Category: News

Our visit to Cavite Institute on the morning of March 31 was a deeply moving and enriching experience—truly a teachable moment. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed into a nurturing environment designed to support all learners, particularly those with special needs. The serenity of the campus, founded in 1947 by Elisea Kiamzon Belamide, created an ideal environment for focused learning.

We observed students with autism, intellectual disability, physical impairment, and other conditions being taught with compassion and creativity. Teachers used real-life materials like coins to make learning practical, and students who were nonverbal expressed themselves through gestures and actions. Teachers provided unflinching support when needed, but independence was encouraged as students progressed.

As we walked through the school, our eyes were drawn to the inspiring inscriptions on the walls. Messages such as “I am a beautiful person,” “I am a wonderful person,” and “Light it up” adorned the classrooms, serving as constant affirmations of self-worth and potential. It was a powerful reminder that inclusive education is not just about meeting academic needs but also about fostering self-confidence and personal growth in every child.

One of the most insightful aspects of our visit was witnessing how the institution approached special education. For those needing additional support, separate sessions were held—not to isolate, but to provide focused, personalized instruction. Behavioral readiness was prioritized over academic promotion.

We were particularly impressed by the infrastructure that facilitated inclusivity. The provision of well-laid ramps leading to classrooms ensured that students with mobility challenges could navigate the school premises with ease. Another happy observation was that individualized attention was given to each child. On the shelves, we noticed that each student’s personal belongings, such as bowls and learning materials, were labeled with their names.

A moment that stood out was the affectionate way the children engaged with us. Some expressed joy through simple gestures, such as touching our hair—small acts that left lasting impressions. It was clear these children felt safe, seen, and loved. The Cavite Institute aspires to become a center of influence and excellence by 2030—a goal that feels well within their reach.

Reflecting on this field trip, we feel an immense sense of gratitude—not only for the opportunity to witness inclusive education in practice but also for our passionate professor who made it possible. We are truly appreciative of our professor, Dr Prema Gaiwad, who has guided us through this journey with unwavering dedication by providing us with a wholesome blend of learning and experiential growth, deepening our understanding of inclusive education and the transformative power it holds. Our sincere hope is that the children at the Cavite Institute continue to thrive, unlocking their full potential and becoming the best versions of themselves. 

The AIIAS Mini Olympics 2025 was a truly exceptional celebration on our campus, filled with camaraderie, athleticism, and a spirit of unity. It’s incredible how something as simple as sports can have such a lasting impact on a community. Clearly, this event has become a cornerstone for bringing together students, faculty, and staff at AIIAS. The Olympics have always been known for transcending borders, and AIIAS has certainly embraced that tradition.

What makes this event even more remarkable is how it aligns with the holistic Adventist lifestyle. By promoting physical health and fitness, the AIIAS Mini Olympics nurtures the body while also supporting the spiritual and mental well-being at the heart of the Adventist faith. This annual sporting event serves as a reminder that every aspect of life—body, mind, and spirit—should be in harmony, as reflected in the scriptures and the teachings of Ellen G. White.

This year’s event stood out even more due to the increasing diversity within the AIIAS community. It’s always exciting to witness an institution grow, particularly as it welcomes so many new faces from around the world. The rising student enrollment and faculty diversity made the event even more meaningful, reflecting the global nature of the Olympics, where athletes from diverse cultures unite for friendly competition.

Held from February 6 to 16, 2025, the AIIAS Mini Olympics 2025 embraced the theme “One Team. One Fitness. One Faith.” The event kicked off with a lively parade at 5 p.m. on February 6, where all five teams—Gray, White, Blue, and Black—marched in vibrant colors, following the traditional AIIAS Mini Olympics torch, accompanied by an orchestra. Teams earned points for attendance, with greater participation resulting in higher scores. After the parade, the Opening Ceremony commenced at 5:30 p.m. at the AIIAS Gymnasium, with players wearing their team colors.

The teams were carefully organized to ensure fairness, taking factors such as age, gender, and campus population into consideration, though some teams had specific strengths in certain areas. Regardless, the spirit of fun, competition, and camaraderie prevailed throughout the week. Opening remarks were delivered by AIIAS President, Dr. Ginger Ketting-Weller, and the opening prayer was offered by the Vice President of Student Affairs, Pastor Robert Benjamin. Afterward, each team developed and showcased its unique chants, adding to the excitement.

Captains and co-captains played a vital role in organizing their teams, ensuring that players were ready and present for their events while also rallying support from fellow students. Attendance at the games was closely monitored, with participants earning extra points for their teams through daily participation. The sporting events included basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, tennis, chess, football, and athletics, all leading up to the final events—the AIIAS “marathon” and tug-of-war, which took place on February 16, marking the conclusion of the Olympics.

Another standout feature of the AIIAS Mini Olympics was the community fundraising aspect. Teams had the opportunity to sell food and drinks, with each community informing the organizers and receiving approval to share their delicious offerings, adding a festive touch to the event. Sampling various cultural delicacies was a highlight for many attendees. Additionally, all registered participants were given T-shirts in their team colors, while non-registered participants could purchase one at a reasonable price, further fostering a sense of unity and pride among team members.

