Brethren Evangelical School of Theology – Bacolod (B.E.S.T)

By Bishop Emmanuel E. Alano,

(AB Theology, Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership, Master of Divinity, Doctor in Christian Ministry, PhD, in Christian Education and Public Administration)

I.                    About BEST in short profile

Brethren Evangelical School of Theology or B.E.S.T, is a God’s Loving Care International Church, Gapan , Nueva Ecija based, religious institution-school (which is in consortium with Living Rock Global Academy, a CHED accredited college) and founded by the Bishop Ariel P. Coleto, a graduate of Northwestern Theological Seminary, located in Florida, USA, whose vision is to professionalize and elevate the status of ministers and church workers of the Lord Jesus Christ for the glory of God’s Holy Name in this modern but decadent world.  Bishop Coleto, the president-professor of said school, uses the method of teaching called C.A.P.E which means Customized Acceleration Program of Education. This means that those who have been laboring and working for a much longer time in the field of ministry and could not go on schooling, however, willing to get their bachelor’s degree or doctorate degrees via honoris causa could be the best recipient of this program.  Students who want to avail this program should attend an interview before BEST selected panel of coordinators, an orientation, and a four day rigid study to qualify and validate their field of experience in their ministerial duties and work for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. The study is said rigid for it will start from 8 am and will finish its class at around 10 in the evening.

II.                  How BEST came to Bacolod City?

It was through the effort of Dr. Bernie Espinosa, Dr. Rex Soriba Jr. and Dr. Elizabeth Pescadero by communicating to Bishop Ariel P. Coleto why BEST was formalized and pioneered  in Bacolod City in October 2015 where the first batch of graduates where composed of businesswomen, engineer, manager, designer of Robinsons Mall, ministers, government official, policeman, etc. 

The first graduates of Bacolod BEST graduated at Christ Central Church Chapel on October 21, 2015. Guest Speaker of that occasion was Congressman Evelio R. Leonardia.

Names of the First graduates are the following:

Doctorates

1.       Emmanuel E. Alano, former administrator, teacher, A.C.E Pastor Principal

2.       Mera P. Abdallah, Businesswoman

3.       Leonardo A. Bacquian, La Castellana  City, Negros Occidental Councilor

4.       Reynold P. Diosana

5.       Sunny P. Gicalde

6.       Danilo E. Mari

7.       Rex Soriba Jr.

8.       Elenito G. Varon

9.       Elmer L. Pescadero

10.   Elizabeth L. Pescadero

11.   Emy L. Pescadero

12.   Noel E. Polines (Colonel)

Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership

1.       Carlito G. Abunda

2.       Joyce C. Cabaya

3.       Earli Mar S. Caligdong

4.       Fortunato Ulyses S. De la Cruz (businessman)

5.       Rodel B. Espartero (Mall designer)

6.       Franco E. Garcia

7.       Carlito B. Navales

8.       Lily May E. Mamar

9.       Grace Ann Olarte

10.   Richard A. Pacilan

11.   Stephen L. Pescadero

12.   Felipe G. Taquiso, (Engineer)

13.   Analin C. Varon
14.  Semillano, Jimmy P.

Names of Second Batch Graduates in November 19, 2015

(Note: Guest Speaker of the Second Batch is no other than Acting Mayor Greg Gasataya of Bacolod City. The Graduation was held at Christ Central Church Chapel at Cybergate Robinsons, fronting of Old Airport.)

