MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Friday gave a speech and “prayer for the nation” during the 36th anniversary of the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW) held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
Aquino offered his prayer after JILCW International President Bro. Eduardo Villanueva gave a 28-minute welcoming speech.
“Biyayaan po ninyo ng tunay na kapayapaan ang aming bayan,” he said in his prayer.
(Bless our nation with real peace.)
The President asked for hope for the people and strength to pursue the “daang matuwid” (straight path).
Aquino lauded the JIL for helping Filipinos and the government in its reform agenda.
He urged the group to continue to help uplift the lives of the people, especially those who are less fortunate.
Aquino praised Villanueva and his son, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Secretary Joel Villanueva.
He said the televangelist was clearly focused on the situation of others.
“Nang dumating ang panahon na tila namnhid na ang maraming kababayan sa korapsyon…nanguna ulit si Bro. Eddie sa panawagan sa pagbabago,” he said.
(At a time when many of our fellow citizens were numb from corruption…Bro. Eddie led the call for change.)
He also pointed out that since the younger Villanueva was appointed Tesda secretary, the employment rate of trainees had increased substantially.
From an employment rate of only 28.5 percent from 2006 to 2008, it rose to 68.5 percent in 2012.
He added that 96 percent of Tesda trainees from April to September this year now have jobs.
After his speech, the President was prayed over by Villanueva and other JILCW officials.
Villanueva said Aquino should receive a pray over because he was sincere and deserving.
Villanueva added that his son, the Tesda secretary, was appointed by Aquino not because of connections but because he was competent and God willed it to happen.
The JIL, founded in 1978 by televangelist Villanueva, hopes to draw one million attendees from Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The organizers of the event appealed to the public for understanding because of the heavy traffic caused by the celebration.