Noy forms task force for INC centennial

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino issued a proclamation declaring 2014 as “Iglesia ni Cristo Centennial Year” in time for the religious sect’s July 27 celebrations, for which an inter-agency task force was also formed.

Aquino said Proclamation 815 declaring 2014 as INC Centennial Year was issued to “enhance public awareness” on the contributions of the INC to national development.

Proclamation 815 also directs the Postmaster General to “cause the design, printing and issuance of a special postage stamp” to commemorate the event.

Memorandum Circular 66 has created “Task Force Sentenaryo,” with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chief Francis Tolentino as chairman of the task force.

The INC is the largest homegrown Christian church in the Philippines, with ministries in at least 102 countries. Activities have already been set at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Task Force Sentenaryo will take charge of government actions, ensure smooth coordination among public and private sectors, maintain peace and order, ensure the safety of participants and prepare a traffic management plan for the efficient and smooth transport of persons and goods during INC’s centennial celebration.

Tolentino’s task force, as per President Aquino’s directives, may call upon any department, bureau, agency or instrumentality of the government, local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector for assistance.

 “The massive scale of the event is indicative of its great significance to a large number of Filipinos who are members of the INC, and who will be gathering from all over the world to take part in the INC Centennial celebration,” Aquino said. 

Other members of the task force are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Winston Ginez, Philippine Ports Authority general manager Juan Sta. Ana, Manila International Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado, Toll Regulatory Board executive director Edmund Reyes and a representative from the INC are also members of the task force.