Doctorates

1.       Emmanuel E. Alano

2.       Felipe E. Alano Jr., System Analyst and Section Chief at Bureau of Immigration

3.       Junar Arroyo

4.       Jocelyn G. Banas

5.       Susan F. Barba

6.       Roberto Bedoria

7.       Absalon Braza

8.       Danilo Mari

9.       Noli A. Dequina Jr.

10.   Flordeliza Dequino

11.   Jesus M. Icchari

12.   Quenny Lyn Esteban

13.   Franco Garcia

14.   Dante M. Garcia

15.   Helen E. Garcia

16.   Sunny P. Gicalde

17.   Marianie A. Grijaldo

18.   Cesar G. Gubac, President-Bishop of Association of Independent Ministers in Bacolod

19.   Alberto Jusayan

20.   Raul Macatunao

21.   Joel Melgar

22.   Danilo A. Mijares, ICM Director in Bacolod

23.   Charito I. Moya

24.   Joe-an Narciso

25.   Sarah L. Nietes

26.   Grace Ann Olarte

27.   Elizabeth L. Pescadero

28.   Gilberto Reynoso

29.   Melanie M. Reynoso

30.   Charlemagne Rojo

31.   Lorenzo L. Rosos

32.   Edwin A. Rosquillo, Businessman

33.   Marisyl G.Teodoro

34.   Ernesto P. Teodoro Jr.

35.   Sarina Traifalgar

36.   Estela M. Valdeviezo
37. Elenito G. Varon, Ph.D

Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership

1.       Julianita Arroyo

2.       Allen Murphy Baldevieso

3.       Mauricia Agilles

4.       Sandra Fermeza Mari

5.       Tyrone I. Molato

6.       Frankie s. Marapo

7.       Ninfa Pasco

8.       Sharon Serenio

9.       Rolly Sibuco

10.   Jeruslem A. Valdeviezo
11.   Mario C. Villanueva

Congratulations to February-March 2016 BEST Graduates

By Bishop Emmanuel E. Alano, DCM, PhD

Doctorates:

1.       Alexis E. Alano – Christian Education

2.       Ruby D. Alayon – Public Administration

3.       Jocelyn G. Bañas –Christian Education

4.       Jimmy D. Demafelis – Public Administration

5.       John G. Geronimo – Educational Leadership

6.       Danilo G. Mahusay –Public Administration

7.       Fernan Steve M. Mahusay - Ministry

8.       Marnie Pragados – Public Administration

9.       Analin C. Varon – Christian Education
10. Radarlyn A. Vallejera, Christian Education (with BA in Christian Ed)
11. John Rey T. Vallejera, Pastoral Leadership ( with BA in Pastoral Leadership)
12. Cyrel P. Paguntalan, Christian Education ( with BA in Christian Ed)
13. Joval C. Kisinamal, Pastoral Leadership ( with BA in Pastoral Leadership)

Bachelor of Arts

1.       Jelyn T. Cabaya -  Christian Education

2.       Alain Jay D. Dolar –Transformational Leadership

3.       Marivic D. Famoso – Pastoral Leadership

4.       Ano A. Lumbo – Pastoral Leadership

5.       Ron Dante L. Macaya – Pastoral Leadership

6.       Rachel Joy A.  Macatunao –Christian Education

7.       Miko C. Saab – Transformational Leadership

8.       Alculos A. Tupas – Transformational Leadership

Brethren Evangelical School of Theology- Bacolod congratulates the following graduates on July 15, 2016. Guest Speaker is Bro. Noneto Oplas PhD, DepED Teacher at Cadiz City

For PhD:

1.       Edgar S. Bantolio

2.       Bernadette B. Doronila

3.       Michael C. Garcia

4.       Felecito Panag Jr.

5.       Melvin D. Villanueva
6.    Melvan Calumag
7.    Elizabeth M. Lind ( with BA in Christian Ed)

For Bachelor of Arts

1.       Estrella A. Garcia

2.       May P. Lacsao

3.       Ritchie N. Mateo

4.       Lynnette O. Nuῆesco

5.       Metudio M. Palma

6.       Jessibell V. Suanque
7.    Jojie Ann M. Cordero

Brethren Evangelical of School of Theology Graduates of July 6, 2017

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

PhD Honoris Causa Graduates

1.       Alpas, Florentino B. – Christian Education

2.       Agcol Jr., Pio D. – Christian Education

3.       Ardeño, May. C – Public Administration

4.       De La Cruz, Alfonso A. – Humanities

5.       De La Cruz, Leonora A. – Christian Education

6.       Del Castillo, Edmundo J. – Public Administration

7.       Estrabon, Daniel B. – Christian Education

8.       Garcia, Estrella A.  – Christian Education

9.       Gustilo, Julius J. – Christian Education

10.   Gutierrez, Geomer G. – Public Administration

11.   Jereos, Raulen G. – Psychology Counseling

12.   Mamar, Lily May E. – Christian Ministry

13.   Morales, Royce Q. – Interior Design

14.   Nipaya, Raymond N. – Educational Leadership

15.   Palmares, Chabby S. – Public Administration

16.   Panaligan, Jonah Y. – Christian Education

17.   Panaligan, Richard M. – Public Administration

18.   Mangolarie, Leonardo E. – Public Administration

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education Major in Guidance and Counseling

