On March 17, 2024, the Central United Methodist Church (CUMC), Philippines’ oldest Protestant church, celebrated its 125th-year anniversary, with GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon being the momentous commemoration’s special guest speaker. 

The Ermita, Manila-based religious congregation, established during the American Occupation as the ‘Central Methodist Episcopal Church,’ chose Atty. Gozon as their guest of honor for the momentous celebration of 125 years of existence since being erected in 1899.

“My parents were married in this church,” recalled the GMA Chairman, who emphasized the strong relationship he and his family have had with CUMC. 

In a report by GMA Integrated News’ Jonathan Andal on “24 Oras,” Gozon shared in his speech how similar GMA is with CUMC, as both share “the basic doctrines of our Christian faith, the values of integrity, and stewardship.”

“The first in our seven core values, is that we place God above all,” Gozon said, who expressed his elation over the collaborative initiatives of GMA Network through its Kapuso Foundation and the Protestant church.

"We have helped millions of Filipinos in need through our many projects,” Gozon, who stepped down as the Kapuso network’s CEO last December 2023, said.

At the same church in Kalaw, Ermita in 2022, he was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Law, Honoris Causa by the Wesleyan University-Philippines, a United Methodist Church-run educational institution.

CUMC Council Chairman Bro. Alfredo Bautista explained in an interview with GMA Integrated News the significance of Gozon being chosen as the celebration’s key speaker.

 “Binigyang emphasis yung dugong Metodista… nagbank ang ministerial team doon sa wisdom ng isang Atty. Gozon - napalago niya at naging number one ang GMA 7,” said Bautista.

During the event, Atty. Gozon was joined by his wife, Teresa Gozon, along with their three children, GMA Network SVP Annette Gozon-Valdes, Atty. Philip Gozon, and Dra. Maritess Gozon-Viterbo, as well as their respective spouses.