World-class INC museum now open
The country’s newest world-class museum is now open to the public, with interactive displays and exhibits at par with the best museums around the globe.
This according to Iglesia Ni Cristo auditor general Glicerio Santos Jr., who explained that the museum would showcase the history and cultural heritage of the Philippines’ largest homegrown church to give the public a better understanding of the roots of the INC and the church’s 105-year journey.
“The museum is open to everyone, not just INC members, because we believe that the museum’s exhibits have a beautiful story to tell — one that we want to share with all our countrymen,” said Santos Jr.
The museum, which was launched on Aug. 31, is housed in a five-floor building, with a total area of 46,098.54 square meters. It features historical and thematic exhibits, a children’s museum and timeline, mementos of INC first executive minister Felix Manalo and his successors Eraño and Eduardo Manalo, as well as information about the history and milestones of the church.
Present at the museum’s inauguration were national and local government officials led by Senate president Vicente Sotto III and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
Also on hand were legislators such as senators Sonny Angara, Cynthia Villar, Ramon Revilla Jr., Grace Poe, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Aquilino Pimentel III, Panfilo Lacson, Richard Gordon, Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros, Ralph Recto, Joel Villanueva and Sherwin Gatchalian. With them were members of the House of Representatives led by Majority Leader Rep. Martin Romualdez and Minority Leader Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr.
Also present were Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan, Pasay Mayor Imelda CalixtoRubiano, Malabon Mayor Antolin Oreta, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Navotas Mayor Toby Tiongco.
According to museum director True Santos-Matias, the development of the museum took years, “because we wanted to make sure that the museum would integrate the newest technology and innovations utilized in the world’s top museums.”
The INC Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.