Noynoy and Mar / Iglesia Ni Cristo

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO
March L. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- Is there a far better duo other than that of Noynoy and Mar that could be described as “God-fearing, hindi magnanakaw, not linked to corrupt issues, etc.?” In a country where people clamor for “change for the better or best,” there are a lot of them but they are not running in the presidential-vice presidential election in 2010.

For sure there are other souls out there who may be as good but they may be candidates for other positions starting from senators down to councilors. Still others may carry the qualities of leaders that we hope for but they do not belong to a common party, or they may come from a single political party but they may not be able to compliment each others efforts because they come from the same voters’ group.

Personally, I look at the Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas tandem as two jig-saw pieces that naturally fit into place when the latter sacrificed his personal ambition. This, I believe is what this country needs in order to move away from the bad situation it is in. Personal sacrifice – not pulses and surveys, not money.

Though it will be both good and rough sailing for Noynoy and Mar if they make their attempt, there is one thing good in their tandem.

Former Benguet Congressman Ronald Cosalan said “the sacrifice of Mar Roxas in favor of Noynoy Aquino will strengthen the LP in 2010. If an Aquino-Roxas tandem is achieved It will be a formidable slate against any other tandems. It will be a good Luzon-Visayas geographical and political combination.”

But change for the best and for the better should not only be prayed for with the two highest posts. Those who will be fighting for seats in the senate, congress, provincial, municipal and city should also have the courage to sacrifice personal interests. Otherwise, the country will be stuck as it will again experience what we are experiencing at the present time – graft and corruption in all levels.
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Eraño “Ka Erdy” de Guzman Manalo, 84; executive minister of the powerful INC, passed on August 31, 2009. At the young age of 38, he steered the INC flock upon the death of his father, church founder Felix Manalo, in 1963.

Condolences to his bereaved family and the INC community were sent out by no less than his colleagues in the religion sector represented in the person by Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines .

Bishop Efraim Tendero, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches national director said INC has “lost a beloved and gifted leader.”

Jesus Is Lord leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva said he was “deeply saddened by the passing of Ka Erdy whom he held in high esteem, while Bro. Mike Velarde of the El Shaddai was seen to have paid his last respects to the late Eraño.

Senators and other public officials also extended condolences to the family of Ka Erdy. Sen. Mar Roxas introduced a senate resolution honoring him, while Chiz Escudero said the “INC would not be where it is today were it not for the tireless efforts of Ka Erdy to build upon what his father started in 1914.”

Migz Zubiri talked about Ka Erdy’s perseverance in bringing the ministry around the globe and that made Filipinos proud.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles talked about Manalo saying “he was a man of God whose life and sacrifices will continue to inspire millions of Filipinos and non-Filipinos worldwide to follow and live Christ’s life and God’s words. He lived to love.”

But while he said that, the Speaker was also quick to mention his side comment during one TV interview saying that Ka Erdy was the religious leader who did not venture on politicking, and that demonstrated the true meaning of “separation of church and state.”

I feel and I say that one need not capitalize on the death of a great religious leader and the sad situation of immediate relatives just to hit others. I believe Nograles’ comment was aimed at hitting Bro. Eddie, Bro. Mike, former Catholic priest Ed Panlilio; all of whom had made intentions to run for president; and Dagupan Bishop Oscar Cruz, a critic of this administration.

There were others times when the INC was innocently dragged into hullabaloos. As reported in some news, sometime during President Arroyo’s impeachment, then congressman and now governor Joey Salceda of Bicol congressman allegedly claimed that the INC leadership had convinced some probable pro-impeachment lawmakers to either vote “no” or just stay away from the voting.

Correct me if I am wrong but I can not imagine the INC Executive Minister to be personally calling up congressmen and asking them to vote against the impeachment. But that is another story.

Anyway, the most noteworthy of all in the history of the INC was how the church grew many folds over during Erano’s watch to even reach its 95th Anniversary on July 27 this year.

Today, it owns a network of radio and TV broadcast stations and runs a school called the New Era University It is managed for the educational needs of INC members although it also accepts enrollees who are non-members.

The school offers courses under the College of Engineering and Technology, College of Nursing , College of Business Administration , College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education . It also has a College of Law and Graduate School studies.

I spent most of my life in New Lucban across the biggest church that stood along Magsaysay Avenue for as long as I can remember. Since then until now, I still pause and wait for the echoes of songs by the INC choir that crosses the distance between Magsaysay and New Lucban every Thursday and Saturday mornings. I soon came to know during my childhood that the whitish-pink concrete structure with the narrow spires was the INC church.

Its appearance totally differs from the structures of the other religions that we know. We all agree that INC churches are well-cleaned; all look the same wherever one goes, and for many of us, these structures have become landmarks for lost directions in barangays, cities and provinces due to their single color and distinct architecture. “Hanka mapukaw basta dumsaag ka ijay waiting shed abay ti Iglesia Ni Cristo...”

According to statistics, the INC is one of the fastest growing sect and second largest religious organization in the Philippines and Asia . The church has its presence in Guam, the United States, Hawaii, Rome, Italy, Athens, Greece; Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and even in Latin America.

It has more than 5,000 congregations in the Philippines and more than 600 in 89 other countries. Its members belong to 102 nationalities and ethnic groups. Published reports said INC membership today are found to be somewhere between three million and ten million worldwide.

I extend my deepest Condolences to the family of Ka Erdy, the INC millions and to all my friends and relatives who are members of this church. – marchfianza777@yahoo.com