1.       Gayondato, Grace L.

2.       Gutierrez, Shamir Joy J.

3.       Nemenzo, Jenelyn P.

4.       Tantua, Aladdin S.

PhD Honoris-Causa Graduates:  September 27, 2017 Graduates

PhD Category:

1.       Cuadra, Ike S. -  Practical Theology, Major in Pastoral Ministry

2.       Cuadra, Betty Sue P. – Educational Leadership, Major in Transformational Leadership

3.       Daa Jr., Godofredo A. – Public Administration Major in Educational Management

4.       Espeso, Noel A. – Educational Leadership Major in Educational Management

5.       Jarloyan, Elias G – Practical Theology, Major in Pastoral Ministry

6.       Laurenio, Elmor P. – Public Administration Major in Educational Management

7.       Luneta, Rey P - Public Administration Major in Educational Management

8.       Olis, John Hoffer G. – Psychology Counseling Major in Guidance and Counseling

9.       Ramos  Jr., Daniel C. – Public Administration, Major in Educational Management

10.   Salamanca, Joel R. – – Public Administration, Major in Educational Management

11.   Valenzuela, Marites P. – Christian Education, Major in Values Formation

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education Major in Guidance and Counseling

1.       Palmares, Alma S – Christian Education

2.       Gleyo, Gideon V. – Christian Education

3.       Jimenez, Genesis A. – Christian Education

 

III.                Common Questions about BEST by people who don’t know what is BEST:

1.       Is BEST a state or government run school?  No. BEST is a religious institution which is Security and Exchange Commission registered (SEC. REG. NO. A200100287) under the educational ministry of God’s Loving Care International, Inc. A religious institution which can’t be governed by the state because of the constitutional provision in Article 2 section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines that states, “the separation of church and state shall be inviolable.”

2.       Is it true that BEST is in consortium with state, CHED, approved school? Yes. The Name of the School is Living Rock Global Academy, situated in Mindanao.

3.       Who are the Professors of BEST? There are two mobile professors of BEST. Bishop Ariel P. Coleto, a PhD graduate of Northwestern Theological Seminary and Rev. Armando Iredonia, a PhD graduate and a pastor of Lift for Jesus Worldwide Ministries, Inc.

4.       Is it true that people who enroll in BEST can graduate in four days? NO. The four day educational classes from 8 am to 10 pm is designed only for those are qualified in accordance to the standard set by BEST and who have been in the ministries for a long period of time and had no chance to go on schooling because of the great demand and work in the ministries entrusted to them by God. This is a customized acceleration program on education which in line to the principle of Executive 330 of the government, which allows those who have been working in their field of expertise but was not able to get their formal corresponding degrees fit for their present nature of work.

5.       Do CHED have the right to intervene the religious affairs of BEST? NO. CHED cannot enforce its powers upon BEST because BEST is operating under the principle of Article 2 section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. It is also supported by Article 14 section 4 – (2) of our 1987 Philippine Constitution. According to Republic Act 7722 about higher school education, only those schools which are under the supervision of CHED can be interfered by the state.

6.       Is BEST helping the nation through religious way by professionalizing ministers and church workers for the kingdom of God? Yes. Article 14 and sections 4 and 5 of our 1987 Philippine Constitution states, “Encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning, independent, and out of school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs; provide adult citizens, the disabled, and out of school youth with training in civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills.”

7.       Can BEST help for those who want to get S.O? Yes. But they should be first enrolled to BEST Program to avail that privilege. For we have a CHED accredited partner/s which can help one avails this privilege, though through a limited degree like AB Theology, BSE, and BEED.

