The Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) is founded by Ruben Ecleo, Sr. in 1965 on the Philippine island of Dinagat, off the coast of Mindanao. It is a non-sectarian, non-profit, humanitarian and a brotherhood organization. Upon the senior Ecleo's death in 1987 he was succeeded by his son Ruben Ecleo, Jr. The Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. was born in the imp
overished Sitio Puyange (now San Jose) of Matingbe in the Municipality of Dinagat during the 1960s. The PBMA is a group of people of humble origins who dedicated their lives for the service of humanity without expecting any monetary or reciprocal benefits in return; to do charitable works by serving others faithfully, helping them benevolently, and by giving any kind of help voluntarily, as the First Epistle to the Corinthians wrote, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity" (1 Cor. 13:13). Charity is a virtue like free commodity that doesn't need any amount of wealth but of a humble heart dedicated for service to others; it is the mother of all virtues. The Lord Christ said, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me" (Matthew 19:21). PBMA believes that the salvation of a man comes from his own confession of sin; that the true meaning of love of God is service to humanity which is in consonance to the Lord's saying, "…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Mat. 25:40). IN PBMA, there is an old saying, "sacrifice is the key to success". Hence every member is required, in voluntary basis, to travel and go on mission, to heal the sick, comfort those who are helpless and in needs, and propagate the teachings of the Association. Ruben Ecleo, Sr. the Supreme Founder of the Association always warn his members to "detach" themselves from money and adhere to the proverb, "The tinkling of silver money destroys the life of man". He always remind them to observe humility and live a life centered to God and of service to humanity; treat pride as an evil force which gives nothing but emptiness, discomfort and hatred. His favorite quote, "Matam-is kanunay ang magpa-ubos" (It is always sweet to be humble) serves as a food for thought for members where they draw strength and inspirations whenever ridiculed by the non-members; the same reminder the Lord Christ had told to his Apostles, to love their enemies and never take any chance to fight back but rather encouraged them to pray for those which despitefully use and persecute them (Mat. 5:44). An almost similar teaching was also taught by the Great Buddha, as integrated in his Four Noble Truths. According to this great sage, man's sufferings is caused by his selfishness which can be ended by following the Eightfold Path; which are, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. It is a guiding principle for every member to be a law-abiding citizen; a role model worthy to emulate; and spiritually, morally, socially and ethically upright in all their dealings. Members are frequently reminded to follow the laws of God, particularly the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and the Christian Golden Rule (Luke 6:31); the laws of the government or society where they belong, and observe the highest morale by denouncing all forms of vices and by propagating virtues.
