Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Incorporated
Encyclopedia
The Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Incorporated (PBMA,Inc.), is a legitimate, non-sectarian, non-profit, humanitarian and a brotherhood organization that came to existence in the Philippines
since the early parts of 1960s and founded by the late Ruben Ecleo
, Sr., its first Supreme President. It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) of the Philippines on October 19, 1965 under the Registration No. 28042.
The Incorporators of the PBMA Charter were the following:
1. Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. of San Jose, Surigao del Norte
2. Arsenio D. Nazareno of Nabang, Calbayog City
3. Francisco Enerio of Initao, Misamis Oriental
4. Floro Caboverde of Salug, Zamboanga City
5. Carlos Lomanta of Ozamis City
6. Maximo Ravelo of Mate, Davao Oriental
7. Pedro Montives of Balakson, Cawayan, Leyte
8. Dionisio Cui of Babak, Davao del Norte
9. Victoriano Rafols of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte
10. Eusebio Bandivas - Taug, Zamboanga del Norte
11. Casiano Gorrea - Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte
12. Maximo Caboverde - Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte
Young Ruben Ecleo
started preparing himself for a missionary work as early as the age of seven. One day in 1941, he disappeared while gaining access to the innermost places of Dinagat Island
. Ruben was actually beginning to learn the Akashic records and training himself for a great mission. His actual mission started when he was eight years old. In 1944, while on mission in Leyte
, he enrolled in Grade II in Panaoan Island, Southern Leyte. In 1946, he enrolled in Grade I in Barrio Wilson, Dinagat and accelerated to Grade III.
Back to Leyte in mystery, Obing at the age of 11 went to the mountains where he received dictations from the Spiritual realm after which he began his full mission at the age of 12. He healed the sick who flocked to him and helped them solved their problems; he guided them in the spiritual and taught them how to live the happy life.
During the period between 1958 up to 1963, Ruben immersed himself completely in a frenzy of missionary work. While taking time travelling to different places in order to fulfil the Spiritual Division’s new instructions, he at the same time conducting teaching and healing sessions in his own place, in Cabilan, where he had erected a wooden clinic to accommodate a burgeoning flock of sick people who consulted him.
Ruben became well-known. It was at this time that people began to call him Doctor Ruben, a fact that gives an inkling of the extent and success of his missionary work. He travelled most of his times by foot in Mindanao
and Visayas
areas to take in new members. Along the way he healed the sick that eventually became his adherers. By most accounts, he founded the PBMA in the 1960’s, in the town of Aloran, Misamis Occidental
, where he started with 12 apostles. They were the first men who received his instructions; his first group of followers to assist him in his missionary works. They were the men who were fated to become the first healers, teachers and gatherers of people, people that became the PBMA. They were called the First 13.
First thirteen PBMA missioners:
1. Atty. Arsenio D. Nazareno from Nabang, Calbayog City
2. Cipriano Otero from Ubay, Bohol
3. Francisco Enerio from Gingoog City
4. Rolando Buray from Gitagum, Misamis Oriental
5. George Edera from Basilisa, Surigao del Norte
6. Cupertino Edera from Basilisa, Surigao del Norte
7. Leonardo Diegas from Gingoog City
8. Pedro Masongsong from Batangas
9. Martin Laturnas from Bohol
10. Ignacio Sumbrado from Bohol
11. Teodoro Regacion from Baybay, Leyte
12. Pedro Toquib from Bukidnon
Province
13. Benjamin Ratonil from Cebu
Few months later, the second group of missioners were conferred and called the “First 24” Missioners.
PBMA’s entity emerged as an unexpected shoot of a promising bud when Ruben Ecleo
and his first group of handful followers, who dedicated their entire lives serving him, decided to organize themselves and obtain a legal entity in the name of brotherhood and service to humanity. In 1965, they drafted the PBMA Constitution and By-Laws and other legal requirements, and raised the required amount for its registration. These men were then called the Incorporators of PBMA and the first to compose its set of Board of Directors. They were: Ruben E. Ecleo of Dinagat, Surigao del Norte; Atty. Arzenio D. Nazareno of Calbayog City; Francisco Enerio of Initao, Misamis Oriental; Floro Caboverde of Salug, Zamboanga City; Carlos Lomanta of Ozamis City; Maximo Ravelo of Mate, Davao Oriental; Pedro Montives of Cawayan, Leyte; Dionisio Cui of Babak, Davao del Norte; Victoriano Rafols of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte; Eusebio Bandivas of Taug, Zamboanga del Norte; Casiano Gorrea of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte; and, Maximo Caboverde of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Records show that the PBMA was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Makati, Rizal
, on October 19, 1965 under Registration No. 28042. Chapters in different provinces in the country were later organized to accommodate and serve the growing memberships.
