President Marcos, VP Duterte hail Iglesia ni Cristo on its 112th anniversary

Top government leaders on Monday extended their congratulations to the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) as the religious institution celebrated its 112th anniversary, highlighting the church's enduring role in community service, moral guidance, and national development.

In a message released by Malacañang, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended the INC for its transformation from local beginnings into a global movement, describing the organization as "a steadfast guide to a community grounded in faith, discipline, and a shared sense of responsibility."

"From your humble beginnings, you have grown into a religious institution whose presence has reached communities across the globe," Marcos said, noting that the church’s work reinforces the moral foundation of Philippine society.

The President called on INC members to translate their beliefs into active service, urge unity, and remain reliable partners of the administration.

"As you gather in thanksgiving, may this milestone deepen your commitment to translating your beliefs into meaningful acts that uplift those in need, comfort the weary, and foster harmony wherever you serve," Marcos said. "Rest assured that the government stands in solidarity with organizations that strengthen families, promote peace, and expand compassion throughout our country."

Marcos’s anniversary message was released on the same day he was scheduled to deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a joint session of Congress.

Vice President Sara Duterte also issued a statement honoring the INC’s more than a century of service, praising its extensive contributions to education, livelihood programs, disaster response, and humanitarian aid both in the Philippines and abroad.

Duterte emphasized the church's disciplined leadership, noting its role as a stabilizing force during difficult times.

"Sa panahong nahaharap ang ating lipunan sa mga pagsubok sa ekonomiya at moralidad, ang inyong disiplina at matatag na pamumuno ay gumagabay sa ating mga kababayan tungo sa katwiran at kapayapaan," Duterte said. (At a time when our society faces economic and moral challenges, your discipline and strong leadership guide our countrymen toward righteousness and peace.)

She offered prayers for Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo and expressed hope that the church would remain a vital partner in strengthening the character of the Filipino people and building a safer, more prosperous nation.

The anniversary greetings come amidst a period of heightened visibility for the church in national civic life. In recent months, the INC organized major peace rallies across the country—drawing hundreds of thousands of participants—in response to political developments involving Vice President Duterte and Senator Rodante Marcoleta. The church maintained that the massive gatherings were intended strictly to advocate for peace, order, and national solidarity.

-Paraluman News