Senator Loren Legarda voiced her strong support for the Iglesia Filipina Independiente’s (IFI) commitment to fostering faith, unity, and social justice during a ceremony at St. Jude Cathedral in Sibalom. The event marked the fourth installation of Rev. Father Leon Estrella as the IFI Bishop of Antique on January 6, 2025.
Legarda, a native of Antique, shared her profound connection to her hometown and the IFI, expressing her humility and enthusiasm for the occasion. She highlighted the significance of the moment as a renewal of their collective mission to serve, uplift, and unite the community.
Reflecting on her family’s deep roots with the IFI, Legarda honored her ancestors Pedro and Baltazara Gella for their influential roles in shaping Antique’s development. She also acknowledged Ariston Gella’s participation in the 1898 Malolos Congress and praised Vicente Gella for establishing Colegio de San Vicente Ferrer, underscoring the transformative impact of education.
Legarda reminisced about her partnership with the late Bishop Maximo Tomas Millamena on initiatives aimed at peace and social reform. She emphasized the crucial role of faith leaders in tackling societal issues, particularly in advancing peace, justice, and community welfare.
She stressed that their mission is centered on building communities and serving the most vulnerable. Legarda committed to collaborating with Bishop Estrella on efforts to combat poverty, hunger, and inequality in Antique, guided by faith.