President Aquino creates task force for Iglesia ni Cristo centennial celebration

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the The Outstanding Filipino 2013 Awarding Ceremonies at the Insular Life Auditorium, Insular Life Corporate Center, Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Wednesday (January 29). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III has formed an interagency task force to maintain peace and order for the centennial anniversary celebration of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on July 27 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

In a Memorandum Circular No. 66 issued on July 3, the President directed the creation of “Task Force Sentenaryo” headed by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino which would be in charge of all actions and responses in connection with the event.

The task force is also composed of Secretaries of the Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health and Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Other members of the group are Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Philippine National Police, Chairman of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, General Manager of Philippine Ports Authority, General Manager of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Director of Toll Regulatory Board and a representative of Iglesia ni Cristo.

President Aquino said the task force may call upon any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government, local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector for assistance.

The President on July 2 also issued Proclamation No. 815 “Declaring Year 2014 as Iglesia ni Cristo Centennial Year.”

Proclamation No. 815 was issued to enhance public awareness on the contributions of the INC to national development.

The same proclamation also directed the Postmaster General to cause the design, printing and issuance of a special postage stamp to commemorate the said event.

INC is the largest home-grown Christian church in the Philippines, with ministries in at least 102 countries.