House of Representatives’ Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte and Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez on Friday wished a long life for Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo, who celebrates his 65th birthday this Saturday.
The Romualdez couple also thanked Manalo for his “kind heart” in serving God and the country with great passion and “malasakit” [compassion].
“Sa ating pinakamamahal na kapatid, ka Eduardo V. Manalo, Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo, isang malugod na pagbati po ang aming ipinapaabot sa pagdiriwang ng inyong kaarawan,” the Romualdez couple said in a statement.
They credited Manalo for the good character formation of the Filipinos, especially the youth.
“I join the Filipino nation in praying that our Lord God continues to bless you with a long life and excellent health so that you may carry on with the mission of spreading the good word of salvation,” the Romualdezes said.
They wished the continued success of the INC leader in the fulfillment of his aspirations for the Filipinos as one of the country’s moral compasses.
“Under your stewardship and guidance, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has proven itself as a steady source of inspiration for millions of Filipinos here in the country and even in other parts of the globe. Naniniwala kami na sa ilalim ng inyong tapat na pamamahala, patuloy na magsisilbi ang Iglesia ni Cristo hindi lamang sa ating Panginoon kundi maging sa mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan ng inyong kalinga,” the couple said.
They again recalled that Brother Eduardo Manalo has been helping less fortunate people through the INC’s spiritual programs, and “malasakit” livelihood and assistance programs.
“Saksi po kami sa mga kabutihang ipinadama ninyo, Ka Eduardo, sa ating mga kapatid na Filipino. Naging matibay na gabay po kayo para akayin sa kabutihan ang mga kapwa natin saan mang panig ng mundo,” the Romualdez couple said.
“On this day, let us also express our deepest appreciation to all the contributions that you have made to improve the living conditions of our people. For all your efforts, may your name be forever exalted. Muli, isang mapagpalang kaarawan, Ka Eduardo.”