On March 22, 1972, Ruben Ecleo Sr. together with some thirty members organized the Greater Manila Area
(GMA) Chapter, the first chapter in Luzon
at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Restituto Dayoan at 49-U 15th Avenue, Murphy, Quezon City
. Appointed were President Restituto Dayoan, Vice President Victoriano Hijara, Secretary Edgardo Estandian, Treasurer Antonio Ancajas, and Auditor Agaton Cavero, advisers Atty. Arsenio Nazareno and George Edera. Due to increased membership, meeting was transferred to the residence of Col. Benny Villanueva at Natib St., Quezon City. A year later, a lot was purchased in Armel Subdivision, San Mateo, Rizal. In 1983, GMA Chapter was declared as the National Capital Region (NCR) Chapter by Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr.
In 1975, a group of PBMA missionaries reached the Province of Nueva Vizcaya
with Rosita Gonzaga-Palus leading the group. Ruben Nayusan and wife Louisa Ulbano-Nayusan were among the first converts. They organized the Aritao Nueva Vizcaya Chapter and designated Lorenzo Baquiran as the President. A lot owned by Cornelio Mercado of Brgy. Darapidap, Aritao was purchased where a temporary chapter office was built.
In 1978, the Pangasinan
Chapter was organized at Brgy. Bayaoas, in the Municipality of Aguilar
. Arsenio Egken and Juanito Jamot were among the organizers. After almost a decade later, another chapter was organized in Pangasinan
, in Brgy. Bawer, Malasiqui by Ladio Lillo, to accommodate the members in the eastern municipalities of the province.
By 1988, the PBMA was reporting a total membership of 6,687 to the SEC. In interviews at that time, Ecleo Sr. aimed a membership of more than 20,000. PBMA database had recorded a phenomenal growth of memberships to 3.5 million in the country in 2002. Memberships also have reached other countries, such as Jordan
, Canada
, Australia
, Palau
, Hong Kong
, Guam
, Singapore
, Malaysia, London
, Italy
, Monaco
, Germany
, Hawaii
, New York
and Scotland
, among others. Chapters were then organized in some of these countries.
As provided for in the Articles of Incorporation of the Association, the aims and purposes for which it was established are: to be of service to humanity; to be of help in the attainment of national unity, harmony and progress regardless of whoever is holding a reins of government, and ultimately; to serve as a vehicle in the promotion of international humanitarianism, world brotherhood and friendly relations with all nations, irrespective of creed or religion. (Art. II, Articles of Incorporation; Preamble
, By-Laws).
wrote, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Charity is a free commodity that doesn’t need any amount of wealth but a humble heart dedicated for service to others; it is the mother of all virtues. The Lord Christ
said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew
19:21).
PBMA believes that the salvation of a man comes from his own confession; that the true meaning of love of God is service to humanity which is in consonance to the Lord’s saying, “…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). There is an old saying that sacrifice is the key to success, hence every member is required, in voluntary bases, to travel and go on mission and heal the sick, comfort those who are helpless and in needs, and propagate the teachings of the Association.
Ruben E. Ecleo, the Supreme Founder of the Association always reminds the members to “detach” themselves from money and adhere to the proverb, “The tinkling of silver money destroys the life of man”. He always reminds them to observe humility and live a life centered to God and service to humanity; treat pride as an evil force which gives nothing but emptiness, discomfort and hatred. His favorite quote, “Matam-is kanunay ang magpa-ubos” (It is always sweet to be humble) serves as a food for thought for members where they draw strength and inspiration whenever ridiculed by the non-members; the same reminder the Lord Christ had told to the Apostles, to love their enemies and never take any chance to fight back but rather encouraged to pray for those which despitefully use and persecute them (Matthew 5:44).
An almost similar teaching was also taught by the Great Buddha
, as integrated in his Four Noble Truths
, that man’s sufferings is caused by his selfishness which can be ended by following the Eightfold Path; that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.
