More than 100 locations in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines will host the 2024 Regional Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, once again drawing thousands of people to the three-day event which will run until September 1 this year.
One of the largest convention organizations in the world returns to the Metro Manila Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Novaliches, Quezon City and various sites throughout the country for the “Declare the Good News” convention series.
“These conventions are a highlight of the year for thousands of people who want to experience some positivity in their lives, and we are happy to enjoy the program once again in this welcoming and hospitable city,” said Dr. Melchor Basalo, spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Metro Manila.
In a world where bad news endlessly streams on social media, TV and radio, the “Declare the Good News!” convention seeks to bring hope and comfort to the people.
“Many news we hear today are about wars, crimes, and poverty. Good news gives refreshment and hope, better outlook in life and you see people in a positive light,” said Bobby Cruz who will be attending the convention. His wife, Alma, added, “Good news allows us to wake up happier, and not focus on our problems because we know that life will definitely be much better than today.”
The “Declare the Good News” convention will present Bible-based videos, discourses and interviews on topics such as “Why Do We Need Good News?”; “What Will You Do for the Sake of the Good News”?; and “Why We Don’t Fear Bad News.”
The Saturday program features a baptism of candidates from surrounding communities, while a two-part video feature will captivate the audience on Friday and Saturday mornings.
Thousands will be attending the 186 regional conventions that will be held in the country, featuring at least 13 languages namely Cebuano, Chavacano, English, Filipino Sign Language, Hiligaynon, Ibanag, Iloko, Inakeanon, Itawit, Kankanaey, Pangasinan, Tagalog and Waray-Waray.
For the Metro Manila Assembly Hall alone, the convention is expected to draw more than 45,000 attendees to the city over the course of 15 weekends – fueling the city’s economy with local spending at stores, hotels and restaurants.
“We are excited to work once again with our city officials in Quezon City to host our conventions,” said Dr. Basalo.
The Metro Manila Assembly Hall will host the convention series on the following dates: July 26-28, August 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, August 30-September 1. Prior to each convention, local congregations will engage in a campaign to invite community members to this free event.
“I try to invite as many people as possible to the convention so that they may also hear about Jehovah and the good news. The message we bring can personally affect them because it will give them the chance to be close to God. It will also give them hope because soon, there will be everlasting life and that it will be perfect,” said 67-year-old Marilou Trinidad who is from Quezon City.
Apart from the regional conventions in the Philippines and 238 other lands, the “Declare the Good News” Special Conventions will also be held in various locations in 14 countries.
The special convention will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria; Santiago, Chile; Prague, Czech Republic; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Budapest, Hungary; Lyon, France; Helsinki, Finland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Suva, Fiji; Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe; Asuncion, Paraguay; Zurich, Switzerland; Philadelphia, United States; and Tampa, United States.
In the Philippines, there are more than 253,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses from 3,552 congregations. To find a schedule and venue for the convention, interested persons may visit jw.org > About Us > Conventions.
