Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the launching of the commemorative stamp in honor of Ka Erdy.

Special stamp honors late INC leader

A special stamp honoring the late Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eraño G. Manalo is now available in post offices across the country.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday led the launching of the commemorative stamp, bearing the face of Manalo with INC Central Office in the background, at the religious group’s Central Office in Quezon City.

Arroyo, in her remarks, paid tribute to Manalo, also known as Ka Erdy, for his contributions to society not only as beloved head of the INC but also a civic leader. She also cited the works of Manalo and the INC in programs such housing, education, healthcare, and livelihood.

The launch of the special stamp coincided with the assumption of Manalo as INC Executive Minister back in 1963. Manalo died in August 31, 2009 due to cardiopulmonary arrest.

He was 84.

People who want to purchase the special stamp however would have to wait a while for the stamp’s second edition since the supply of the first edition is all gone.

Postmaster General Hector Villanueva said initial 100,000 copies of the special stamp have already ran out prior to Friday’s launch. Villanueva said the Philippine Postal Corporation plans to print 100,000 more as the second edition. The stamp, worth P7 each, will be sold until April 22, 2011.

Mrs. Arroyo also recalled how she appreciates the sound counsel and support given by Manalo in her governance, including facilitating peace in Mindanao.

The outgoing leader likewise profusely thanked Manalo and the INC for their support when she ran for senator, vice president, and president.

Here is a video capture of the event from NET-25 news.

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From The Philippine Postal Corporation posted on April 13, 2010. See it here:

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Salamat po sa mga kapatid na binuksan ang kanilang tahanan upang magkasama-sama makapanood ng burol at libing ng Ka Erdy. Hindi po kayo nagdamot at dahil na rin sa inyong kabaitan, naibsan kahit konti ang kapighatian na tayong lahat ngayon ay nadarama.

Salamat po sa mga kapatid na kasapi sa GEMNET.TV at dahil sa inyong paguulat ay nakabahagi kami sa mga kaganapan sa Templo Central. Salamat po sa inyong mga pagpapagal.

Salamat po sa mga kapatid na pumunta sa Templo Central upang makita kahit saglit at sa huling sandali ang ating pinakamamahal na Ke Erdy. Salamat po sa inyong pagtitiyaga at pagtitiis. Gutom, puyat at pagod hindi nyo inalintana at dahil dito nakita ng buong mundo kung ano ang itinanim sa atin ng Ka Erdy. Maraming salamat po dahil naging maayos at marangal ang lahat.

Salamat po sa mga mahal sa buhay ng Ka Erdy at hindi nila ipinagdamot sa atin ang burol at libing ng ating Tagapamahala. Salamat po sa dignidad na ipinakita nyo sa buong bansa at ganon na rin sa pagmamahal nyo sa buong kapatiran.

Salamat po Ka Erdy. Ginugol nyo po ang inyong buong buhay para sa amin na inyong mga kapatid. Hinding hindi po namin malilimutan ang inyong pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit sa amin. Pinupuri po namin ang Ama dahil sa inyo. Salamat po at paalam. Hanggang sa muling pagkikita.

At higit sa lahat, salamat po Ama, salamat po Panginoong Jesus at hindi nyo po iniwan ang Ka Erdy hanggang sa huli. Dahil po sa inyong pagsusugo sa tagapamahala ng Iglesia, nakita po namin ang daan tungo sa tunay na buhay.

Maraming, maraming salamat po.

Ka Erdy was laid to rest by the Almighty on August 31, 2009.

Peace and unity, even for a moment

Arroyo, Aquino, Estrada, Marcos, Velarde and Villanueva and many others.  These are the prominent and illustrious. The secular and the religious. On many fronts they are on different sides of the issues. But for one moment in time they were one, united, at peace with each other. These are people who experienced the greatness of this man Iglesia ni Cristo members lovingly call Ka Erdy.  There were no distinction between the common man, of whom many of the Iglesia Ni Cristo members are, and the rich and famous who paid their respect.  All were touched by the quiet  kindness, wisdom and power of this man.

