A former engineer has become the first Seventh-day Adventist woman in the Philippines to earn a doctorate of theology.

Jadaza M. Hintay (45), known to many as "Sister Jade," received her diploma during graduation exercises on March 1 from the Adventist International Institute of Advance Studies (AIIAS), in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. The graduate school is one of a handful of institutions directly affiliated with the Adventist church's world headquarters, located near Washington, D.C. in the United States of America.

Hintay previously earned a master's degree in divinity from AIIAS in 1990, three years after converting into the Adventist denomination. "I am simply happy that the Lord finally helped me attain my goal," she said in an interview. "My goal has been the toughest challenge I have ever faced."

The former field engineer for the Department of Public Works and Highways said working with men is not new to her. Despite the Philippines having a female president, much of the culture is still not used to a woman entering work fields dominated by men.

Hintay's challenges, she said, haven't been so much about gender, but mostly challenges any person might encounter while earning an advanced degree. She carried on her studies despite the death of her mother and sister, all while facing financial difficulties and a three hour commute from her home in Manila.

She has previously earned bachelors' degrees in civil engineering, sanitary and environmental engineering, and a master's degree in structural engineering.

"Dr. Hintay has been a very dedicated pastor who has focused on the mission of the church in her ministry," said James Park, chair of the applied theology department at the university's theological seminary.

Hintay's doctoral project researched how church growth principles could be applied to nine Chinese-Filipino Churches in the city of Manila. Park said the topic was important given the presence of Chinese living in nearly every country of Asia.

"We are hoping that her expertise will be used in the future to guide the church in its practice and ministry," Park said. "We congratulate her on her fine accomplishment."

Carmelito U. Galang Jr., president of the Adventist church's Central Luzon administrative region, where Hintay serves, said, "In achieving for God, it doesn't matter if you are a man or a woman. The issue is you have to do something. Sister Jade did, so can any women of faith."

Since the 1970's Adventist women in the U.S. and elsewhere have gradually begun to find work as pastors, chaplains, religion teachers, evangelists, and conference leaders--but they often face misunderstanding, strong opposition, and isolation. In many cases the church does not encourage their work or acknowledge their presence.

According to Pastor Jan Paulsen, world president of the Adventist Church, "The work of women in the Adventist Church is more extensive in some cultures and in some parts of our world than in others. It may surprise many, but in Africa, for example, there is a huge engagement of women in ministry. They run evangelistic series and are publicly engaged on a large scale—in community services, in the teaching profession, and in proclaiming the Gospel." (With news input from Adventist News Network/ANN)