
Incessant rains brought by the southwest monsoon during the last week of July 2021 caused waist-deep floods for days in parts of the province of Bulacan, Philippines, particularly Meycauayan and Marilao, affecting many residents’ livelihood.
Deeply concerned, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) Executive Minister, instructed the leadership of the Ecclesiastical District of Bulacan South to send relief aid to those affected.
The district thus held a Lingap sa Mamamayan (Aid to Humanity) events in two days at three venues in early August, before the government imposed enhanced community quarantine, the country’s strictest lockdown measure, in Bulacan due to rising Covid-19 cases.
“Before the lockdown would be implemented, the Church Administration, led by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, quickly responded,” said Brother Arnel Nacua, district supervising minister.
On August 1, the outreach activity took place in an area near the Meycauayan City Congregation’s house of worship compound, and on the 6th in the houses of worship compound of the Ubihan and the Marilao congregations.
Brother Nacua and fellow ministers led select Church officers in handing over 7,500 relief packages and 100,000 hygiene kits to Church members and nonmembers alike.
On behalf of the congregation, Brother Severino Mambiray, resident minister, said, “We thank so much our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, on his prompt response for the urgent need of our calamity-stricken brethren and neighbors.”
To bring more than 200 relief packages to the residents of flood-prone, coastal barangay (village) of Ubihan, Meycauayan City, the district staff traveled for 20 minutes to the pier and then took a 15-minute motorboat ride.
“Almost all houses here are submerged in water for a month now. If not sick, others lack of basic needs, as we have to travel to the city and that is costly,” said Ronald Marcelo, head deacon of the Ubihan Congregation. “We thank the Church Administration for remembering us here in Ubihan, sending aid not only to us but also nonmembers.”
From Ubihan, the district leadership went to the City of Marilao, specifically in the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Marilao, to deliver 500 relief packages to affected residents from nearby communities.
“Many here are truly struggling in their way of living, not only because of the pandemic but also this place’s being a flood-prone area,” said Brother Buena Fajardo, resident minister. “Thank you so much to the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. His love and concern for the members is truly felt.” — With reports from INC News Section