Just days after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Mindanao, Philippines, most notably General Santos City, on June 8, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) through the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation and the Ecclesiastical District of General Santos City, South Cotabato leadership conducted Lingap sa Mamamayan (Care for Humanity) activities to help ease the plight of residents. The said activities were held on June 13 and 14, 2026.

Led by Brother Eugenio Capanpan Jr., district supervising minister, the socio-civic activities on the first day were held at the covered court of the New Era University-General Santos City Branch in the morning, and at the house of worship compound of the Local Congregation of General Santos City in the afternoon. The district’s Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) officers likewise volunteered to provide free medical assistance to those in need.

“Even though we have gone through a severe calamity, the brethren in the district remain enthusiastic and united in helping our fellowmen,” observed Brother Herman Madayag, assistant district supervising minister.

Church officers and volunteer members worked together in preparing and distributing the relief goods. Many of them were students as there were no classes, thereby taking advantage of their free time from school to volunteer in this activity. “We are thankful to be able to volunteer in this activity,” shared Kenneth Medrano, a student from Mindanao State University (MSU)-General Santos City Branch. “We hope that through this aid, the recipients will be reminded that there are people willing to help them despite the difficulties brought about by the calamity.”

Among those who received assistance was Jane Cabalan, a resident of General Santos City. “We are grateful to the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for the immediate help extended to us here,” she said.

On June 14, the Care for Humanity events were held at the house of worship compounds of the Local Congregations of Malapatan and Glan, as well as in Brgy. Burias, Glan, Sarangani, thus enabling more affected residents to receive much-needed assistance.

All in all, an estimated 8,000 relief packages, which contained rice and canned goods, among others, were distributed. There were also 1,000 solar lights given to address the power outage also due to the calamity.

Among those who benefited from the activity were members of the Tausug Tribe residing in Brgy. Burias. On their behalf, purok (area) chairman, Morsal Kingkim, said, “We are grateful that the Iglesia Ni Cristo was among the first to reach our community. The aid extended to us has been a great help to our families.”

Emphasizing the significance of extending help to those affected by the earthquake, Brother Billy Jay Pascua, minister of the gospel, said, “This aid is a great help not only to our brethren but also to our fellowmen who suffered a lot. Many experienced damage to their homes and food shortage. Through this activity, the Church hoped to have helped ease such burden.” — With reports from Dave Jayson Jusi