The Iglesia ni Cristo continues to intensify its war on poverty across the country, with the inauguration of housing, eco-farming and livelihood projects that seek to improve the lives of indigenous peoples in Mindanao.
The church last weekend inaugurated 500 housing units and launched an eco-farming project and Unlad Garment Factory in Barangay Danlag, South Cotabato, with a Special Worship Service officiated by INC Executive Minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, who also led medical and dental missions for members of the B’laan tribe.
A total of 15,000 food packs, 15,000 pairs of shoes, 15,000 articles of clothing and 5,000 toys were distributed to the B’laan tribe, who were also beneficiaries of 500 housing units.
According to INC general auditor Glicerio B. Santos Jr., the INC is one with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and all other religious denominations in fighting poverty, a common enemy that should be fought in all corners of the country, especially in Mindanao.
Santos explained that this was why the church had decided to step up its regular and continuing outreach programs to needy communities all over the country, particularly indigenous peoples.
“Our objective in the Lingap projects is twofold: to provide spiritual enrichment and material assistance. For the church, the most effective way to address the prevalent poverty around us is to meet it head on. If greed is one of poverty’s root causes, generosity is one of its cures, and the INC is blessed with the resources and will to provide assistance where it’s needed,” said Santos.
The INC official said that they regularly receive requests for livelihood assistance even from non-Iglesia members in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The church, according to Santos, heeds the call to serve regardless of religious affiliations.