The Iglesia ni Cristo launched antipoverty and relief projects for indigent, Muslim and “lumad” residents of Metro Manila.

The INC, through its Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, started its 2016 outreach program by distributing more than 20,000 packs of food and other items to indigent residents of Taguig City’s Maharlika Village, which has a large community of Muslims.

The campaign is part of the Lingap sa Mamamayan Program of the foundation and directed by INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo.

In a statement, INC general auditor Glicerio Santos Jr., said intensified programs to combat poverty and help struggling communities in the country will be the top priorities of the church’s outreach programs in 2016.

“Under the leadership of Ka Eduardo, much emphasis has been placed on the Church’s outreach and socio-civic activities, which seek to benefit not just INC members, but also less fortunate communities around the country who need help,” he said.

Aside from receiving basic commodities, the Taguig residents also availed themselves of dental and medical services offered on site.

After the Taguig event, the INC locale in Tondo also conducted a Lingap Pamamahayag were 10,000 residents from Baseco, and Parola compounds were also given food packs.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.