Veterans Village 1 celebrates 45th anniversary
By JEROME ADONIS P. COMAOAY
Date Posted: March 16, 2026
On February 22, 2026, the Veterans Village 1 Congregation in the Ecclesiastical District of Central reached its 45th anniversary. In commemoration of this milestone, multifarious activities were held by the congregation on various dates.
On February 7, a total of 384 brethren participated in a Fun Walk. Wearing white shirts, they walked a two-kilometer loop from the house of worship, crossing General Rd., Marine Rd., Guerilla Rd., and Leyte Gulf St. before returning to the house of worship compound.
A week after, on February 14, the congregation held its INC Unity Games at the covered court of BF Homes Subdivision in Barangay Holy Spirit. Present during the activity were teams of Buklod members competing against KADIWA members in basketball and volleyball (men’s and women’s). Declared champions in basketball and women’s volleyball were the Buklod teams, while the KADIWA team triumphed in men’s volleyball.
On February 20, brethren with around 200 guests attended an evangelical mission, with resident minister Brother Ciriaco Taguines Jr. officiating. Citing verses from the Bible, he expounded that even if there are things which others consider as important, what people must prioritize is serving the Almighty God. He added that despite the presence of many religions claiming that they serve and worship God, truth remains that it is only in the one true Church—the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)—where people can have the right to do such and be certain of attaining the promised salvation.
A day after, on February 21, brethren once more gathered at the house of worship compound, to take part in a clean-up drive. In groups, they returned to the same streets they treaded during the Fun Walk and tidied them up of rubbish.
Concluding the series of activities was a get-together held on March 1 at Tikme Dine Restaurant, situated at The Venue, Don Faustino St., Brgy. Holy Spirit. Donned in formal suits and dresses, brethren enjoyed taking part in various parts of the program including a sumptuous dinner, choral performances, and watching short films produced by each area which aim to promote Christian values.
Reactions
“The various events which took place in commemoration of this congregation’s anniversary all aim to help the brethren to become more steadfast in the faith and active in their Church membership,” explained local Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer Brother Erick Gomez.
“I am truly joyful and eager to take part in this series of activities for this was the first time wherein we celebrated the congregation’s anniversary in such manner,” enthused deaconess Cristina Tumbaga.
Local congregation KADIWA president Charl Llena expressed, “By seeing the active participation and smiles of the brethren who joined in the activities, we can say that the hard work of the officers paid off.”
Head deacon Raul Navarro Jr. shared that “the anniversary-related activities held all became successful only because of God’s help and mercy. It is only because of His guidance that is why this congregation continues reaping victories in the various works of the Church.”
On behalf of the congregation, Brother Taguines stated that “no matter what happens, through the leadership of the ministers, ministerial workers, and Church officers, the brethren in this local congregation will faithfully uphold their spiritual fervor and will never cease in serving God.”
