Catherine S. Valente
President Benigno Aquino 3rd has formed a Cabinet-level task force led by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino for this year’s commemoration of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Centennial Year.
Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Friday said the task force was created “considering the large number of Filipinos from here and abroad who will participate in the said event, to be held on 27 July 2014 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.”
“It may call upon any department, bureau, agency or instrumentality of the government, local government units, NGOs [non-government organizations], and the private sector for assistance,” Coloma added.
Part of the task force are Coloma, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas 2nd, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Armed Forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista and Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima.
The others are Winston Ginez, chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; Juan Sta. Ana, Philippine Ports Authority general manager; Jose Angel Honrado, Manila International Airport Authority general manager; Edmundo Reyes, Toll Regulatory Board executive director; and a representative
from the Iglesia ni Cristo.
Memorandum Circular 66 followed Proclamation 815 “Declaring Year 2014 as Iglesia ni Cristo Centennial Year,” which the President issued on July 2, Coloma said.
He added that the proclamation was issued “to enhance public awareness on the contributions of the Iglesia ni Cristo to national development.”