Exploring Religion: History Dept Holds Conference on Protestantism

by Jessa Mae Lebumfacil and Randy Adriane Martin

To provide a platform for meaningful discussions on the history and contributions of Protestant communities, the Department of History hosted the 2025 Conference on the Histories of Protestantism in Iligan City, with the theme, “The Protestant Iliganon: Towards a Religious Understanding of the Advent of Protestantism in the City of Iligan” on Friday, February 7.


Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Kristoffer R. Esquejo, the President of Asosasyon ng Mga Dalubhasa, May Hilig, at Interes sa Kasaysayan (ADHIKA ng Pilipinas Inc.) and a faculty member of the Department of History at the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD), the event offered a profound historical perspective on the resilience and faith of Filipino Protestant communities.


While Iligan City is known for its religious and cultural diversity, with Roman Catholics, Muslims, and Higaonons coexisting, studies often focus primarily on these groups, hence, the conference aimed to shed light on the presence and significant contributions of Protestant communities in the city.


Echoing this goal, CASS Dean Prof. Marie Joy D. Banawa emphasized in her opening message the importance of making research accessible to the broader community. She stressed that academic work should bridge the gap between academia and society, ensuring that research findings are inclusive and resonate beyond scholarly circles, a purpose at the heart of conferences like this one.


Dr. Esquejo took the stage and delivered his keynote address entitled, “Ang Protestantismo sa Animo ng Pulang Araw: Ang Pagkalugmok, Pakikibaka, at Pananaig ng mga Pilipinong Baptist sa Ilalim ng Okupasyong Hapones (Protestantism in the Shadow of the Red Sun: The Downfall, Struggle, and Triumph of Filipino Baptists under the Japanese Occupation).”


In order to understand the Protestant landscape in the Philippines, Dr. Esquejo first shared a brief history of Protestantism, from the founding to its arrival in the country. He highlighted the importance of approaching the study of religion not solely from a theological perspective but also through historical and cultural lenses. By doing so, deeper and varied perspectives can be gained into religious developments and their broader societal implications.


Dr. Esquejo noted that despite the different denominations, they share a common ground through the 5 Solas: Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Solus Christus (Christ Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), and Soli Deo (for the Glory of God Alone) and their committedness to promote the Social Gospel: preaching, teaching, and healing. He also underscored the correlation between the American Baptists Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS) and the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) around Iloilo, Capiz, and Negros Occidental.


Sharing the role of the Baptists during the Japanese Occupation, Dr. Edquejo echoed that despite the lives lost during the war, many Filipino Baptists allied with the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) and with the Pwersang Gerilya as soldiers, chaplains, doctors, and nurses. And, despite the harsh conditions, they remain devoted to their faith.


The conference continued with a second presentation by Asst. Prof Rey Luis Montesclaros entitled, “Post-War Mission Work of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in the Province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines” outlined the process of the missionaries’ arrival in Lanao and their dedication to creating a community harmonious with its Muslim peers.

The morning session concluded with Mhelca D. Mabano’s presentation on “The Evangelical Odyssey of Rev. John Floyd and Samuel Waldron and Their Legacy in Kiwalan (1966–1988)”, which highlighted the growth of the church in Kiwalan.


Meanwhile in the afternoon, Dr. Jamelyn B. Palattao, chairperson of the Department of History, presented her study, “Urban Protestants in Iligan City: Navigating the Challenges of Secularism,” which not only covered how these churches adapt to modern changes but also how they perceive secularism.


Another presenter, Faith Mae Oro, also shared her study on the history of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Tambacan, highlighting its missionary journey, the challenges it faced, and its impact on the community.


Furthermore, during the conference, fourth-year BA History students unveiled their ongoing research, “A History of Bethel Baptist Church in Mahayahay, Iligan City from 1986-2024,” pioneering the study of this church while exploring its contributions to the community.


Magz, a fourth-year BA History student, reflected on the conference, stating, “As a History student, I continually research the things that are unknown and undiscovered to me, especially the concept of Protestantism. This conference […] enhanced my critical thinking toward religious study.”


At the end of the program, Dr. Esquejo conveyed that Iligan City’s religious diversity reflects its culture of education, mobility, and religious tolerance, as well as its openness to different beliefs and perspectives. He suggested holding a training on how to research and write about local histories to help preserve and protect these institutions.