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TO MANY, Bataan is synonymous with courage against overwhelming odds. It was in this peninsular province in western Luzon, Philippines during the opening days of the Pacific War in World War II that the combined Filipino-American forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur stood their ground against the onslaught of Japan’s Imperial war machine. The gallantry of the Bataan defenders bought time for MacArthur to escape to Mindanao and then to Australia and paved the way for his eventual return to the Philippines years after.
After the war, the people of Bataan mustered equal courage in rebuilding, rising from the ruins, and moving forward to a future brimming with peace and prosperity. At present, it is known to be a haven for tourists who want a quick getaway from nearby Manila. Besides historical monuments and alluring beaches, it is also home to a heritage destination that features a collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses.
Among the proud Bataeños are members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). Proud as they are of their province’s history and natural wonders, they all the more take pride in the victorious march of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in their province, which they firmly believe and recognize as God’s handiwork.
It was in 1929 when some brethren from Pampanga decided to reside in the town of Orani in Bataan. Brethren, along with the ministers sent by the Church Administration, started missionary activities in the town of Tapulao, which initially resulted in the baptism of 13 converts.
The first worship service, as well as the first baptism, was held in Sitio Masapsap, a small neighborhood in the town of Orani. In the same year, the Church Administration approved the establishment of the Local Congregation of Tapulao then under the jurisdiction of the Ecclesiastical District of Pampanga. After three years, seeing potentially faster growth of the Church in Bataan, the Church Administration decided to form the local congregations in the province into a separate ecclesiastical district. The Bataan Ecclesiastical District was initially comprised of four local congregations, namely, Tapulao, Bantan, Tortugas (now local of Puerto Rivas), and Orani.
When war came to the Philippines in 1941, the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s propagation work had already spread throughout the province. Added to the first four congregations were Orion, Abucay, Dinalupihan, Limay, Luacan, Morong, Samal, Hermosa, Culis, Cabcaben, and Prado Saba (now under the Ecclesiastical District of Pampanga West).
During the war, transportation became harder to come by. So, the Church Administration decided to temporarily place the congregations in Bataan under the supervision of the District of Pampanga once again. But even the war could not hinder the growth of Iglesia Ni Cristo in this province as proven by, among others, the establishment of the Local Congregations of Balanga, Daang Bago, and Sabang. In 1947, two years after World War II ended, the congregations in Bataan were again organized into a different ecclesiastical district.
After the war, the Iglesia Ni Cristo saw faster growth in Bataan. In 1959, Brother Felix Manalo, the Messenger of God in these last days, dedicated the concrete house of worship of the Orani Congregation with a seating capacity of 800. In the next four years, additional 15 congregations were established in Bataan.
As more local congregations were established due to the increase of members, the Church acquired more properties and houses of worship were built and dedicated to God. In 1981, the house of worship of the Mariveles Congregation was dedicated to God in a worship service officiated by then Executive Minister, Brother Eraño G. Manalo. This was followed by that of the Orion Congregation in 1982.
Frequent evangelical missions and religious debates characterized the early years of Iglesia Ni Cristo in the province of Bataan. In 1952, Brother Felix Y. Manalo conducted a campaign (evangelical mission) in the town of Orani. This was followed in 1958 in the town of Dinalupihan. A debate against a Catholic defender was held in the town of Dinalupihan in 1956. Through the years, brethren in Bataan never got tired of propagating God’s words.
The Ecclesiastical District of Bataan has equally exerted much effort in edifying the Church members. With faith and fervor, the brethren in Bataan promise to soldier on, fulfilling all that their divine election asks of them so that they will continue being a part of the Church’s victory march, and most of all, receive the promised salvation.
