To mark its 60th anniversary, the Local Congregation of Maligaya 1 in the Ecclesiastical District of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines held a series of activities: clean-up drive on February 15, 2025, anniversary program on the 25th, and an evangelical mission on the 28th. The said activities were conducted at Maligaya National High School grounds, Maligaya Rotonda, and Maligaya Covered Court, respectively.

Resident minister Brother Ernie Hidrosolo officiated at the evangelistic work, teaching about the Church’s relevance for man’s salvation which drew guests to continue learning the biblical teachings upheld by the Church.

Meanwhile, the anniversary program held three days earlier highlighted selected brethren’s performances of INC original music, such as Hindi Ko Sasayangin Ang Kaloob Mong Tungkulin (I will not neglect the duty You gifted me) and Awit Ng Anak (A child’s song to parents).

Ang Paglikas (The exodus), a Christian Era Broadcasting Service International, Inc. (CEBSI) Films production, was also shown to the attendees. The film tells the story of the brethren, tenant-farmers in Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac, who experienced intense persecution from other tenant farmers over their staunch adherence to the commands of God. The film narrates how their exodus from the hacienda in Tarlac paved the way for the establishment of the Maligaya Resettlement Community in Barrio Maligaya (formerly Sitio Santo Domingo), Nueva Ecija, a brainchild of the then Executive Minister Brother Eraño G. Manalo.

Right after the film viewing, the 13 surviving pioneer members were given recognition.

“I felt immense joy for in my 88 years of age, I was still able to witness the 60th anniversary of our local congregation. As I was watching the film, I reminisced how God’s mercy was manifested through the Church Administration in times of great persecution, which I’m still thankful to God for until now,” shared Paz Gavino. “I will continue to serve God as long as I live,” added 82-year-old pioneer member Elena Alfaro.

Having witnessed the pioneers’ zeal and being part of the congregation’s 60th anniversary celebration, “I am proud that our generation has been the result of the brethren’s conviction who endured persecution back then,” enthused Technical Support for Videostreaming (TSV) lead Joshua Ron dela Cruz.

“These activities that the Church Administration allowed us to conduct made us stronger in the faith,” said Maligaya 1 Congregation head deacon Alvin Soliman.

On behalf of the congregation, Brother Hidrosolo said, “We thank the Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo for the brethren here in the Barrio Maligaya Community are continuously being taken care of, especially regarding their spiritual welfare. We will remain striving to be of help in doing the things that please God.” — With reports from Jeriel Capili