Installing of Historical Marker on INC Central Office Ground

NHCP INSTALLS “NATIONAL HISTORICAL MARKER” ON INC CENTRAL OFFICE GROUJNDS

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Installs “National Historical Marker” in Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Central Office Grounds

QUEZON City, Philippines — Last July 24, the Philippine government, through the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) installed a “national historical marker” inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Office grounds  along Commonwealth Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City, three days before the Grand Centennial Celebration of the Church on July 27.

With the historical marker installed inside the INC Central Office, the site has now become part of “historical ground” recognized by the Philippine government which mandates its preservation. The historical marker is proof that the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) is of “national historical significance” said NHCP research director Alvin Alcid.

INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo and NHCP executive director Ludovico Badoy unveiled the marker that served as the government’s official recognition of the church’s contribution to national history and nation building. 

NHCP director Badoy said the “history of the Philippines would never be complete without mentioning the Iglesia Ni Cristo”, which was registered in the country on July 27, 1914, simultaneous with the start of the first World War, a time period considered very significant in the INC doctrinal teachings.

In his speech, the NHCP chief even likened how the INC had survived intense persecutions and criticisms at its start, to the biblical story of the young “David” who had faced a formidable foe, “Goliath.”

Badoy said the INC was able to do seemingly “impossible things” because of the members’ strong faith in God.  He mentioned as examples  the construction of the Philippine Arena, considered as the world’s largest indoor arena, and the various distinctive houses and buildings of worship of the INC all over the country and even abroad.

“Sino po ang makapagsasabi na ang Piipinas ay nagkapalad na magkaroon ng pinalakamalaking arena sa buong mundo dahil sa glesia Ni Cristo?’ (Who could say that the Philippines will get fortunate to have the largest arena in the whole world because of the Iglesia Ni Cristo) said Badoy of the imposing Philippine Arena which is designed to withstand strong earthquakes and typhoons.

Badoy also said the Philippine Arena as well as the various “palatial” buildings of worship of the INC symbolized the hardiness and strength of the INC and its members whose faith could not be knocked down by the intense “storms” that they encounter.

He said that the victories of the INC showed that being a minority is not an excuse to achieve great goals, especially if the “intentions are good,” as he cited the immediate help extended by the church to victims of calamities and strong  typhoons like “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan) last November.

In his speech, the INC’s executive minister, Brother Manalo thanked the Philippine government for recognizing the INC’s contributions to society.

The INC leader also thanked President Aquino for issuing Proclamation No. 815 declaring this year 2014 as the “Iglesia Ni Cristo Centennial Year.”

“Ikinagagalak natin ang pagkilala ng pamahalaan ng Republika ng Plipinas sa Iglesia Ni Cristo sa mga naiambag ng organisasyong ito para sa ikasusulong  ng kapakanang pangmoral at espirituwal ng maraming mga Pilipino, gayundin sa paghubog nito sa kanyang mga kaanib upang maging responsible at mabubuting mamamayan,” Barother Manalo said.

He laso said that today, not only INC members give importance to the church and its contribution to society but, non-members as well, as indicated by various greetings on the INC centennial being brought to his attention.

Hiwever Brother Manalo stress that the string of victories of the INC happened because it was God’s will. Citing Jeremiah 9:23-24, the Executive Minister said the INC is giving back to the Lord God all the honor and glory through its works that God had allowed to happen.

“Thus  says the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, and let not the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this:  that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who executes loving kindness, justice and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the Lord.”

“To God be all the glories” Brother Manalo concluded.