Meet Joseph Reyes, the New President of the Alliance of Philippines

Rev. Joseph Illamil Reyes was elected the new national president of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) during the denomination’s 58th General Assembly held in Palawan. He will serve a four-year term from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2029.

In his vision for the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP), Reyes laid out four major directions affirmed during the June 2025 General Assembly:

1. Economic Growth and Stability – Empowering local churches through financial reforms, including a proposed reduction of the national contribution rate from 15% to 12%, encouraging more investment in evangelism, discipleship, revival, and service.
2. Digital Transformation – Establishing a centralized, cloud-based ministerial database to improve accountability, transparency, and efficiency across CAMACOP ministries.
3. Ministerial Welfare – Strengthening pastoral care through improved health, retirement, medical, and mortuary support programs.
4. Infrastructure Development – Building facilities that serve the mission, including a 10,000-seat convention center, new campsites, and improved Bible schools.

“Our mission to fulfill the Great Commission is non-negotiable,” Reyes said. “To realize this, we need a direction that is clear, practical, workable, and Spirit-led—one we can walk and work together.” His leadership theme emphasizes unity: “One Body, One Direction, One Vision, One Mission.”

The Philippines, located in Southeast Asia, is one of the most Christianized nations in the world, with over 86 percent of the population identifying as Roman Catholic and around 10 percent as Protestant. The country is home to a vibrant evangelical community, with CAMACOP standing among its largest Protestant denominations. Founded in 1909, CAMACOP has grown to include thousands of congregations and ministries throughout the country and abroad, with an estimated 6,000 church workers and missionaries engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Born in Maitum, Sarangani Province, Reyes grew up in a Christian family and came to faith during his childhood Sunday school years, later being baptized at age 13. He pursued theological training at Mt. Apo Alliance Bible College and went on to complete his Master of Divinity in Missions degree at the Alliance Biblical Seminary in 1992. Married to LM Zarah since 1981, the couple has been blessed with three children: Sheila, Jay Jireh, and Sherlene.

Rev. Reyes has served the church for more than four decades in pioneering work, pastoral ministry, and leadership in Bible schools. He previously led as president one of CAMACOP’s Bible schools (1996-2002), then later serving as National Executive Minister for Finance and Stewardship, and pastoring for 11 years while also contributing as a member of the National Board of Trustees.

As the new president, Reyes asked us to pray for wisdom and guidance for himself and his leadership team, protection and provision for his family, and renewed strength and anointing for the thousands of CAMACOP ministers serving across the Philippines and beyond.