IEC fundraising reaches P60M

CEBU, Philippines - The fundraising program for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) next year has reached P60 million of its P250 million target, the Archdiocese of Cebu disclosed.

IEC 2016 secretary general and Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo said the amount was mainly sourced from the registration of delegates and the fundraising drive “Piso Para Sa Misa Ng Mundo.”

Villarojo, however, said major portion of the collected amount was already used up for the IEC’s operating expenses.

Of the P60 million, P16 million was collected from the “Piso Para Sa Misa Ng Mundo.”

Villarojo said 60 percent or P9.6 million of the fundraising drive sourced from Cebu, while the P6.4 million came from different dioceses all over the country.

“If we look at the percentage mas dako ang Cebu because we are the host city, but it does not mean that others are not giving. Relative atong pagtan-aw sa amount because 40 percent or P6.4 million is not to be scoffed at because it’s still a substantial amount,” he said.

On top of the amount, Villarojo said there are still pledges and sponsorships, among others, from major corporations.

He said no mandatory fee will be asked but organizers will accept donations for those who wish to help raise funds for the IEC.

He added that the Cebu Archdiocese continues to work to raise P250 million before the international congress starts.

Held every four years, IEC will be held in the Cebu Archdiocese January 24 to 31, 2016. It is expected to draw 15,000 people worldwide.

The country last hosted IEC in 1937 in Manila. Over 600,000 people were believed to have attended the religious procession that culminated the congress.

Meanwhile, 600 families in Metro Cebu have pledged to accommodate local and foreign delegates of the 51st IEC.

“We are also working on the rest of the 400 host families. Paningkamotan nato nga makakita ta og 1,000 families,” he said adding that those interested are advised to approach their respective parishes for the requirements. — Kristine B. Quintas/LPM (FREEMAN)