La Paz Congregation celebrates 95th anniversary

By KYLE RONUALD M. ARELLANO and GERALDINE D. DISCIPULO

Date Posted: January 22, 2026

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In celebration of their 95th anniversary, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from the Local Congregation of La Paz in the Ecclesiastical District of Capas, Tarlac, Philippines, conducted a series of activities filled with fun and faith from January 11 to 18, 2026.

Fun Walk

To kick off the series of activities, a fun walk was held in the afternoon of January 11. Led by resident ministerial worker Brother Ryan Pasuquin, hundreds of brethren joyously walked from Soliman Street in San Isidro to Caramutan Evacuation Center (CEC) compound.

Afterwards, a Zumba session was conducted. “It’s a good way to promote physical health while further strengthening camaraderie through this activity,” said Brother Pasuquin.

Pasugo Distribution

Next off was the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine distribution the day after. The brethren met with random people more than half a kilometer away from around their house of worship to Macabulos Park.

According to the district Light of Salvation (LOS) office, more than 150 people received copies of the Church’s official magazine. This drive also paved the way for the brethren to invite many nonmembers to attend the evangelical mission that would be held four days later, on January 16.

Clean-up Drive

Being of help to the community was also an integral part of the La Paz Congregation’s anniversary celebration. On the morning of January 13, a clean-up drive was conducted, spanning from the congregation’s surroundings to the town market and Macabulos Park, led mainly by Buklod officers and members.

Basketball matches

By night, also on January 13, male KADIWA and Binhi members grouped themselves into four teams and engaged in friendly basketball competitions at the CEC basketball court. Their competitiveness was still evident on the second night, January 14, when they further tested their mettle leading to the finals game. “Everyone’s all smiles as we played,” shared ministerial worker Brother Vense Marctin Fragata. “We certainly achieved stronger unity and brotherhood among those who took part,” he further stated.

Special worship service

On January 15, the very day of La Paz Congregation’s 95th anniversary, a special worship service was held at their house of worship. Capas, Tarlac District supervising minister Brother Amor Mallari officiated the holy occasion, accompanied by ministers composing the district leadership.

After a prayer by district Church officers overseer Brother Freddie Marcelo, Brother Mallari then taught the biblical lesson detailing what God seeks from those who draw near to Him: remain trusting in Him, always give Him glory, and uphold their promise of obedience all the days of their life.

Evangelical Mission

The evangelical mission on January 16 at La Paz house of worship was led by Brother Pasuquin. He highlighted from the Bible that while there is benefit in toiling for material wealth, it is even more valuable that people work for their soul’s welfare—salvation on Judgment Day—by joining the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ).

Church members brought with them nearly a hundred nonmembers, most of whom expressed their desire to continue listening to the Church’s biblical teachings. Among them was guest Maricel Del Rosario, who said, “I learned that this Church is what will be saved by God because this is Christ’s redeemed.”

Blood Donation

A blood donation drive was held on January 17 at PAGCOR Evacuation Center and Multipurpose Hall. Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) volunteers spearheaded the socio-civic activity, in partnership with Tarlac Provincial Hospital and Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital.

More than a hundred blood bags were collected from about 600 volunteer brethren. Dr. Bethany Joy Ramos expressed her gratitude to the Iglesia Ni Cristo members: “Their contribution has increased our blood supply. It will help many people in need of urgent blood transfusions.”

Anniversary Concert

On January 18, the last day of La Paz’s 95th anniversary celebration, brethren are still by the hundreds, ever eager, this time to witness an INConcert at the CEC basketball court.

Spearheaded by the local congregation’s Christian Family Organizations (CFO), the anniversary concert commenced with a prayer led by ministerial worker Brother Xenen Culili followed by Brother Pasuquin’s welcome remarks. Right after, talented brethren showcased various performances featuring INC original songs. The district music team performed in quartet songs such as Ako Ngayon Ay Iglesia Ni Cristo (I am Now A Member Of The Church Of Christ), Ngayon Na (Now Is The Time), and Ang Tungkuling Itiniwala, Puspusan Naming Magawa (The Entrusted Duty We Will Fully Fulfill).

Meanwhile, a choir composed of Children’s Worship Service members performed Ako Ay Kabataang Cristiano (I am A Young Christian) and Hanggang Wakas Kaming Magtatapat (We Will Be Loyal Until The End). Selected deacons and deaconesses performed Salamat Po Sa Iyong Pagyakap (Thank You For Your Embrace). The duo of Noriel and Noreen Bonifacio, both KADIWA and choir members, sang Landas Ng Buhay (Way Of Life) while Buklod member Chantal Pizarro serenaded the brethren with her rendition of Ako’y Maghihintay Sa Iyong Pagliligtas (I Will Wait For Your Salvation).

In between the performances, video greetings from Church officers enlisted then in La Paz, and previously assigned ministers and ministerial workers, were shown, along with feature stories of some brethren. And before the program’s conclusion, choir members performed Tapat Hanggang Wakas (Loyal Until The End), followed by a district CFO overseer Brother Michael Pelaez’s closing prayer.

Reactions

“Through God’s help, the Church here in La Paz was able to brave different storms of life which made us even stronger especially in performing our duties. Reaching this milestone while being able to uphold evangelistic works, edification efforts, and unity among us brethren filled our hearts with delight,” narrated deaconess Leonida Mañebog.

“My family and I were so glad to have been able to join the activities,” said Buklod member Argil Muhi.

On behalf of the brethren, Brother Pasuquin said, “We thank the Church Administration and, above all, the Almighty God for allowing us to hold these activities. We will remain in our zealous service to God until we receive salvation.” — With assistance from Capas, Tarlac District Multimedia