Volunteer workers from the Iglesia Ni Cristo Engineering and Construction Department (INC-ECD), together with their families, competed in sports activities at the INC Central Recreation and Fitness Center in New Era, Quezon City, Philippines, on May 29, 2026. The event was a highlight of the department’s milestone 55th anniversary commemoration.

Designed to promote physical fitness and well-being, the sporting event provided an energetic outlet for the participants. Beyond the physical benefits, the event also served to foster camaraderie and enjoyment among the brethren, while offering an invaluable opportunity for family bonding.

After the parade of players, Brother Reynante Reyes, minister of the gospel, led the opening prayer. Brother Alvin Ordaniel, also a minister in the department, administered the players’ oath of sportsmanship. Brother Gerzon S. Gallemit said the opening remarks.

“We thank the Lord God for this blessing. We are also thankful that the Church Administration remembered us and made us feel their love through an activity like this,” Brother Gallemit said in an interview.

The games opened with a basketball exhibition match between ministers and ministerial workers serving in the department. Then, players went to their respective courts for the games with the volleyball and table tennis eliminations conducted in the nearby New Era University covered court. Spectators cheered for the players.

“The purpose of this activity is to bring physical strength and spiritual vigor to everyone, ensuring we can continuously serve our Lord God and perform our duties,” explained Brother Joseph Fadrilan, minister assigned in the ECD Main Office. “It also aims to foster camaraderie among the staff, bring joy to them and their families, most especially, please the Lord God.”

Players in the department were grouped into team colors: Construction Support Facilities (green); Construction Support Group, Motorpool, and Manpower Back-up (yellow); ECD Main Office and Maintenance (red); and General Services 1 to 4 (blue). They vied in elimination matches of badminton (singles and doubles), basketball, bowling, darts (singles and doubles), table tennis (singles and doubles), volleyball, and board games (chess, dama, and game of the generals,). Semi-finalists competed for the finals on the same day.

“I’m grateful that the Administration approved this event for the volunteer workers and their respective families, providing a wonderful opportunity for family bonding and camaraderie among colleagues,” expressed Ramer Bernardo II, volunteer worker.

Winners of the games were red team for badminton (doubles), bowling, chess, darts (singles and doubles), game of the generals, volleyball, while green team for badminton (singles), basketball, dama, and table tennis (singles and doubles). Individual champions received medals; as for winning basketball and volleyball teams, trophies. Brother Gallemit and ministers in the department led the giving of awards.

Rolando Tarrayo, volunteer worker from the Construction Support Facilities, on behalf of his basketball teammates, said that “we’re thrilled not only for the opportunity to participate in this event, but also for securing the championship. Activities like this provide us with more than just physical strength—above all, they grant us strength in our spiritual lives.”

Formally organized in May 1971, the INC-ECD transitioned from a construction group to its current department status with numerous sections. It was first led by Brother Dominador G. Manalo and, in January 1980, succeeded by Brother Bienvenido G. Manalo; both were sons of Brother Felix Y. Manalo, God’s Messenger in these last days. The department, from those times up to the present, has continued to add architects, engineers, and workers, among others, for the various facilities of the Church.

On behalf of the volunteer workers in the department, Brother Gallemit promised that, “we will be even more dedicated and devoted to our duties, and to our works in the construction of houses of worship and all Church facilities. All for the honor and glory of our Lord God.” — With reports from CFO Office and INC-ECD