The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) in northern Pampanga, Philippines, marked further growth with the establishment of a new local congregation and a new group worship service (GWS).

Pampanga North District supervising minister, Brother Arnel Agorilla, officiated at the inaugural worship services of both congregations, which were held on September 26 and October 1, 2026, respectively.

“This is another fulfillment of God’s promise that He will never forsake us. Despite what the Church is going through today, it continues to triumph. Thus, this year, through God’s mercy, a new local congregation and a GWS were established,” said Brother Agorilla.

Dau Ville Congregation

From being an extension of the Mabalacat City Congregation, Dau Ville became a full-fledged local congregation after 26 years.

“All the brethren are happy because they have waited a long time for this opportunity. Becoming a fully established local congregation will be a great help, further inspiring the brethren to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Its establishment marks the beginning of even greater enthusiasm among the brethren,” said Brother Mark Dave Grencio, resident ministerial worker.

In his homily, Brother Agorilla urged the brethren to help one another strengthen their faith and remain firm and fervent in serving God. He also emphasized that since God entrusted the Church Administration with the responsibility of edifying the brethren and leading them toward spiritual maturity, the brethren should help the Church Administration by encouraging one another to accept Church offices.

During the sacred gathering, several new Church officers took their oath of office. Among them was Nathaniel Bantucan, who was sworn in as the congregation’s Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) president. He pledged, “As an officer, I will strive even harder to fulfill my duties and dedicate myself more fully to them.”

The late Federico Amante generously donated the property, along with the place of worship, pastoral house, and offices, to the Church. These are located at Lot 7, Dau Ville, Duquit, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Angelina, wife of Federico, expressed her joy, saying, “I’m extremely happy because this was my husband’s dream. I’m very thankful to the Father. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to this and carry on for as long as we can. As for our grandchildren, we hope they will continue what they have seen their grandfather and us doing.”

Panipuan GWS

During the study of God’s words, Brother Agorilla emphasized the importance of standing firm in the faith to overcome temptations and trials. He further urged the brethren not to give up in their fight against sin or to allow trials to weaken their faith. He reminded them that with continued endurance and perseverance, they would eventually attain the hope of dwelling in the Holy City.

With its place of worship located in Brgy. Panipuan, Calulut Road, San Fernando City, the newly established Panipuan GWS is under the care of the New Era Congregation.

Marven Fontillas, one of the head deacons, shared that “nearly five years ago, all the Church officers and the leadership discussed the need to bring the place of worship closer to the brethren so that their faith would not grow weak.” He continued, “With great patience and effort, we worked to establish this place of worship and offered prayers to God. We patiently waited and earnestly hoped that God would grant what we had been praying for. And today, we are witnessing the fulfillment of those prayers.”

“The new GWS will be of great help to the brethren here in the Panipuan area. The brethren in this area are therefore very grateful to our beloved Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for approving the establishment of this GWS, which will enable them to continue holding worship services here,” said Brother Arnel Fallorin, New Era Congregation’s resident minister. — With reports from Myn Tinio and District multimedia