Classes in NCR suspended for INC activity

MANILA, Philippines – Elementary and high school classes in the entire National Capital Region are suspended on Monday, October 14 to make way for Iglesia Ni Cristo’s (INC) evangelical mission where 1.6 million people are expected to participate.

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the suspension in a tweet Sunday evening, October 13.

ADVISORY:As of 8:53PM Buong Metro Manila na po ang walang pasok bukas, October 14, 2013, ang Manila,Malabon at Marikina (All Level) #mmda

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) October 13, 2013

MMDA said the suspension will help ease the flow of traffic Monday, when the religious group is scheduled to conduct a medical and dental mission – “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko Lingap sa Mamayan.”

The traffic authority provided maps for alternative routes that motorists can take.

All levels

Classes in all levels, including college and university classes, are suspended in Manila, Malabon and Marikina cities Monday.

Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada on October 11 declared the suspension of classes in all universities, classes and schools in the city “to ensure the safety of the students” since the activities will happen in various places in the city.

The executive order noted that the suspension of classes will “help in efforts to preserve peace and order and ensure public safety.”

Simultaneous medical and dental missions will happen in 5 locations:

• Parking space behind the Far Eastern University (along CM Recto)

• Plaza Avelino

• Magallanes Drive exit

• Quinta Market

• Plaza del Carmen (beside San Sebastian)

Part of the celebration

The medical and dental mission is part of the religious group’s long-running 99th year anniversary celebration.

Read: INFOGRAPHIC: What you should know about the Iglesia ni Cristo 

INC is one of the biggest religious groups in the country. In 2010, they had an estimated population of 2.25 million, near the population of Quezon City that year. It has 104 ecclesiastical districts in the Philippines and in 100 other countries.

In past elections, candidates and even presidential aspirants have sought meetings with INC’s heads – the  Manalos – to get their endorsement.

This video of the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko Lingap sa Mamayan project was launched in August.

– Rappler.com