It is a guiding principle for every member to be a law-abiding citizen; a role model worthy to emulate; and spiritually, morally, socially and ethically upright in all their dealings. Members are frequently reminded to follow the laws of God
, particularly the Ten Commandments
(Exodus 20) and the Christian
Golden Rule
(Luke
6:31); the laws of the government or society where they belong, and observe the highest standard of morality by denouncing all forms of vices and propagate virtues.
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
since the early parts of 1960s and founded by the late Ruben Ecleo
Ruben Ecleo
Ruben Edera Ecleo, , a Filipino spiritual leader who founded the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Incorporated in 1965....
, Sr., its first Supreme President. It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities and Exchange Commission (Philippines)
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission is a Philippine state commission responsible for securities laws and regulating the securities industry. The SEC is an agency within the Philippine Department of Finance....
(SEC) of the Philippines on October 19, 1965 under the Registration No. 28042.
The Incorporators of the PBMA Charter were the following:
1. Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. of San Jose, Surigao del Norte
San Jose, Surigao del Norte
San Jose is a municipality and the capital of the province of Dinagat Islands, Philippines. As of the 2007 census, it had a population of 28,398....
2. Arsenio D. Nazareno of Nabang, Calbayog City
Calbayog City
Calbayog City is a first class city in the province of Samar, Philippines. It lies along the coastal region of the province stretching about from the northern tip of the island and from southern boundaries...
3. Francisco Enerio of Initao, Misamis Oriental
Misamis Oriental
Misamis Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital and provincial center is Cagayan de Oro City...
4. Floro Caboverde of Salug, Zamboanga City
Zamboanga City
The City of Zamboanga : is a highly urbanized, independent and a chartered city located in Mindanao, Philippines....
5. Carlos Lomanta of Ozamis City
6. Maximo Ravelo of Mate, Davao Oriental
Davao Oriental
Davao Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Mati and borders Compostela Valley to the west, and Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur to the north. Davao Oriental is the easternmost province of the country with Pusan Point as the easternmost...
7. Pedro Montives of Balakson, Cawayan, Leyte
Leyte
Leyte is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its capital is Tacloban City and occupies the northern three-quarters of the Leyte Island. Leyte is located west of Samar Island, north of Southern Leyte and south of Biliran...
8. Dionisio Cui of Babak, Davao del Norte
Davao del Norte
Davao del Norte , and once known simply as Davao, is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Tagum City. It borders the province of Agusan del Sur to the north, Bukidnon to the west, Compostela Valley to the east, and the city of Davao to the south...
9. Victoriano Rafols of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte
Lanao del Norte
Lanao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Tubod. The province borders Lanao del Sur to the southeast, Zamboanga del Sur to the west, Illana Bay to the southwest, Iligan Bay to the north, Iligan City to the northeast, and is separated...
10. Eusebio Bandivas - Taug, Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte or simply known as ZANORTE is a province of the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Its capital is Dipolog City and the province borders Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay to the south and Misamis Occidental to the east...
11. Casiano Gorrea - Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte or simply known as ZANORTE is a province of the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Its capital is Dipolog City and the province borders Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay to the south and Misamis Occidental to the east...
12. Maximo Caboverde - Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte or simply known as ZANORTE is a province of the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Its capital is Dipolog City and the province borders Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay to the south and Misamis Occidental to the east...
Background
The Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. was born in the impoverished Sitio Puyange of Matingbe in the Municipality of Dinagat during the 1960s.Young Ruben Ecleo
Ruben Ecleo
Ruben Edera Ecleo, , a Filipino spiritual leader who founded the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Incorporated in 1965....
started preparing himself for a missionary work as early as the age of seven. One day in 1941, he disappeared while gaining access to the innermost places of Dinagat Island
Dinagat Island
' is a province in the Philippines, located on the south side of Leyte Gulf. Leyte is to its west, across Surigao Strait, and Mindanao is to its south...
. Ruben was actually beginning to learn the Akashic records and training himself for a great mission. His actual mission started when he was eight years old. In 1944, while on mission in Leyte
Leyte
Leyte is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its capital is Tacloban City and occupies the northern three-quarters of the Leyte Island. Leyte is located west of Samar Island, north of Southern Leyte and south of Biliran...
, he enrolled in Grade II in Panaoan Island, Southern Leyte. In 1946, he enrolled in Grade I in Barrio Wilson, Dinagat and accelerated to Grade III.
Back to Leyte in mystery, Obing at the age of 11 went to the mountains where he received dictations from the Spiritual realm after which he began his full mission at the age of 12. He healed the sick who flocked to him and helped them solved their problems; he guided them in the spiritual and taught them how to live the happy life.
