Brother Cornelio N. Cortez Jr., Director of the Iglesia Ni Cristo Museum, leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Museum Pop-Up Exhibit at SM City Olongapo Central on June 19, 2026. The exhibit will run until June 23, 2026, showcasing a celebration of faith, history, and community heritage. Also in the photo are Zambales Tourism Officer Ms. Tel Mora, SM City Olongapo Central Mall Manager Engr. Ariel Gyran Ferrer, and representatives of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
By: Dante M. Salvaña
Olongapo City – SM Olongapo Central officially opened the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Museum Pop-Up Exhibit from June 19 to 23 2026, offering visitors a unique journey through nearly a century of faith, history, and community development in Zambales under the theme, “Where Mountains Meet the Sea.”
The exhibit showcases the 95-year history of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Zambales, highlighting the lives, stories, and contributions of generations of members whose experiences unfolded alongside the province’s growth and transformation.
The opening ceremony gathered representatives from government agencies, tourism and educational institutions, cultural organizations, media partners, and members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo community.
In his welcome remarks, Brother Cornelio N. Cortez Jr. Director of INC Museum emphasized that history is not confined to books or distant places but lives within communities, families, and everyday experiences. He explained that the exhibit was created to preserve and share the rich heritage of Iglesia Ni Cristo while making it accessible to the public.
“This exhibit is not merely a collection of events, but a collection of lives, families, workers, and communities who became part of a larger story,” Cortez said.
The exhibit also underscores the Iglesia Ni Cristo Museum’s commitment to preserving historical artifacts, photographs, and documents that reflect the Church’s heritage for future generations.
Meanwhile, Engineer Ariel Gyran Ferrer SM Olongapo Central Mall Manager commended the professionalism and dedication of the museum team. He noted that the mini-museum was carefully planned, constructed, and completed within just three days, demonstrating remarkable efficiency, organization, and attention to detail.
“SM Olongapo Central is honored to be part of this meaningful initiative that promotes history, culture, and heritage,” Ferrer said.
Open to the public, the exhibit invites visitors to explore the shared history of Iglesia Ni Cristo and Zambales, encouraging reflection on the people, stories, and values that helped shape the province through the decades.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo Museum Pop-Up Exhibit will serve as both an educational and cultural experience, reminding visitors of the importance of preserving history while inspiring future generations to appreciate their heritage.