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PHILIPPINES
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Capital: Manila

Major Languages: Filipino, English

Area: 300,000 km2

Population: 112 million

HDI Rank: 107 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 80 million (71%)

 Other Religions:

Protestant: 16 million (14%)

Islam: 6.7 million (6%)

Other: 10 million (9%)

General Information:

Philippines, named after King Philip II, is made up of about 7,100 islands; the majority of the population lives on just 11 of them. Nearly all Filipinos are Malay, some having Spanish or U.S. ancestors. There are small groups of Chinese and mixed Malay-Chinese. Spain colonized the islands in the1500s and ruled for over 400 years, until the U.S. took control, followed by the Japanese. Philippines gained independence in 1946. The country is famous for its colorful buses called “Jeepneys”. Filipinos are fond of singing and karaoke. Popular sport is basketball.

 

Religious Background:

There is freedom of religion for all. A large majority of the population of the Philippines identify as Catholic. Catholicism was first introduced through the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the early 1500s. Protestant Christianity is the second-largest religious group. Protestantism was introduced by American missionaries after the U.S. occupied the Philippines. Islam entered the nation in the 14th century through Muslim traders. Indigenous traditions predate the colonial religions of Islam. The most predominant views are that of animism.

 

Catholic background:

The Philippines is the third-largest Catholic populated country in the world. An organized program of evangelization of the Philippines was begun in 1565 by the Augustinians. They were followed by the Franciscans in 1578, Jesuits in 1581, and Dominicans in 1587. Filipino Catholicism is shaped by local indigenous practices, and built especially on devotions to Mary, the suffering Christ, and the Santo Niño (Holy Child). The Church is composed of 16 archdioceses, 62 dioceses and 3,393 parishes. Patron saints: Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Prayer Points

 

1. Filipinos to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

 

2. Catholics to know Christ

  • Pray for the salvation of 80 million Catholics in the Philippines.

  • Catholicism is syncretized, and many Catholics are influenced by witchcraft or animism. Pray that they would come to know Christ in large numbers.

  • Pray that God would destroy the spiritual forces in the nation so that nothing hinders Catholics from knowing Christ as their Lord and Savior.

  • Pray that Catholics will realize that heaven is not a reward for those who live good lives, but rather it is a gift freely given to anyone who trusts Jesus. 

  • Pray for all the Catholics attending the 3,393 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

  • Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 7,335 priests, 5,694 brothers and 12,102 sisters.

  •  Pray for Catholics who are struggling with doubts, questions, or spiritual dryness, that they may find faith and intimacy with Jesus.

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3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

In recent decades, Philippines has witnessed significant growth in the Evangelical community. However, it is concerning that nearly 50% of the slums and squatter communities in the Philippines remain without an Evangelical church presence. Pray for evangelism to flourish in these areas where there are no churches, and for the church to experience continued growth.

 

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Approximately one-third of the population in the Philippines is living in poverty, and that the number of individuals involved in the sex trade industry is alarmingly high. Moreover, natural disasters such as storms, floods, and landslides wreak havoc, particularly in impoverished communities.

 

5. Other Religions

The country is home to a diverse range of religious groups, including Hindus, Jews, Baha'is, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, followers of Indigenous Beliefs, and various other sects and cults. Pray that people would respond positively to the gospel and embrace Christ.

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