• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Lone District Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez congratulated the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) on the celebration of its 111th founding anniversary on July 27, earlier declared “a special non-working day nationwide” by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. per Proclamation No. 729.
“For more than a century, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has been a strong pillar of faith, unity, and service—not just in the Philippines but around the world,” Benitez said in a statement July 25. “I join the people of Bacolod in honoring its continued impact on spiritual life and community development.”
The solon also commended the INC’s humanitarian programs, such as the “Lingap sa Mamamayan”, its efforts to promote peace and moral values, and its longstanding partnership with Bacolod in civic initiatives, like medical missions, environmental campaigns, and interfaith activities.
He also recognized the church’s contributions to education and public health through the New Era University and New Era General Hospital.
“As it marks this milestone, I wish the Iglesia Ni Cristo continued strength and blessings in its mission of service and compassion,” Benitez added.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod also earlier unanimously approved a resolution of commendation on INC’s 111th founding anniversary.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, the resolution stressed that INC’s 111th anniversary “is a remarkable milestone worthy of recognition and commendation for the organization’s spiritual legacy and its tangible impact on communities across the Philippines, and around the world.”
Distrito noted that since its founding by Brother Felix Manalo on July 27, 1914, the INC has grown to become one of the largest and most influential indigenous religious movements in the Philippines, with an estimated membership in the millions, and congregations in more than 160 countries and territories around the world.
“Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Executive Minister Brother Eduardo Manalo, the INC has achieved significant milestones in the areas of church administration, doctrinal unity, international outreach, and humanitarian work, while upholding the spiritual discipline, organizational integrity, and civic engagement that characterize the Church,” the resolution stressed.
In Bacolod, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has been an active partner in various civic programs, community cleanups, public service drives, and interfaith harmony initiatives, through the unwavering participation of its members and leaders in the local ecclesiastical district.
“(Its) 111th anniversary is a significant milestone that not only commemorates its founding but also celebrates the values of faith, unity, service, and discipline it has continually promoted among its millions of members worldwide,” the resolution stressed. | CGC