They all lined-up, fell on queue and respectfully approached the place where the late Ka Erdy now lies. Men and women, young and old, the powerful and the powerless, the sick in wheelchairs and crutches, some in shock, some in tears, all paid their respect and last farewell to his man, Ka Erdy.

A great loss

First Lady Mrs Imelda Marcos and her son Representative Bongbong Marcos were among the first to arrive at the wake. The gracious lady wept openly remembering the friendship they had developed with the late leader. “We lost a great leader, a big loss to humanity!” she said.

Mayor Jose Francis Stevens M. Dizon of Guimba, Nueva Ecija  described the passing of the Executive Minister as “a gloomy period, not only for INC members, but also for the entire country.”

Worship services of Iglesia Ni Cristo are markedly somber. Members are overheard telling each other that this passing of the leader is the saddest day in their life. Choirmembers openly cried while they sang hymns of praises to God. Prayers for the family of the late Ka Erdy and for the whole church as a whole is said at every opportune time. Another milestone is set for the Church of Christ.

Selfless and kind.

The whole church, the Iglesia ni Cristo was shocked when the announcement came via word of mouth. Simultaneously with the announcement made on the television stations Net-25 and Gem-Tv, the news was slowly being spread by brethren all over the world. The shock wave can be felt as the sad news pass from one to another. He was already sick and yet he didn’t show it. The lessons, advices and caring continued. The lessons were still signed by him, obviously prepared weeks, even months ago. He cared for the welfare of his brothers and sisters. For 46 years he labored day and night to shepherd the flock. To guide them through this dark and wicked world. Like a loving and ever protective tatay he was always there, approachable, loving, giving.

Kris Aquino, the television personality and daughter of the late president said that she received a personal letter from Ka Erdy, telling her that he is praying for them and and their were in his thoughts. Kris Aquino was seen on television breaking down and crying openly for her mother. Unknown to all of us, Ka Erdy was also in his sickbed and only had a few days to live, and yet he reach out to comfort others. Such was the man, beloved by his brothers and sisters.

Love reciprocated

Driven by the love Ka Erdy extended unto them, members of the Iglesia ni Cristo reciprocated in the same love as they trooped to the Central Temple to pay their last respect. Oblivious of the heat and rain, hunger and thirst they stood in line shoulder to shoulder some weeping openly, to get a chance to take a short glance at Ka Erdy, to say their private goodbyes and to thank the man who was their shepherd for the last 46 years.

Goodbye po Ka Erdy. We will miss you. Your words ring clear in our hearts and minds. We will be steadfast in the faith. We will hold on to the truth you made us see. We will be forever grateful for the sacrifice you made on our behalf. Thank you po. At paalam.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Paalam po Ka Erdy. We will miss you po very much.

Nakikiramay po ang buo kong sambahayan sa pamilya ng pamamahala, Kapatid na Erano G Manalo. Nasa puso’t isipan po namin kayo.

Beacon of our hearts

In this void of darkness
When the times are hard
He rights the wrong
And reminds us of our God

In the depths of sadness
He lifts our spirits high
And keeps us strong
So we can carry on

He’s a man
Who fights for our salvation
In God’s hand
He will succeed
Through Jesus our Saviour
He will lead us together

(Chorus)
Beacon of our hearts
Like a trumpet
Your voice abounds
With the Lord’s holy words
Beacon of our hearts
You remind us
Put your faith in the Lord

We thank the Lord above
For all He gives and does
And for the man
Who shares the dream with us

And through the years he’s fightin’ on
To keep our faith alive
By God’s command
Our trodden hearts revive

He’s a man
Who fights for our salvation
In God’s hand
He will succeed
Through Jesus our Saviour
He will lead us together

Repeat Chorus 3x