A Great Loss to Our Partner UUs in the Philippines

Rev. Rebeca Quimada Sienes

The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP) is important both as a distinctive rural, lay-led expression of liberal faith in a predominantly Catholic country and as a major non‑Western center of Unitarian Universalism with strong social‑justice commitments. The UUCP is a national association of Unitarian Universalist congregations founded in 1954  and officially recognized by the Philippine government in 1955. It now includes roughly two to three thousand members in a few dozen congregations and fellowships, making it one of the largest UU bodies outside North America and Europe.

Rev. Rebeca Quimada Sienes died on April 10, 2026. She was the devoted daughter of our founding father, Rev. Toribio S. Quimada, whose vision and courage established the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP). Following in his footsteps, Rev. Rebeca became a pillar of strength, faith, and leadership within our church. She faithfully served the UUCP for many years as President and Executive Minister, offering her life in dedicated service to the growth, unity, and mission of our faith community. Known as a brave woman of faith, Rev. Rebeca stood firm in times of challenge and guided many with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Her dedication extended far beyond the pulpit. She was a passionate advocate for women, empowering many to find their voice, dignity, and rightful place in both church and society. Through her leadership, countless lives were touched, especially among the marginalized and those seeking hope and belonging. Rev. Rebeca’s legacy is deeply woven into the life of UUCP. Her commitment to justice, her nurturing spirit, and her unwavering faith have left a lasting impact on our congregations and communities. She inspired us to live with courage, to serve with humility, and to love without boundaries.

Nan shared memories of Rebeca with the UUCP below.

Thank you for informing us about the recent death of Rev. Rebeca Sienes.  She was a person of outstanding vision and persistence.  In 2016, I was in Dumaguete to assist Rev. Dr. Joey Agate with the Our Whole Lives sexuality education program.  I went with Rebeca and others to visit the UU Congregation in Caican, which is the Partner Church of the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu.  During that visit several of us went up country, inland, to look at property that might have become a new home for the Caican UUs.  I found myself on the back of a motor bike, going up a very steep and muddy trail, slowly.  Rebeca held on to the person driving the bike, I held on tightly to Rebeca.  Again demonstrating her commitment to her community.  I’m very glad I had the opportunity to meet her, and many others.
In faith, Nan Kleiber, in Honolulu

Please join me in appreciating Nan for many years of nurturing partnerships and relationships with UU individuals and churches in the Philippines, especially with the UU Congregation in Caican.

Rev. Deborah