During the period between 1958 up to 1963, Ruben immersed himself completely in a frenzy of missionary work. While taking time travelling to different places in order to fulfil the Spiritual Division’s new instructions, he at the same time conducting teaching and healing sessions in his own place, in Cabilan, where he had erected a wooden clinic to accommodate a burgeoning flock of sick people who consulted him.
Ruben became well-known. It was at this time that people began to call him Doctor Ruben, a fact that gives an inkling of the extent and success of his missionary work. He travelled most of his times by foot in Mindanao
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called The...
and Visayas
Visayas
The Visayas or Visayan Islands and locally known as Kabisay-an gid, is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Mindanao and Luzon. It consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea, although the Visayas are considered the northeast...
areas to take in new members. Along the way he healed the sick that eventually became his adherers. By most accounts, he founded the PBMA in the 1960’s, in the town of Aloran, Misamis Occidental
Misamis Occidental
Misamis Occidental is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Oroquieta City...
, where he started with 12 apostles. They were the first men who received his instructions; his first group of followers to assist him in his missionary works. They were the men who were fated to become the first healers, teachers and gatherers of people, people that became the PBMA. They were called the First 13.
First thirteen PBMA missioners:
1. Atty. Arsenio D. Nazareno from Nabang, Calbayog City
Calbayog City
Calbayog City is a first class city in the province of Samar, Philippines. It lies along the coastal region of the province stretching about from the northern tip of the island and from southern boundaries...
2. Cipriano Otero from Ubay, Bohol
Bohol
Bohol is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of and a coastline long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines...
3. Francisco Enerio from Gingoog City
Gingoog City
The City of Gingoog is a third class city in the Province of Misamis Oriental. Pronounced as Hingoog due to Spanish accent of G to H...
4. Rolando Buray from Gitagum, Misamis Oriental
Misamis Oriental
Misamis Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital and provincial center is Cagayan de Oro City...
5. George Edera from Basilisa, Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Surigao City. The province consists of two major islands—Siargao Island and Bucas Grande Island—in the Philippine Sea, and a small region at the northernmost tip of the island of...
6. Cupertino Edera from Basilisa, Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Surigao City. The province consists of two major islands—Siargao Island and Bucas Grande Island—in the Philippine Sea, and a small region at the northernmost tip of the island of...
7. Leonardo Diegas from Gingoog City
Gingoog City
The City of Gingoog is a third class city in the Province of Misamis Oriental. Pronounced as Hingoog due to Spanish accent of G to H...
8. Pedro Masongsong from Batangas
Batangas
Batangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the...
9. Martin Laturnas from Bohol
Bohol
Bohol is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of and a coastline long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines...
10. Ignacio Sumbrado from Bohol
Bohol
Bohol is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of and a coastline long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines...
11. Teodoro Regacion from Baybay, Leyte
Leyte
Leyte is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its capital is Tacloban City and occupies the northern three-quarters of the Leyte Island. Leyte is located west of Samar Island, north of Southern Leyte and south of Biliran...
12. Pedro Toquib from Bukidnon
Bukidnon
Bukidnon is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Malaybalay City. The province borders, clockwise starting from the north, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, and Lanao del Norte.Bukidnon is...
Province
13. Benjamin Ratonil from Cebu
Cebu
Cebu is a province in the Philippines, consisting of Cebu Island and 167 surrounding islands. It is located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands...
Few months later, the second group of missioners were conferred and called the “First 24” Missioners.
PBMA’s entity emerged as an unexpected shoot of a promising bud when Ruben Ecleo
Ruben Ecleo
Ruben Edera Ecleo, , a Filipino spiritual leader who founded the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Incorporated in 1965....
