The Adventist University of the Philippines inaugurated the Immanuel Student Center at the Samuel P. Dizon Auditorium on June 19, 2026. This multifunctional section is donated by Dr. and Mrs. Jeimylo De Castro.  It can be accessed through staircases on both the right and left sides. There is a choir room, with a glass panel stretching from end to end of the wall, and a piano. There is another room that will serve as an office for various student organizations. The audio-visual room is in the middle and faces the auditorium. Another piano was bought for the auditorium, and 21 chairs were given to the teachers.

In addition to the Immanuel Student Center, Dr. and Mrs. De Castro generously financed the renovation of the comfort rooms; the construction of a staircase providing access to the faculty residences behind the Academy and a covered walkway connecting the main Academy building to SPDA; the excavation of a drainage canal; the renovation of the SPDA façade; the landscaping of the front lawn; and the purchase of two pianos and 21 chairs for the teachers. Together, these projects represent an investment of approximately ₱6 million in support of the Academy’s mission and development.

Being Immanuel

The program opened with a devotional message from Dr. Jan Harry Cabungcal, a neuroscientist and AWR evangelist.  Drawing from the Spirit of Prophecy, Dr. Cabungcal urged the AUP community not to forget its history even as it stepped into something new. “The time of generation is now,” he said, calling on everyone present to examine their own hearts as they dedicated the Immanuel Student Center. His challenge lingered in the room long after he had finished speaking: “Let nothing in me hinder from being Immanuel.”

A Gift Born From a Surrendered Heart

“Giving is an issue of the heart,” said Dr. Jeimylo de Castro,, reminding everyone that gifts are meaningful only when they imprint Christ’s mission on one’s heart.

His wife, Mrs. Kyna de Castro, traced the story back further to God’s call. “God tapped people. First, the Dizons. And now He has entrusted us with continuing something God has been building for generations.”

Dr. De Castro expressed his gratitude to Engr. Desmond Diaz and his team who labored day and night to ensure that the projects were completed on time. The goal was to have them ready by the start of the school year.

Dr. De Castro shared that they did not have the funds when they decided to build the student center, but God had led them through it. “God is simply validating what we surrender,” he reflected. “It is God’s problem; our job is just to surrender everything to Him. It’s not about us. It’s about the God who is with us.”

Many Hands, One Mission

Other supporters contributed to the project: AUP Academy contributed ₱300,000; Mr and Mrs. Fiel Lucrida gave ₱200,000 for the 50 chairs for the choir room, and a piano. Engr. and Mrs. Diaz’s contribution, according to Dr. De Castro, was incalculable as they spearheaded the landscaping and did numerous other tasks.  Even the prayers of teachers, faculty, and students were counted as priceless offerings.

Not Yet Done

In her words of thanks, Zara de Castro, Academy Student Council vice president, spoke directly to the impact already felt by the students: “Because of your generosity, we are able to continue our activities.”

Sharon Perdon, AUPA principal, reflected on the project’s journey from “before and after,” noting that the Lord had given the academy an opportunity and that the community had embraced it “no matter the cost,” trusting that He who began the work would carry it into completion. “He will carry it into completion,” she said, “because He is with us.”

Then came the question: “Are we done?” The answer, offered without hesitation, was No. “Not yet,” she said. “For as long as we have students to serve, our work is not done.” She closed with words of gratitude that extended beyond the building itself. “Thank you for allowing us to experience God’s faithfulness for such a time as this.”

Looking Ahead

The program closed with a dedicatory prayer of Pastor Gerardo Cajobe, SLPUM president. He formally consecrated the Immanuel Student Center to its purpose: sports, worship, community, and mission. Yet even as the ribbon was cut, plans for the future were already taking shape. Dr. Rosario shared good news. Phase 3 of the AUPA’s senior high school building development is already underway. Engr. and Mrs. Desmond Diaz committed to sponsoring the foundation for the four-story building with two rooms on each floor and the construction of one classroom.

The AUP Academy stood as living proof that when God is the builder, what rises is never just a structure; it is a testimony of how God has been with us, always.