PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI) is proud to announce the election of Emil Jonathan Soriano as Chairman of its Board of Trustees. His appointment marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s ongoing mission to promote justice, reconciliation, and sustainable peace across the Philippines. With over a decade of partnership with PBCI and its co-founders, Rev. Dann “Lakan” Pantoja and Joji “Bai Kasunayan” Pantoja, Pastor Jon Soriano brings leadership that is both deeply aligned with PBCI’s core values and forward-looking in its approach to peacebuilding. “I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn and grow in my journey of peacebuilding,” Pastor Jon shared, expressing his gratitude and confidence in this new role. PBCI looks forward to collaborating under Pastor Soriano’s leadership as it embarks on the next chapter of innovative and inclusive peacebuilding efforts.
Jon’s family L-R: Emilio Joaquin 17, Abigail ‘Billie’ Acorda Soriano, Lucio Nicolas 9, Emil ‘Jon’ Jonathan Soriano, and Justino Gabriel 13
A Decade-Long Partnership in Peace
Soriano’s relationship with PBCI dates back more than ten years, when he first worked alongside the Pantojas in advocating for the Bangsamoro’s struggle for self-determination. Reflecting on this shared journey, he recalls, “I have known Lakan and Lakambini for more than a decade now. We go way back to the time we were advocating for the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination and have been together in various forums and peacebuilding-related events.”
Through these shared experiences, Soriano developed a profound respect for the Pantojas’ commitment to peace, reconciliation, and justice. His involvement with PBCI grew over the years as he became a trusted ally, board member, and now its chairman.
Addressing the participants during the 2024 General Assembly of PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. | 15 November 2024 | Malipayon Peace Hub, Foothills of Mt. Apo, Mindanao
A Journey Rooted in Faith and Justice
Born in San Pedro, Laguna, Soriano’s personal and professional journey has been deeply influenced by his faith and commitment to social transformation. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the East and a Master of Divinity in Cross-cultural Missions from the Asian Theological Seminary, Soriano’s path took an unexpected turn during his seminary studies.
While exploring Church history, he encountered the Anabaptist movement and was struck by its radical commitment to pacifism, community, and non-violence. “Their emphasis on adult baptism, pacifism, separation of church and state, radical discipleship, and community intrigued me, particularly their commitment to non-violence in the face of persecution,” he shares.
This discovery challenged his previously held belief in redemptive violence and set him on a lifelong journey of rethinking Christian discipleship and peacebuilding.
Preparing for a conflict transformation mission to Central Mindanao with staff and volunteers of PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. | 16 November 2024 | Malipayon Peace Hub, Foothills of Mt. Apo, Mindanao
Local and Regional Leadership
Soriano’s work as Theology Network and Engagement (TNE) Manager and focal lead for Reconciled and Peaceful Societies (RPS) in the Asian Region for Tearfund exemplifies his dedication to integrating faith and social action. As part of his role, he collaborates with faith communities to promote reconciliation and build peaceful societies.
At the grassroots level, Soriano pastors a small house church community in San Pedro, Laguna, known as Church at No. 71. With around 20 members, this community embodies his vision of an “organic” and relational approach to ministry. His leadership has also extended to helping establish and support sister communities, including Theo sa Kanto in Tondo, Manila, and Balay Tuklasan Likhaan in Taguig.
Immersion in Peacebuilding
Soriano’s immersion in peacebuilding became more intentional when he took a course on the Biblical foundations of peace with Mennonite scholar Dr. Jack Suderman in 2010. This experience was transformative: “The course challenged me to examine the life, teachings, and ethics of Jesus, and to consider how these teachings inform our understanding of peacebuilding,” he recalls. The Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes became central to his theological framework, shaping his commitment to non-violence and shalom.
His involvement in interfaith dialogues and ecumenical platforms, such as the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), has further demonstrated his dedication to bridging divides and advocating for peace. These experiences, while often challenging, have solidified his belief that “peacebuilding is a long and arduous journey, but even small acts of peacemaking can have a ripple effect, creating a more just and equitable world.”
We were invited to attend a session of the Bangsamoro Parliament at the government center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with the staff and volunteers of PeaceBuilders Community. We were also welcomed at Camp Darapanan, the main headquarters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to have a dialogue with the camp commander and his staff. | 16-18 November 2024 | Cotabato City, Mindanao
A Vision for PBCI’s Future
As the Chairman of PBCI’s Board of Trustees, Soriano envisions deepening the organization’s grassroots impact and fostering broader partnerships. Guided by his understanding of salaam as the restoration of wholeness and harmony in all creation, Soriano’s leadership seeks to expand PBCI’s role as a catalyst for transformative peacebuilding across communities.
“I believe the Gospel is about more than just individual salvation; it is about the restoration of shalom,” he emphasizes. With this conviction, Soriano is committed to ensuring that PBCI continues to inspire and mobilize individuals and communities to address systemic injustices and build bridges of trust and understanding.
We always enjoy Jon’s presence and fellowship with us, his fellow peacebuilding advocates and fellow workers at PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. and Mennonite Church Canada. Jon has always been a blessing and fun guy to be with. | 19-20 November 2024 | Mindanao, Philippines
Remaining Steadfast with PBCI Vision
PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. celebrates Emil Jonathan Soriano’s election as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. His leadership will continue our justice-based peace and reconciliation framework:
Harmony with the Creator emphasizes spiritual-ethical transformation, encouraging individuals to align with divine principles such as love, justice, and compassion. This transformation requires deep self-reflection and a commitment to ethical living that transcends daily distractions and materialism. Through this spiritual connection, one fosters a compassionate and equitable society.
Harmony with being, or physical-psychological transformation, involves nurturing both body and mind. By cultivating healthy habits and mental resilience, individuals can approach life’s challenges with balance and self-compassion. This harmony highlights the importance of self-care, helping individuals contribute to peace and healing within and around them.
Harmony with others, or social-political transformation, focuses on promoting justice and equity within society. This involves recognizing human dignity and working toward systemic change that uplifts marginalized communities. By advocating for policies that prioritize the common good, individuals contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful world.
Finally, harmony with creation calls for ecological-economic transformation. It encourages sustainable living and economic systems that respect the earth’s resources and promote justice. This shift involves adopting practices that protect the environment and support ethical economic models, contributing to the well-being of both people and the planet.
With Soriano at the helm, PBCI looks forward to building on its rich legacy as we remain steadfast in our commitment to what we are about as a community: Together, we will remain to be motivated by love and joy to help transform our land and our people towards justice, peace, and reconciliation.