8.       I heard that only CHED accredited schools can confer doctorate degrees? I tell you that is not true. Though, yes, CHED accredited schools can confer doctorates degrees, CHED cannot and has no jurisdiction to interfere with the religious educational program of the church to confer doctorate degrees of its own because the church has its autonomous right to do so. Because the church has equal powers with the state in terms of their unique governance, one is ecclesiastical in nature while the other is more of state, worldly affairs.

9.       We received texts that BEST is operating as illegal or scam, it is true? NO. I and BEST coordinators personally confronted the one who spreaded out lies against BEST last November to December 2015. His Name is Ferdinand “Bong” Bacolot. He  (did not ) ask(ed) sorry for what he did to BEST and Bishop Ariel P. Coleto in our confrontation at BACOLOD PASTORS AND PRAYER FELLOWSHIP, though he agreed to stop texting messages. This confrontation was joined and witnessed by our BEST graduates, Charlemagne Rojo, Elizabeth Pescadero, Danilo Mari, Gilbert Reynoso, and others like Dr. Dave King, who did the audio recording and spiritual leader of BPPF, Joshua Jimena, Jun Cordova, Jireh Porras, Rene Cordero, Jonathan Colendres, Joe Chavez and his group, and Mrs. Jimena  who was assigned to record the minutes of that confrontation, etc. Though he did damage to demoralize BEST and to besmear the reputation and integrity of Bishop Ariel P. Coleto, by Christian way and spirit, we did forgive Bacolot to glorify God by forgiving someone who erred for receiving wrong information and doing evil thing against BEST. In that confrontation, he admitted before the BPPF board members and BEST representatives that he was the one texting others about BEST and had no held evidence/s that BEST is a scam or illegally operating as a school. He promised that he will not spread out wrong texts about BEST to other Christian denominations after that confrontation. (The confrontation was put into writing and recorded through audio device, like cellphone. That confrontation was opened by a heartwarming prayer of Pastor Joshua Jimena and ended by heartfelt prayer by Dr. Jun Cordova.)

10.   Why BEST did not pursue its supposed libel case, though in your confrontation with him, Bacolot admitted that he is liable for a libel case after knowing that BEST is a legitimate religious institution and is Sec. Registered? After consulting Scriptural truths from the Word, and listening to the advice of Christian ministers, lawyers and concerned believers, and continual prayers, we decided not to pursue the case because BEST believes that its vindicator is GOD Himself.

11.   Besides Bacolod graduates, can you cite some personalities who availed and graduated from BEST? Yes. Lucell Larawan, a UP graduate, Vice Gov. Raul Tupas, Mayor Alex Centena of Calinog, Engr. Armando Aguja, Hon. Atty. Joshua Alim, Rolando Berdejo and Raymond Peter Tolentino, General, etc.

12.    What religious degrees can I avail from BEST? We can offer the following for Bachelor of Arts: Pastoral Leadership, Christian Education, Transformational Leadership; PhD via honoris causa, Practical Theology, Humanities, Ministry, Public Administration, and Christian Education. For Religious Master’s Degree, we have chaplaincy which will have monthly meeting for its module discussion and should be finished within 7 to 8 months with thesis writing and oral defense.

13.   Can we easily be enrolled to BEST? It depends. Yes, if you meet the requirements of BEST in accordance to your personal willingness and interest, that means you are not being felt coerced or forced against your will to enroll for BEST. No. If you cannot meet BEST requirements.

14.    How about our payment for BEST? Your loved gift payment for BEST covers the following: Registration Fee, Educational fee, for your degree conferred, travel expense, lodging expense, food expense of our BEST Professors who are residing in Luzon and Mindanao respectively. Your venue is free and its amenities provided by Christ Central Church Bacolod.

IV.                Who are the present Coordinators of BEST BACOLOD?

·         Main Coordinator in Visasyas: Bishop Emmanuel E. Alano, DCM, PhD

·         Associate Coordinators: Rev. Rex Soriba Jr., PhD, Rev. Elizabeth Pescadero, PhD, Rev. Sunny P. Gicalde, PhD, Rev. Junar Arroyo, PhD, Rev. Danilo Mari, PhD, Rev. Elenito Varon, PhD, Rev. Charlemagne Rojo, PhD.