall. I will also share how we felt lost when my mother died because of Covid19. I will share it in the sermon.

I will also reflect on how this pandemic have us focused on "essential things" in life and lost sight of Jesus. 

Click the complete video: First Sunday after Christmas 2021

October 2021: Not Just Once

Paul was imprisoned again. 

This is the first story that came to my mind when I got re-infected AGAIN. Covid19 is relentless. I had mild symptoms only but the mental stress was wearing me down. I can only imagine how Paul felt and how he struggled so much to keep a positive attitude all throughout his situation. 

I am not in prison but I am on quarantine again for 2 weeks. I can only be in my small room. I do get a glimpse of the outside world and I am still thankful to God for His faithfulness.

September 2021: Prison Epistles

Paul was writing to the church in Philippi, Collosae, Ephesus and to Philemon. These prison letters were written while Paul was in house arrest in Rome. I imagine how Paul must have felt how even when he is in "lockdown" he still felt the fellowship and spiritual presence of his fellow Christians when he prayed and worshipped God. That was what was needed in their time.

Fast forward to 2021, people no longer write letters but emails. We no longer just imagine the other person on the other side of the world but see them online. The spiritual presence and fellowship we have with fellow Christians not physically present can be seen online and simultaneously we can pray and worship. Nothing will change the experience of our physical face2face worship. But this pandemic has taught us to reimagine we do things. We have to do what is needed in our time.