In the end, the White Team emerged victorious, with the Black Team taking second place, followed by the Blue and Gray teams. As with every event, there were ups and downs, as well as both positives and challenges, but the 2025 Mini Olympics was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. According to one of the student organizers, here is a summary of the event: “As one of the organizers of the Mini Olympics 2025, I was overwhelmed with joy to see the enthusiasm and vibrant energy of both students and personnel as they actively participated in the games we had prepared. Although some parts of the schedule were not strictly followed, we are still grateful to everyone who supported and joined this annual event.

One of my takeaways from the Mini Olympics is how it brings people together from different backgrounds and cultures. It also allows us to mingle and interact with our professors—not just in an academic setting but as teammates or playmates in sports. Indeed, we truly embraced this year’s theme: “One Team. One Fitness. One Faith.” Participants persevered and carried on with the program, learning from both our experiences and the challenges we faced. Thank you!” (Mellan Balanza)

One of the annual major activities organized by the AIIAS Student Association team is the Mission trip. In March of 2025, the mission trip was conducted in collaboration with the Polillo District of the Seventh-day Adventists. Our mission trip took place on Polillo Island in Quezon Province (off the east coast of Luzon) from March 7-16, 2025, where 50 AIIAS student missionaries dedicated 8 days to sharing the gospel and serving the community.

The missionaries were assigned to seven sites spread across the island–Binibitinan, Sitio Agta, Bislian, Pinaglubayan, Bucao, Atulayan, and Poblacion–leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the local people.

Preparation for the Mission

Prior to the mission trip, a pilot visit was conducted, during which the team had the opportunity to meet with the District Pastor, Pr. Rhoderick Almeria, to establish essential connections and gain insight into the local context. In addition, a promotional video was produced to raise awareness and garner support for the mission initiative.

To fund the trip, a variety of fundraising activities were organized, including car washes and pre-order sales of Student Association (SA) merchandise. The successful realization of the mission trip was made possible through the generous contributions of various organizations, including the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), the Philippines Publishing House (PPH), the South-Central Luzon Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Cavite Mission, and other sponsors. These collaborative efforts played a crucial role in ensuring the trip’s success and in supporting the team’s mission to serve the community of Polillo Island.

Daily Activities and Spiritual Outreach

Every morning, the missionaries began their day with the regional custom of pre-dawn morning serenading, singing songs of faith and encouragement to the locals. This heartwarming initiative helped create strong connections and set a positive tone for the day’s activities. The Children’s Ministry was one of the most engaging aspects of the mission, reaching over 500 children across the seven sites.

From 5:00 to 6:00 PM, children participated in Bible storytelling, arts and crafts, coloring, interactive games, and singing. They were also given sweets, snacks, and other small gifts, which added to their joy and excitement. From 6:00 to 7:00 PM, seminars were held for adults and young adults on topics such as education, financial management, health, and Bible study. These sessions provided valuable knowledge, equipping attendees with practical skills for everyday life. 

The highlight of each evening was the evangelistic sermon from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, during which missionaries taught biblical doctrines and preached about the goodness of Jesus. After each meeting, attendees were also provided with food and refreshments, ensuring that both their spiritual and physical needs were met.

Many were deeply moved by what they learned from AIIAS missionaries, resulting in 31 baptisms–a testimony to transformed lives.

Medical and Community Service Efforts

A key aspect of the mission was the health and wellness program. Medical professionals conducted free health check-ups in four locations: Atulayan, Pinaglubayan, Bislian, and Agta, providing consultations, distributing essential medicines, and offering basic health education. Approximately 370 people came for the health checkup. Additionally, 16 boys underwent circumcision, addressing an important custom that is highly appreciated in the community. As part of the community service efforts, the missionaries also helped by painting local churches and enhancing the worship environment for the local congregations.

Fellowship and Closing Ceremony

Despite their busy schedule, the AIIAS missionaries also took time for recreation and fellowship with the local children, including moments to swim and refresh themselves. This allowed them to strengthen their bonds and recharge for the work ahead. The mission trip concluded with a special closing ceremony on the evening of March 15 (Saturday) at a beach resort. Around a campfire, the missionaries shared heartfelt reflections, personal testimonies, and expressions of thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve.

Acknowledgments

We praise God for His providence throughout this mission trip. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to the district Pastor, Rhoderick Almeria and all the district leaders and members for their support and cooperation during the SA mission trip. The SA also extends sincere thanks to the AIIAS Administration, particularly the Office of Student Services, for their invaluable support and assistance throughout the mission process. Their guidance and coordination played a crucial role in making this trip possible. 

Additional thanks goes to Sir Arnold Ledesma, the AIIAS staff member who came as the staff sponsor and provided media coverage of the activities. Finally, heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. Kim Si Young, the AIIAS Seminary faculty member who joined our team and preached on our last combined Sabbath worship.