LOREN MOURNS MANALO

Sen. Loren Legarda today expressed sorrow and condolences to the Iglesia Ni Cristo for the passing away of Iglesia Executive Minister Eraño "Ka Erdy" Manalo.

"Ka Erdy is a great loss not only to the numerous followers of the Iglesia Ni Cristo but to the entire Filipino people," Loren said. In a statement, she added:

"Ka Erdy embodied the spirituality and religiosity of the Filipino people, building the INC after the death of his father, Felix Manalo, who founded the church, into a truly international organization. He spread the faith not only to Filipinos in foreign countries, but also to foreigners as well.

"Ka Erdy particularly spread the concern of the church to the poor, especially the farmers and workers. He established model land reforms in the first resettlement farms in Palayan City and Nueva Ecija in 1965, even before the government formally proclaimed its agrarian reform program.

"Ka Erdy built the magnificent INC cathedral in Quezon City as a grand monument to God and also as a testament to the unfaltering faith of INC members in the Lord. He has left a legacy that will last through the ages."