Step up anti-poverty drive, Iglesia members urged

EXECUTIVE Minister Eduardo Manalo directed the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC or Church of Christ) to intensify its anti-poverty and socio-civic initiatives on Sunday, or three days after the inauguration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Manalo’s instruction was seen as consistent with Duterte’s call on Filipinos to unite to move the country toward peace, progress and development.

INC General Auditor Glicerio Santos Jr. explained that the church’s move to step up its regular and continuing outreach programs to needy communities all over the country would dovetail with the President’s call for the whole country to support his administration’s efforts to promote the welfare of the people.

On Sunday, the INC organized one of its biggest Lingap Pamamahayag projects this year with the distribution of 100,000 packs of basic goods and the conduct of medical and dental missions in Moriones, Tondo, in Manila.

Entertainment was also provided to the residents of Moriones, with shows staged in front of the INC Chapel in the area.

Similar projects will be conducted in all of the religious organization’s districts all over the world.

Santos said “the President is right, our country’s leaders can help our country best if they have the support and cooperation of the people.”

“Given ourc Church’s teachings and the resources we are blessed to have, it is only right that we do our fair share to help our countrymen. The Iglesia Ni Cristo, under the leadership of our Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, is ready to help,” he added.