Sailing on Grace: FEBIAS Family Reunites for Historic LAYAG FCBAA Grand Alumni Homecoming 2026

VALENZUELA CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Vision Chapel of FEBIAS College of Bible echoed with triumphant worship, joyful laughter, and heartwarming reunions on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as a record-breaking 270 alumni gathered under one roof for the LAYAG FCBAA Grand Alumni Homecoming 2026 — marking the largest alumni turnout in FCB homecoming history.

Adding to the vibrancy of the sanctuary was the inspiring presence of over 100 current FEBIAS students who filled the chapel to hear, witness, learn, and catch the living vision of where God sends His servants after their time on campus.

Representing generations of kingdom service, returning alumni journeyed from every corner of the Philippines — including distant provinces across Mindanao — while seven dedicated alumni flew in from as far as the United States and the Middle East. The chapel swelled with continuity as the fresh graduates of Batch 2026 stood as the largest single delegation, sharing the sanctuary with seasoned pioneers from as early as Batch 1954.

BRIDGING GENERATIONS AND HONORING MILESTONE JUBILARIANS

The day commenced with a grand parade led by decades of faithful servants processing into the sanctuary. Highlighting the procession were the honored milestone Jubilarians: Decennial Jubilarians (Batch 2016 - Xaris) celebrating 10 years sustained by God's unmerited grace; Silver Jubilarians (Batch 2001 - Mizpah) marking 25 years under the Lord's unshakeable watchcare; and Golden Jubilarians (Batch 1976) honored with a standing ovation for 50 remarkable years of steadfast kingdom ministry.

The assembly also joined together in corporate hymn singing, accompanied by a live band composed of FEBIAS alumni from Bauan Bible Christian Church, filling the chapel with four-part harmony and a warm sense of shared heritage.

FEBIAS President Dr. Tim Gener formally welcomed the fleet, anchoring the morning in gratitude and prayer. In his address, Dr. Gener shared key updates and ongoing campus development projects, including the continuous improvement of classrooms and facilities, as well as the transition to solar panel energy for sustainable power. He highlighted groundbreaking academic news with the launch of the new Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Counseling — the very first program of its kind in the country recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). He also invited the returning alumni to join in the college's upcoming 78th Vision Week celebration.

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND THE HOMECOMING MESSAGE

During the Alumni President's Address, FCBAA President Rev. Al Termulo presented the healthy state of the alumni association alongside the strategic vision for the LAYAG biennial focus. Drawing from Luke 5:4 — "Sama-Sama Tayong Maglalayag" — he outlined three core pillars for the mission ahead: Launch Out Into the Waters (Together, We Discover); Let Down Your Nets Into the Deep (Together, We Develop); and Lead Our People to Catch Fish (Together, We Disciple).

The morning message was delivered by guest speaker Rev. Fermin Ancho (ABTh - Pastoral Batch 1986), a U.S. Navy veteran and Senior Pastor of Southwest Baptist Church in San Diego, California. Delivering a powerful, steering message titled around the journey of faith, Rev. Ancho anchored his message on five transformative principles for every kingdom mariner:

The Journey Begins with Surrender — Citing 1 Samuel 12:24, he reminded the assembly to "only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you."

Raise the Sail Before You See the Destination — Reflecting on his personal military journey starting in 1992 — rising from Seaman to Master Chief while completing two master's degrees — he urged alumni to step out in radical obedience even when the horizon is unclear.

God's Faithfulness Does Not Promise a Storm-Free Journey — Pointing to the perilous journeys of Ezra and Nehemiah, alongside his own difficult seasons and the sacrifices of others, he reassured the crowd that trials do not negate God's presence.

Finishing a Career is Not Finishing the Call — Looking back at his U.S. Navy retirement in October 2021, Rev. Ancho delivered a ringing declaration: "As long as God gives us breath, we have an assignment."

Finish Strong — He charged every generation to Remember the Hand, Raise the Sail, and Remain faithful because God is faithful. He concluded with a resounding exhortation: "We journey so that Jesus Christ may be glorified in our lives. Let us keep layaging. Soli Deo Gloria!"

A RAFFLE OF BLESSING AND GENEROUS GIVING

In a selfless twist, the event featured a Raffle of Blessing, where alumni submitted names of fellow alumni whom they prayed to win major prizes — including a Honda Beat Motorcycle, Condura Refrigerator, Mountain Bike, Smart TV, and over 100 minor prizes.

A "Raffle of Blessing" & Unseen Heartbeats

While prizes brought high excitement, many felt that the true heartbeat of LAYAG 2026 unfolded during the quiet, intimate moments of fellowship and ministry. In true FEBIAS tradition, the fellowship extended far beyond the chapel pews and into an overflowing family table. Every attendee — from pioneer alumni to student ushers — was blessed with continuous, bountiful meal provisions spanning breakfast, two delicious snacks, and a hearty lunch, fostering hours of warm, unhurried fellowship across every table.

This spirit of care carried deeply into the afternoon sessions, which served as a strong, unseen blessing throughout the day. The raw, unscripted ministry stories shared during the Fishbowl Conversation and the dedicated Cluster Huddle prayer times — where generations laid hands on one another to intercede for fallen, elderly, and sick alumni, as well as local and global mission fields — proved to be a profound spiritual refreshing for the entire fleet.

A GRATEFUL HEART: ORGANIZERS HONOR THE FLEET

As the organizer of this historic homecoming, the FCBAA Board of Trustees expressed its profound, heartfelt gratitude to every individual and group who helped make LAYAG 2026 an overwhelming success.

The Board warmly acknowledged the dedicated working committees, volunteers, student ushers, generous sponsors, donors, participating batches, and every attendee who traveled near and far — for sailing together in unity, faith, and purpose — carrying the torch of FEBIAS into the world.

SENT OUT TO SAIL

The gathering concluded on a deeply moving note as the assembly stood shoulder-to-shoulder to sing "Blessed Assurance (This Is My Story, This Is My Song)" as their Commitment Hymn. As the hymn echoed through the sanctuary, attendees made their way to sign the LAYAG Wall of Commitment in the lobby as a public testimony of God's faithfulness and their renewed devotion.

FCBAA Vice President Rev. James Aberin delivered the closing remarks and benediction, commissioning the fleet back to their respective callings across the globe. As delegates departed the campus, one truth remained anchored in their hearts: no matter how rough the seas or how long the journey, the FEBIAS family sails forward together — declaring His story to the world, for the glory of God alone.