The San Carlos City Congregation choir emerged as champion in the district-wide Himig ng Kaligtasan (Songs of Salvation) finals of the Ecclesiastical District of San Carlos City, Pangasinan on August 25, 2024. It was held at the Bayambang Event Center along Roxas St. in the town of Bayambang, Pangasinan, Philippines.

“We thank the Lord God for helping us win this competition,” said Jhun Louise Olarve, on behalf of the winning choir. They captivated the judges with their performance of the Iglesia Ni Cristo original music Kumpletuhin ang takbuhin na bigay ng ating Diyos (Complete the race that God has set before us).

The choir from Sta. Barbara Congregation placed as first runner-up while the Malasiqui Congregation choir as second runner-up. Members of the Buklod, KADIWA, and Binhi comprised each choir who sang in a capella.

District music team adviser Joshua Ortiz, assistant district choir directress Anna Rose Lorenzo, and Bayambang Congregation choir member Eden Cayabyab gauged the competing choirs based on originality, musicality, voice quality, and stage presentation.

“The Himig ng Kaligtasan aims to showcase the brethren’s talents and the INC original music they sang,” Brother Ortiz, also among the activity’s organizers, said. “Most importantly, the occasion has helped strengthen them in the faith, hope, and trust of our Lord God, making them all the more inspired to continue participating in all other activities of the Church.” — With reports from Jessica Dela Cruz