32nd ANNIVERSARY FLASHBACK
Where it all Began
By: Jaymee Christabel Pilarta
A quick search at the leading search engines would yield several results of Philippine educational institutions established in 1978. And by this year, thousands of schools have been built to educate and prepare the Filipino youth for the future.
But among these thousands, God chose only one school to be the birth place of the Church born in His own heart: the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church. The school was the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC), now the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).
Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Founder and Spiritual Director of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide, started a Bible Study at the PCC Campus in 1978. His passion to introduce Jesus Christ as Lord and Personal Savior consumed him. This passion was so consuming that it became contagious. Fifteen students then turned into his disciples helping him reach out to more youth in the campus.
The JIL love story has since become one of the most inspiring in the Christian community not only in the Philippines but in the world.
Today, PUP remains host to three of the 394 Metro Manila Sunday worship services of the JIL Church.
What must be so special with PUP to be God’s chosen birth place for his beloved JIL Church?
God alone would know.
But facts about this University reveal that PUP is such a precious gem among the many academic institutions in the country.
PUP, established in 1904, prides itself as a pioneering school in skills trainings, such as stenography, that were badly needed as the country progressed in the 1900s.
It developed into a leading vocational business educational institution and finally, it reached a new academic glory in 1978 as it was converted into a university by virtue of Presidential Decree 1431. It was not merely a coincidence; but this triumph for the school came in the same year that the JIL Church started.
Proud PUP
ians
PUP stands out among other state universities as being the recognized, “largest state university in terms of population.”
It effectively provides access to education for those who desire to finish school but are financially incapable. In a word, the school provides “hope.”
“PUP is often called the ‘Poor Man’s University,’” says Maria Rencelyn Valdenarro, a former PUP student who graduated in 2007.
“My tuition then was just Php12.00 per unit, making it only Php300.00 per semester,” Rencelyn recalls.
With hope alive in her spirit and education instilled in her being, Rencelyn is now on her way to success. She is currently working for ABS-CBN Interactive.
Another alumnus shares: “In PUP, I have learned the importance of simplicity, humility, patience, perseverance, and independence. The school has taught me to stand on my own.” Marqris Lelland Villegas graduated with a BA Management degree at the PUP and is now taking his MBA education at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
Youth patriots
Bro. Eddie, prior to his conversion and transformation as a believer of Jesus Christ, was a radical activist. He was one of the leading student activists of his time, belonging to the famous – or notorious – ones from PCC.
Radicalism, activism, and patriotism among PUP students continued to manifest in the succeeding generations.
“The youth leaders in PUP are very bold. They make the impression that you cannot buy their principles, that is why the organizations they represent can easily acquire new members,” shares Jennifer Manrique, Area Youth Coordinator for Kristiyanong Kabataan Para sa Bayan (KKB) of the JIL Church’s Area 13.
Jennifer graduated from PUP with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2006. She adds, “One of the lessons I’ve learned in PUP is to know what you really want, and focus on that. Too much liberty can either make you lose your focus on your studies or be involved with the wrong company. You must know the limits of your freedom and stick to your priorities.”
Daniel Pilarta, a senior accountant in Splash Corporation, testifies to the enduring legacy of activism and radicalism in PUP. He, himself, was a product of the earlier years of the JIL Campus Bible Studies in PUP. He was then a BS Accountancy student.
“(Campus ministry’s attendance) growth was inevitable,” Daniel says.
“PUPians are radical and militant. So is JIL. We fight for what we believe in and do everything it takes to defend our cause. We are passionate in our love, not only for the country, but most importantly, for God. We did not allow money to be a hindrance in our service to the Lord. If we persevered in our studies, the more we persevered in prayer and Operation Invitation for the Bible Study.”
PUP Dakila
Where else could JIL better breathe its first?
The JIL Church is thankful to God because it now traces its roots to a university whose creation was primarily to serve the country and whose continuous existence is “Towards a Total University” that could better educate and prepare the youth not only for personal advancement but for that of the nation also.
“Dakila ka PUP, sa diwa mong makabayan,” says a line from the university’s Centennial Hymn.
Through the years, the PUP community has unfailingly shown the spirit of patriotism. And this will remain true for the years to come. Indeed, dakila ka, PUP!
