AUP marked another significant milestone in its academic and research journey with the soft launching of the AUP Research Center on December 22, 2025. The event gathered administrators, faculty, staff, donors, and researchers in a spirit of gratitude for the new building.

Dr. Arceli Rosario, University president, delivered the inspirational message titled “A Guide for Adventist End-Time Researchers: Lessons from Numbers 13.” Drawing from the biblical narrative of the twelve spies, Dr. Rosario emphasized that Adventist research must be collaborative, purpose-driven, methodologically sound, and most importantly, interpreted through a Bible-based lens. She underscored that while the research conducted in Numbers 13 was technically excellent, the failure lay in how the data were interpreted, contrasting fear-driven conclusions with faith-filled conviction.

Dr. Jeimylo and Kyna De Castro, donors of the research center, shared the vision behind the research center building, which they hope will become a space where faith and inquiry meet. “I don’t like this to talk about us because it’s not about us. It’s about God’s gifts,” they shared. “We planned this building to be named Elohim,” Mrs. De Castro shared, explaining that the name was inspired by the meanings associated with their names—Jeimylo, meaning “Jesus is my Lord,” and Kyna, which is the acronym for “keeping Yahweh’s name ascending.” She added, “Hopefully, when people come here, they can discover God.”

Dr. Jeimylo further described the project as an answer to prayer, from its planning to the actual construction. He also shared his ministry among the construction workers. “As construction came to an end, I found myself unexpectedly emotional… My prayer remains that, in due time, every one of them will remember not merely a building they helped construct, but a faith they encountered,” he said.

In response, Dr. Jolly Balila, research director, expressed gratitude and commitment on behalf of the University. “We are so blessed to be entrusted with this building. It is not ours, it belongs to the University, the faculty, staff, and students,” she stated. “We believe this research center is the result of plans committed to God, plans that will strengthen research, inspire innovation, and serve others.”

The soft launch of the AUP Research Center affirms the University’s mission to advance research that is academically mission-driven, and firmly grounded in the Bible.