EMPOWER 2024 PASTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS' TRAINING SEMINAR - ADVANCED COURSE

Rev. Hooge, Executive Director of SOT®P, Philippines, and his wife, Lora, grew up as children of missionary families in the Philippines. He was taken to the Philippines in 1948 by his parents, Rev. and Mrs. Frank Hooge. He finished his Junior High at Faith Academy in Manila but completed his High School at Phoenix Christian High School in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1962, both he and Lora enrolled at the Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, and soon it became evident that the Lord was directing their lives together. In February 1967, they were approved as missionaries of the Baptist Bible Fellowship and were in the Philippines by December of that same year. They worked with Cavite Bible Baptist Academy in 1978 using the Accelerated Christian Education® (A.C.E.®) program – giving birth to what is now SOT®P, Philippines. He is also the president of BLESS®, Inc.

Pastor Erich, who took up Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines, began his journey in the education ministry when he was appointed the Pastor-Administrator of Jesus’ Flock Academy in 1987. His involvement with SOT®P, Philippines, deepened when he was asked to be a part of the staff of the National Student Conventions, and later with the Junior Student Conventions. He later became a regular member of the Educators’ Convention team as a speaker. He continues to serve as the Associate Pastor of Jesus’ Flock and the Administrator of JFA. He is married to Miriam Cuizon and they have two children, John Michael and Maegan Abiel. He now serves as the Deputy Director of SOT®P, Philippines.

Rev. Alex Celeste is a graduate of Mountain View Bible Seminary in Angeles City, and Baguio Central University Baguio. He has been a Field Consultant of SOT®P for Northern Luzon since 1984. He is one who literally rose from the ranks. Starting as a monitor, then supervisor and later, principal of Grace Baptist Church and Academy (Baguio) from 1979-1983. He served as administrator of Lighthouse Christian School from 1991-2008, and at the same time serving as President of International Christian Colleges, both in Baguio City. Then he served as Principal of Disciples For Christ International School (Baguio) from 2008 - 2014, where he finally retired, but not out of commission. In 2015, Rev. Celeste joined the Management of School of Tomorrow, Philippines, and served as the Senior Manager of the Infrastructure Department. Now, Rev. Celeste is part of the Executive Core, but is still our faithful consultant up in the Cordilleras.

Mrs. Barrera is a regular speaker in our signature events and trainings. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas in 1982. She completed her Professional Education Course at the Philippine Christian University in 2002. She is currently taking up her Master's in Christian Education at Louisiana Baptist University.

Though she completed an architecture degree, it was clear that her heart is in the area of education. She served in different capacities in various Christian schools before joining Philippine Christian School of Tomorrow (PCST) as Principal in 1999. Just this year, 2024, Mrs. Barrera has been given the helm to lead PCST as Administrator.

Jemuel C. Ocampo, a dedicated Senior High School Adviser/Teacher at Jesus’ Flock Academy, and a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas. Alongside his academic role, Jemuel serves as the Youth Pastor and Worship Director at Jesus’ Flock Gateway Church, actively contributing to both education and spiritual growth. With a knack for engaging teaching methods, Jemuel has been a facilitator at Educator’s Conventions, emphasizing his commitment to advancing the field. His passion lies in connecting with students and navigating the connections of education and the Bible. Jemuel brings a unique blend of academic and spiritual expertise to the Christian educators’ conference, offering insights into effective teaching, student connections, and the synergy of education and faith.

Mr. Bautista graduated from Datamex Institute of Computer Technology with an Associate in Computer Technology back in 2011.

He is no stranger to the SOT®P curriculum as a graduate of the system himself. He was a graduate of the Philippine Christian School of Tomorrow back in 2009. He started working in SOT®P, Philippines, back in 2011 as an ICT Staff.

In 2016, he began working in the Executive Office as the Executive Manager where his gift in administration and organization is being utilized.

Mr. Bautista is a regular speaker in our training, conferences, and conventions.

Mr. Ermitaño completed his elementary education at the Philippine School in Damman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and his secondary education at Blessed Trinity School in Las Piñas. He took up a course in Computer Science before joining SOT®P, Philippines, in 2003.

His first exposure to the system was in the Homeschool department, formerly known as Living Heritage Academy, when he worked there as a clerk. He was tasked to administer Diagnostic Tests to lower-level students and encode grades in the Learning Management System.

In 2005, he started his creative journey in the ministry and handled the conceptualization and design of the event and program materials both in digital and print. This paved the way for him to expand his ministry reach by handling a newly established MULTIMEDIA DEPARTMENT in 2009.

By 2014, God had a different route in mind for Mr. Ermitaño. He was placed in a very different area where he was given the task to handle the newly organized PROGRAM SUPPORT DEPARTMENT whose main task is the processing, production, and distribution of trade item materials for schools and homeschool families using the A.C.E. SOT®P System in the Philippines.

Then, just recently, in January of 2022, God opened another door for him in the SCHOOL SERVICES DEPARTMENT where he is handling all school-related concerns and the implementation of all planned signature events of the ministry.

Along with his ministry in SOT®P, he is also privileged to teach Media & Information Literacy and Empowerment Technologies at the Philippine Christian School of Tomorrow and function as a Media & Project Management Consultant for various ministries in the United Kingdom.