THE National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), the country’s largest organization of active members of the press, passed a special resolution last February 12, 2021, as a tribute and expression of sincerest sympathy to Filipino evangelist, Eliseo ‘Bro. Eli’ Soriano.
Soriano, 73, founder of the ‘Members Church of God International’ (MGCI) and popularly known thru his evangelical television program, ‘Ang Dating Daan’ (ADD), passed away unexpectedly while in Brazil a day before, February 11, 2021, his ministry announced.
The resolution reads:
“The National Press Club of the Philippines extends its sincerest sympathy to the family, friends and followers, as well as to our colleagues at UNTV, on the passing last February 11, 2021, of Filipino evangelist, ELISEO ‘BRO. ELI’ SORIANO, leader of the ‘Members Church of God International’ (MCGI).
“Aside from touching and changing the lives for the better of millions of people thru his popular television program, ‘Ang Dating Daan’ (ADD), the Club forever owes a debt of gratitude to Bro. Eli for his congregation’s silent but steadfast support to its many programs over the years.
“Unknown to many, it was MCGI/ADD, which helped jumpstart the Club’s ‘Scholarship Program’ more than a decade ago that today has helped hundreds of its members and their children to finish their college education.
Likewise, it was the thru the kindness and selfless dedication of the MCGI/ADD/UNTV officials and members that enabled the Club to succeed in its ‘outreach program’ thru its regular, monthly ‘Medical Mission.’
“This joint project helped alleviate the plight of thousands of families, members of the press included, not only in Metro Manila but elsewhere in Luzon as well for more than ten years now.
“In the Club’s long struggle to give justice to the victims of the 2009 Ampatuan Massacre, Members Church of God International / Ang Dating Daan / UNTV News and Rescue , has always been our silent but firm supporter.
“Ever the humble man that he was, Bro. Eli has clearly imparted all his good character traits to his congregation that the sole condition binding this strong partnership between the Club and MCGI/ADD/UNTV through the years is that we should not brag nor publicised it.
“Hindi naging ugali ni Bro. Eli na ipaghambog ang mga kabutihang ginagawa niya sa kanyang kapwa.
“In recognition for all the good deeds that Bro. Eli has done to his fellow men, including the members of the press, and for his being a true and faithful servant of God, this SPECIAL RESOLUTION is hereby unanimously approved.”
NPC President Paul Gutierrez noted that since posting the tribute last February 12, it has, thus far, been shared more than 7,000 times, reached more than 284,000 viewers and was “liked” nearly 7,000 times.
“Such immense outpouring of sympathy and support to Bro. Eli is the clearest testament to his character and integrity as a man and as a Servant of God,” Gutierrez noted further.