House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez and his wife, Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie of Tingog on Wednesday joined the choir of politicians who greeted Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo.
The Romualdez couple wished long life for Manalo who will be celebrating his birthday today (Thursday), crediting him for the good character formation of the Filipinos, especially the youth.
Romualdez said Manalo will continue to succeed as INC leader in the fulfillment of his aspirations for the Filipinos as one of the country’s moral compasses.
Romualdez recalled that Manalo has been helping less fortunate people through INC’s spiritual programs, and “malasakit” (compassionate) livelihood and assistance projects.
The INC is credited with the employment of millions of workers in various industries where industrial peace is maintained.
However, while maintaining industrial peace, the INC ensures that the workers it helped get employed are paid properly and on time.
“We are very blessed because Bro. Manalo has a very kind heart. Happy birthday po, salamat sa inyong malasakit,” he said.
“You [Bro. Manalo] are always a major part in our quest to achieve social reforms and promoting public welfare through your passion of serving God and country,” Romualdez explained.
“My family is wishing that you will be graced with many more years filled with sound health and happiness for you to continue propagating the spiritual guidance, unity, good news and positive traits in the country being the leader of one of the most powerful and well-respected religious groups in the world. Salamat po sa ‘malasakit’ sa mga mahihirap at nangangailangan. Mabuhay po kayo,” said Romualdez.
For her part, Yedda said Filipinos were “so fortunate to have Iglesia ni Cristo which is consistently behind productive endeavors for the poor.”
“Happy birthday INC Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. We are so blessed that your leadership has been consistently behind humanitarian activities nationwide and some parts of the world,” said
The Romualdez couple commended the INC for successfully holding its regular Lingap sa Mamamayan socio civic “malasakit” (compassionate) program with anti-poverty initiatives.
They also reiterated their heartfelt gratitude to the INC leadership for its assistance to Yolanda survivors, including housing and livelihood projects in Alang-alang, Leyte which is a few kilometers away from the “Yolanda” hardest-hit Tacloban City.