Following directives from Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister Ka Eduardo V. Manalo to expand the Church’s anti-poverty projects, particularly the Lingap sa Mamamayan Program under the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, the INC continued its 2016 outreach program by distributing more than 20,000 goodie packs to indigent residents of Taguig City on Jan. 9 at the Maharlika Trade Center, Mindanao Avenue, Maharlika, Taguig City.
Aside from receiving basic commodities, thousands of Taguig residents also availed of the dental and medical services offered onsite. Some 1,500 medical and security personnel were deployed to ensure the safety and convenience of the beneficiaries. The activity was conducted in coordination with the office of Yasser Garnace Pangandaman, president of the Association of Barangay Chairmen of Taguig City.
Immediately after the Lingap sa Mamamayan in Taguig, another Lingap Pamamahayag was conducted in The INC locale of Tondo Chapel where 10,000 residents from Baseco, Tondo and Parola were also given goodie packs.
INC general auditor Glicerio B. Santos Jr. said that intensified programs to combat poverty and assist struggling communities in the country will be the top priorities of Church’s outreach programs in 2016, and that under the leadership of Ka Eduardo, “much emphasis has been placed on the Church’s outreach and socio-civic activities, which seek to benefit not just INC members, but also less fortunate communities around the country who need help.”
The Lingap sa Mamamayan activities for 2016 kicked off at the Culiat Muslim compound on Jan. 2, as part of an annual activity held to commemorate the birthday of former INC Executive Minister Ka Eraño G. Manalo, a tradition now being continued by Ka Eduardo. The activity likewise involved free medical and dental services and the distribution of basic goods.
Immediately following these three activities is the launching of a new eco-farming site in Cotabato, which is expected to provide livelihood for 8,400 members of the lumad and b’laan communities.