For more than five decades, the Asuncion A. Perez Memorial Center, Inc. (AAPMCI) has walked with the most vulnerable sectors of Philippine society, serving as the official social arm of the Philippines Regional Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Inspired by the denomination’s Social Principles, its mission is to facilitate opportunities for the security and empowerment of women, youth, and children.
“It is a testimony of faithfulness. A testimony that when the church chooses to stand behind those who are often unseen, those who are often unheard and forgotten, the ministry of Christ becomes visible in the world,” says Bishop Rodel Acdal.
Reaching marginalized communities
Inspired by the life and work of Asuncion Arriola-Perez, Methodist social worker and guerrilla during World War II, The United Methodist Church in the Philippines established AAPMCI in 1969. It was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1972.
Celebrating 54 years of ministry
AAPMCI marked its 54th anniversary in August 2026 with a weeklong gathering of its partners at the United Methodist Church Headquarters in Manila.
Joshua 1:9 served as the key verse of the celebration, with Bishops Estrella and Bishop Acdal reminding the attendees not to be afraid and to take courage in mission. The calling of church people involves loving boldly, shown through serving joyfully the least, lost, and last, and leading courageously amidst threats and evil.
Presentations from a variety of social work, human rights, and community development partners highlighted the importance of collective action.
Guest speaker Arlene D. Brosas said, “The struggle of women is the struggle of us all. It is about standing up against abuse, discrimination, and violations of rights. It is about taking a stand rooted in the people’s struggle… Every call [for action] is rooted in the concrete experiences of Filipino women and the Filipino people.”
During the event, the Ayta community had a booth filled with farm products, which support their self-reliance in the community. The Women’s Circle of Parañaque offered manicure, pedicure, and massage services—skills they learned through capacity-building activities.
A storytelling fellowship with children who live on the streets was hosted by The UMC. The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) extended its support by providing a school bag, raincoat, and meal to each child.
Above: Children share a song at the AAPMCI 54th anniversary celebration.
“Historically, the organization was involved in disaster response and humanitarian work. But now, we have expanded our work and are more focused on the sustainability of our programs. That is why we have integrated community organizing into our work, alongside community development and community advocacy,” explains Carmy Erika Bumanlag, executive director of AAPMCI.
Across its programs, AAPMCI serves communities regardless of race, gender, age, or religion, carrying forward the social and development work that has defined the organization since its founding.
This is seen in Parañaque, where people receive training in livelihood skills and community organizing. Through this work, the Women’s Circle was formed. Members gather every Saturday to share their experiences, support one another, strengthen their relationships, and build their collective capacity.
Bumanlag shares, “The relationship with the women in the community has become stronger and more stable. They are women who do not have stable sources of livelihood, yet they are eager to find opportunities to earn a living so they can provide for the needs of their families.”
A ministry of courage and accompaniment
Church leaders who work closely with AAPMCI describe its ministry as one of accompaniment.
Bishop Ruby-Nell Estrella has noted that poverty, injustice, corruption, and violence threaten to overwhelm the communities AAPMCI serves, but that facing these challenges together, accompanied by one another and by God, builds resilience and hope.
Bishop Israel Painit has framed the organization’s work as moving forward with courage rather than retreating from danger, so that its mission may reach even farther.
This spirit of collective courage continues to guide AAPMCI as it expands its community organizing, development, and advocacy work across the Philippines.
The mission continues
Looking ahead, Bumanlag hopes people will help carry the work forward. She says, “Faith-based community organizing through our local churches and annual conferences is one of the initiatives that we see continuing, because we want to strengthen the unity of churches as they engage with their communities and respond to the issues facing society.
“The second is the [work of a] psychosocial team in every annual conference, because we believe that healing is collective and encompasses all aspects of our humanity.”
Bumanlag said the organization’s work remains grounded in a single foundation: Jesus’ ministry. As AAPMCI continues to grow, it will continue to follow the call to give hope, restore dignity, and walk with those on the margins of society.
Larren Jo Basillo and Jhoanna Kylle Ragasa work for United Methodist Communications and UMC TV in the Philippines.
This story was partially edited by Artificial Intelligence. It was published on August 26, 2026. The contact is Laura Buchanan.
