Nearly 300 participants from more than a dozen countries gathered in the historic town plaza of Lumban on 14\u202fMarch\u202f2026, for the 9th annual Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Renewal<\/a> event. Centred on the theme \u201cSolidarity in the Family of Christ: Sharing Burdens, Sharing Hopes,\u201d the gathering underscored the call to \u201ccarry each other\u2019s burdens\u201d (Galatians 6:2\u201310).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Renewal event brought together members of the Integrated Mennonite Church of the Philippines (IMC), MWC\u2019s Executive Committee<\/a> and the Young AnaBaptists (YABs)<\/a> Committee members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through worship, testimonies, cultural expression and prayer, participants witnessed to unity, resilience and mutual care across cultures and continents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A highlight of the opening ceremony was a symbolic procession featuring a traditional nipa hut (bahay kubo<\/em>), representing the Filipino value of bayanihan<\/em>. This cultural practice \u2013 where neighbours work together to move a home in times of need \u2013 served as a vivid metaphor for the gathering\u2019s theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rooted in unity, compassion (malasakit) and cooperation, Bayanihan captures a defining characteristic of an Anabaptist understanding of the gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGod calls us to respond with solidarity and selfless action to the needs of others in our global church,\u201d said C\u00e9sar Garc\u00eda, MWC general secretary. \u201cIn doing so, we experience Bayanihan in our family of faith and carry it into a world that longs for faithful love and enduring solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The program also celebrated the heritage of the Philippines through music and dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several church districts presented traditional performances of dance and music, joining faith with local identity. Among the featured dances was Pandanggo sa Ilaw<\/em>, a folk dance symbolizing light in darkness, inspired by Matthew 5:14\u201316. Other performances included the Cari\u00f1osa<\/em>, reflecting themes of love and connectedness and harvest dances celebrating God\u2019s provision through agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBayanihan\u201d<\/em> was not only a metaphor for Renewal 2026: it was acted out. IMC church leaders including pastor Joel De Leon, IMC president Zaldy Magansay and pastor Richard Rancap, carried a nipa hut into the event venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis embodies the spirit of communal unity, cooperation and mutual support,\u201d says Bishop Eladio Mondez of IMC. \u201cBeyond its literal meaning, Bayanihan<\/em> symbolizes the Filipino people\u2019s strong sense of community, where individuals willingly help others without expecting anything in return, especially during times of need, disasters or communal activities. It reflects the deep-rooted importance of collective effort and support in Filipino society.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBayanihan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n