SANTA ROSA, Laguna—At least 1.5 million people flocked to the Greenfield City open ground here on Saturday for the “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” humanitarian outreach mission of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).

Ka Nel Taal, officer in charge of the INC Laguna District, said the half-day mission offered free medical, dental and relief services to both INC members and non-members from Santa Rosa, Biñan, San Pedro, Santa Cruz and San Pablo, all in Laguna.

“This is the first time this kind of a big event happened here, that’s why all our brothers and sisters are very excited,” Taal said.

He said that 2013 marks the 50th year of the INC mission to respond to the needs of Filipinos nationwide, particularly the poor and victims of disasters.

“Many Filipinos need help…and we [INC] are here to help them,” he added.

Despite the bad weather in the area, those who benefited from the mission had no complaints.

Biñan resident Jinky Peralta, 40, said she took the opportunity to avail herself of the free medical and dental examinations and free medicines.

“It is not very often that such free medical and dental examinations are offered here in our area…that’s why I took this opportunity,” she said.

Taal said the physicians, dentists, pharmacists and medical assistants, who attended the needs of the people, were all volunteers.

He said that after Laguna, the mission would go to other parts of Metro Manila and provinces nationwide to provide the same services.

Taal said that besides the free medical, dental and relief services, the people also enjoyed entertainment provided by INC members.

“All of today’s [Saturday] performers are INC members…this is the chance to showcase our talents,” he said. The half-day event will be viewed nationwide through television networks NET 25 and INC TV next week.

The INC’s Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko mission has no regular schedule but the last was held a few months ago.

The mission started shortly after the INC founder’s death 50 years ago. The missions are usually held in poor areas by socio-civic groups of the INC, which include the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation Inc. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz