Senator Loren Legarda on Monday expressed her support to the Iglesia Filipina Independiente’s (IFI) mission to promote faith, unity and social justice.

In her address at the Fourth Installation of Rev. Father Leon Estrella as the new IFI Bishop of Antique at St. Jude Cathedral in Sibalom, Legarda expressed her deep connection to her hometown and the IFI.

“As a daughter of Antique, I am deeply humbled by the grace of this moment. Today, I join you in this divine invitation as a renewal of our shared mission to serve, uplift, and unite,” Legarda said.

She reflected on her family’s ties to the IFI and their contributions to Antique’s development, honoring ancestors Pedro and Baltazara Gella, whose governance and leadership shaped the province, and Ariston Gella, a delegate to the 1898 Malolos Congress.

Legarda also paid tribute to Vicente Gella, who founded Colegio de San Vicente Ferrer, emphasizing education’s transformative power.

The senator recounted her collaboration with the late Bishop Maximo Tomas Millamena on peace and social reform initiatives, as she underscored the role of faith leaders in addressing societal challenges, particularly in promoting peace, justice, and community well-being.

“Our work is about building communities — to serve the least, the last, and the lost. These acts of service were expressions of faith, anchored in the truth that every life holds immeasurable worth,” she said.

Legarda pledged to work with Estrella in supporting initiatives that address poverty, hunger and inequality in Antique.

“Together, we continue the work for Antique, with faith guiding our way,” she said. (PNA)