and his first group of handful followers, who dedicated their entire lives serving him, decided to organize themselves and obtain a legal entity in the name of brotherhood and service to humanity. In 1965, they drafted the PBMA Constitution and By-Laws and other legal requirements, and raised the required amount for its registration. These men were then called the Incorporators of PBMA and the first to compose its set of Board of Directors. They were: Ruben E. Ecleo of Dinagat, Surigao del Norte; Atty. Arzenio D. Nazareno of Calbayog City; Francisco Enerio of Initao, Misamis Oriental; Floro Caboverde of Salug, Zamboanga City; Carlos Lomanta of Ozamis City; Maximo Ravelo of Mate, Davao Oriental; Pedro Montives of Cawayan, Leyte; Dionisio Cui of Babak, Davao del Norte; Victoriano Rafols of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte; Eusebio Bandivas of Taug, Zamboanga del Norte; Casiano Gorrea of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte; and, Maximo Caboverde of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Records show that the PBMA was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Makati, Rizal
Rizal
Rizal is a province located in the CALABARZON , just 16 kilometers east of Manila. The province was named after the country's national hero, José Rizal. Rizal Governor Casimiro A. Ynares III on June 17, 2008 announced the transfer of the Capitol from Pasig. Its P 270-million capitol building,...
, on October 19, 1965 under Registration No. 28042. Chapters in different provinces in the country were later organized to accommodate and serve the growing memberships.
On March 22, 1972, Ruben Ecleo Sr. together with some thirty members organized the Greater Manila Area
Greater Manila Area
Greater Manila generally refers to the contiguous urbanization surrounding Metro Manila. Greater Manila spills into the neighboring provinces of Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga and Batangas. Greater Manila hugs Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in Luzon...
(GMA) Chapter, the first chapter in Luzon
Luzon
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago, and is also the name for one of the three primary island groups in the country centered on the Island of Luzon...
at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Restituto Dayoan at 49-U 15th Avenue, Murphy, Quezon City
Quezon City
Quezon City is the former capital and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L...
. Appointed were President Restituto Dayoan, Vice President Victoriano Hijara, Secretary Edgardo Estandian, Treasurer Antonio Ancajas, and Auditor Agaton Cavero, advisers Atty. Arsenio Nazareno and George Edera. Due to increased membership, meeting was transferred to the residence of Col. Benny Villanueva at Natib St., Quezon City. A year later, a lot was purchased in Armel Subdivision, San Mateo, Rizal. In 1983, GMA Chapter was declared as the National Capital Region (NCR) Chapter by Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr.
In 1975, a group of PBMA missionaries reached the Province of Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Vizcaya is a province of the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Bayombong. It is bordered by, clockwise from the north, Ifugao, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and Benguet.-History, people and culture:The name was derived from the...
with Rosita Gonzaga-Palus leading the group. Ruben Nayusan and wife Louisa Ulbano-Nayusan were among the first converts. They organized the Aritao Nueva Vizcaya Chapter and designated Lorenzo Baquiran as the President. A lot owned by Cornelio Mercado of Brgy. Darapidap, Aritao was purchased where a temporary chapter office was built.
In 1978, the Pangasinan
Pangasinan
Pangasinan is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is located on the west central and peripheral area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf, with the total land area being 5,368.82 square kilometers . According to the latest census,...
Chapter was organized at Brgy. Bayaoas, in the Municipality of Aguilar
Aguilar, Pangasinan
Aguilar is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 36,564 people in 6,131 households. The municipality got its name after Spanish governor-general Rafael Maria de Aguilar....
. Arsenio Egken and Juanito Jamot were among the organizers. After almost a decade later, another chapter was organized in Pangasinan
Pangasinan
Pangasinan is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is located on the west central and peripheral area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf, with the total land area being 5,368.82 square kilometers . According to the latest census,...
, in Brgy. Bawer, Malasiqui by Ladio Lillo, to accommodate the members in the eastern municipalities of the province.
By 1988, the PBMA was reporting a total membership of 6,687 to the SEC. In interviews at that time, Ecleo Sr. aimed a membership of more than 20,000. PBMA database had recorded a phenomenal growth of memberships to 3.5 million in the country in 2002. Memberships also have reached other countries, such as Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, Palau
Palau
Palau , officially the Republic of Palau , is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and south of Tokyo. In 1978, after three decades as being part of the United Nations trusteeship, Palau chose independence instead of becoming part of the Federated States of Micronesia, a...
, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, Guam
Guam
Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
, Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, Malaysia, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Monaco
Monaco
Monaco , officially the Principality of Monaco , is a sovereign city state on the French Riviera. It is bordered on three sides by its neighbour, France, and its centre is about from Italy. Its area is with a population of 35,986 as of 2011 and is the most densely populated country in the...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, among others. Chapters were then organized in some of these countries.
Nature of the organization
The PBMA is a civic, non-stock and a non-sectarian organization. Its formation is squarely based on constitutional and legal grounds, specially, the constitutional protective mantle which guarantees the rights of citizens to form associations or societies for purposes not contrary to law. (Sec. 6, Art. IV, 1935 Constitution; Sec. 7, Art IV, 1975 Constitution; Sec. I, Art. I, Freedom Constitution; Sec. 8, Art. III, 1986 Constitution). The legality of its existence is anchored on the provisions of Republic Act 1459, otherwise known as the Corporation Code of the Philippines, as amended, pursuant to which it is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as an entity clothed with legal personality on October 19, 1965, under SEC Registration No. 28042.As provided for in the Articles of Incorporation of the Association, the aims and purposes for which it was established are: to be of service to humanity; to be of help in the attainment of national unity, harmony and progress regardless of whoever is holding a reins of government, and ultimately; to serve as a vehicle in the promotion of international humanitarianism, world brotherhood and friendly relations with all nations, irrespective of creed or religion. (Art. II, Articles of Incorporation; Preamble
Preamble
A preamble is an introductory and expressionary statement in a document that explains the document's purpose and underlying philosophy. When applied to the opening paragraphs of a statute, it may recite historical facts pertinent to the subject of the statute...
, By-Laws).
Philosophies and principles
The PBMA is a group of people of humble origins who dedicated their lives for the service of humanity without expecting any reciprocal benefit in return; to do charitable works by serving others faithfully, to help them benevolently, and by giving any kind of help voluntarily, as the First Epistle to the CorinthiansFirst Epistle to the Corinthians
The first epistle of Paul the apostle to the Corinthians, often referred to as First Corinthians , is the seventh book of the New Testament of the Bible...
wrote, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Charity is a free commodity that doesn’t need any amount of wealth but a humble heart dedicated for service to others; it is the mother of all virtues. The Lord Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew
Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel According to Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels, one of the three synoptic gospels, and the first book of the New Testament. It tells of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth...
19:21).
PBMA believes that the salvation of a man comes from his own confession; that the true meaning of love of God is service to humanity which is in consonance to the Lord’s saying, “…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). There is an old saying that sacrifice is the key to success, hence every member is required, in voluntary bases, to travel and go on mission and heal the sick, comfort those who are helpless and in needs, and propagate the teachings of the Association.
Ruben E. Ecleo, the Supreme Founder of the Association always reminds the members to “detach” themselves from money and adhere to the proverb, “The tinkling of silver money destroys the life of man”. He always reminds them to observe humility and live a life centered to God and service to humanity; treat pride as an evil force which gives nothing but emptiness, discomfort and hatred. His favorite quote, “Matam-is kanunay ang magpa-ubos” (It is always sweet to be humble) serves as a food for thought for members where they draw strength and inspiration whenever ridiculed by the non-members; the same reminder the Lord Christ had told to the Apostles, to love their enemies and never take any chance to fight back but rather encouraged to pray for those which despitefully use and persecute them (Matthew 5:44).
An almost similar teaching was also taught by the Great Buddha
Buddha
In Buddhism, buddhahood is the state of perfect enlightenment attained by a buddha .In Buddhism, the term buddha usually refers to one who has become enlightened...
, as integrated in his Four Noble Truths
Four Noble Truths
The Four Noble Truths are an important principle in Buddhism, classically taught by the Buddha in the Dharmacakra Pravartana Sūtra....
, that man’s sufferings is caused by his selfishness which can be ended by following the Eightfold Path; that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.
It is a guiding principle for every member to be a law-abiding citizen; a role model worthy to emulate; and spiritually, morally, socially and ethically upright in all their dealings. Members are frequently reminded to follow the laws of God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
, particularly the Ten Commandments
Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue , are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in Judaism and most forms of Christianity. They include instructions to worship only God and to keep the Sabbath, and prohibitions against idolatry,...
(Exodus 20) and the Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
Golden Rule
Golden Rule
Golden Rule may refer to:*The Golden Rule in ethics, morality, history and religion, also known as the ethic of reciprocity*Golden Rule savings rate, in economics, the savings rate which maximizes consumption in the Solow growth model...
(Luke
Luke
Luke is a male given name, and less commonly, a surname.The name Luke is derived from the Latin name , from an Ancient Greek , meaning "man from Lucania". The earliest known recording of the name is from the Bible, The Gospel of Luke, which was written around AD 70 to 90, and it is from here...
6:31); the laws of the government or society where they belong, and observe the highest standard of morality by denouncing all forms of vices and propagate virtues.