Where it all Began
By: Jayme Christabel Pilarta
A quick search at the leading search engines would yield several results of Philippine educational institutions established in 1978. And by this year, thousands of schools have been built to educate and prepare the Filipino youth for the future.
But among these thousands, God chose only one school to be the birth place of the Church born in His own heart: the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church. The school was the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC), now the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).
Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Founder and Spiritual Director of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide, started a Bible Study at the PCC Campus in 1978. His passion to introduce Jesus Christ as Lord and Personal Savior consumed him. This passion was so consuming that it became contagious. Fifteen students then turned into his disciples helping him reach out to more youth in the campus.
The JIL love story has since become one of the most inspiring in the Christian community not only in the Philippines but in the world.
Today, PUP remains host to three of the 394 Metro Manila Sunday worship services of the JIL Church.
What must be so special with PUP to be God’s chosen birth place for his beloved JIL Church?
God alone would know.
But facts about this University reveal that PUP is such a precious gem among the many academic institutions in the country.
PUP, established in 1904, prides itself as a pioneering school in skills trainings, such as stenography, that were badly needed as the country progressed in the 1900s.
It developed into a leading vocational business educational institution and finally, it reached a new academic glory in 1978 as it was converted into a university by virtue of Presidential Decree 1431. It was not merely a coincidence; but this triumph for the school came in the same year that the JIL Church started.
Proud PUPians
PUP stands out among other state universities as being the recognized, “largest state university in terms of population.”
It effectively provides access to education for those who desire to finish school but are financially incapable. In a word, the school provides “hope.”
“PUP is often called the ‘Poor Man’s University,’” says Maria Rencelyn Valdenarro, a former PUP student who graduated in 2007.
“My tuition then was just Php12.00 per unit, making it only Php300.00 per semester,” Rencelyn recalls.
With hope alive in her spirit and education instilled in her being, Rencelyn is now on her way to success. She is currently working for ABS-CBN Interactive.
Another alumnus shares: “In PUP, I have learned the importance of simplicity, humility, patience, perseverance, and independence. The school has taught me to stand on my own.” Marqris Lelland Villegas graduated with a BA Management degree at the PUP and is now taking his MBA education at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
Youth patriots
Bro. Eddie, prior to his conversion and transformation as a believer of Jesus Christ, was a radical activist. He was one of the leading student activists of his time, belonging to the famous – or notorious – ones from PCC.
Radicalism, activism, and patriotism among PUP students continued to manifest in the succeeding generations.
“The youth leaders in PUP are very bold. They make the impression that you cannot buy their principles, that is why the organizations they represent can easily acquire new members,” shares Jennifer Manrique, Area Youth Coordinator for Kristiyanong Kabataan Para sa Bayan (KKB) of the JIL Church’s Area 13.
Jennifer graduated from PUP with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2006. She adds, “One of the lessons I’ve learned in PUP is to know what you really want, and focus on that. Too much liberty can either make you lose your focus on your studies or be involved with the wrong company. You must know the limits of your freedom and stick to your priorities.”
Daniel Pilarta, a senior accountant in Splash Corporation, testifies to the enduring legacy of activism and radicalism in PUP. He, himself, was a product of the earlier years of the JIL Campus Bible Studies in PUP. He was then a BS Accountancy student.
“(Campus ministry’s attendance) growth was inevitable,” Daniel says.
“PUPians are radical and militant. So is JIL. We fight for what we believe in and do everything it takes to defend our cause. We are passionate in our love, not only for the country, but most importantly, for God. We did not allow money to be a hindrance in our service to the Lord. If we persevered in our studies, the more we persevered in prayer and Operation Invitation for the Bible Study.”
PUP Dakila
Where else could JIL better breathe its first?
The JIL Church is thankful to God because it now traces its roots to a university whose creation was primarily to serve the country and whose continuous existence is “Towards a Total University” that could better educate and prepare the youth not only for personal advancement but for that of the nation also.
“Dakila ka PUP, sa diwa mong makabayan,” says a line from the university’s Centennial Hymn.
Through the years, the PUP community has unfailingly shown the spirit of patriotism. And this will remain true for the years to come. Indeed, dakila ka, PUP!