The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), represented by its Bacolod City District Minister Bro. Ariel Barzaga, turned over 3, 000 food packs to Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran at rites at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds Thursday, October 29.
The food assistance, through its outreach program “Lingap sa Mamamayan (Aid for Humanity),” will be distributed to barangay residents on Saturday (Oct. 31), in time for the birthday celebration of INC Executive Minister Ka Eduardo Manalo, a press release from the Bacolod City Public Information Office said.
“I am truly grateful that with so many cities and towns in the Philippines, Ka Eduardo has chosen Bacolod City for this food assistance from Lingap sa Mamamayan,” Leonardia said.
“We find significant meaning that Lingap sa Mamamayan comes when we celebrate the birthday of Ka Eduardo. It is because of his birth that this project came into being,” Leonardia said.
“When October 31 comes, which is also the birthday of the Executive Minister of the whole institution, Aid to Humanity is being conducted to the less fortunate. As we all know poverty increased in this time of pandemic,” Barzaga said.
“Helping the poor is written in the Bible and we will do our best to be obedient,” Barzaga added.
“Lingap sa Mamamayan” is one of the INC charitable projects that extends assistance not only in the Philippines but also around the world, he said.
The recipients of the food assistance are Barangays 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 27, 28, 30, 31, 35, 39, Estefania, Handumanan, Mansilingan, Singcang- Airport, and Taculing.
The turnover ceremony was witnessed by City Administrator Em Ang, Executive Assistant Butch Soliguen, and other INC ministers.*