The Philippine Bible Society (PBS) held the “Scholarly Editions Grant: Consultative Fellowship” on September 24, 2025, at the PBS Ministry Center in Manila. Attending this meeting are representatives from various theological institutions in order to discuss future PBS projects and opportunities involving Filipino scholars specializing in biblical languages and biblical studies. Among the participants from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies were Dr. Leonardo Nunes (AIIAS professor), Francis Doroy, Kian Cablinda, and Dindo Paglinawan (AIIAS students). The event was organized by Pr. Marfeal Santiago, PBS Project Manager and an AIIAS PhD student. The meeting was interdenominational in nature and provided a forum for exchange between various theological institutions at the national level.
The meeting yielded numerous constructive results. Among other things are proposals on keeping a systematic record of Filipino pastors with interest and background in biblical languages, translating essential exegetical and homiletical resources into Tagalog, developing faculty exchange programs among theological institutions, and establishing a society of Filipino biblical scholars to foster collaboration and academic growth. According to PBS, there are only 52 Bible translators across Asia, and half are expected to retire within the next five years. This pressing situation calls for an urgent need of raising more Filipino scholars in biblical linguistics and biblical studies in order to strengthen the country’s contribution to Bible translation projects. As the Scriptures continue to be translated into the diverse languages and cultures of the Philippines, the hope is that more people will be reached by the gospel.
At the close of the meeting, PBS expressed sincere gratitude for the active participation of theological institutions and, with the support of German Bible Society, donated numerous biblical and linguistic resources to the libraries of the participating schools. These resources will enhance research and teaching in biblical linguistics and translation studies. In the long run, the goal is to encourage more Filipino professionals to engage in Bible translation work.