“My darling; my beautiful Philippines, come with me”
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.(Song of Songs 2:13,NIV).”
》 Country Profile
Continent | Southeast Asia
Population | 114.6 million
Area | 300,000㎢ (3 times the size of Korea) 700 inhabited islands among 7,250 islands in the Southeast Asian Pacific.
Capital City | Manila (14.4 million people)
People Groups | Total 202 groups Tagalog 28%, Cebuano/Visayan 20.6%, Ilocano 9%, Hiligaynon 7.5%
Unreached People Groups | 30 (5% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | Filipino (Tagalog), English
Total Languages | 181
Bible Translations | Completed 32, New Testament 84, Partial 18
Religion | Christian 91% (Protestant 7.8%, Catholic 74.1%), Muslim 4.9%, Ethnic religion 3.2%, Non-religious 0.7% Evangelical 14% 15 million people
》 About Philippines
Before Spanish colonization, various indigenous tribes lived in the Philippine islands. In 1521, Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan reached the islands, marking the start of Spain’s colonial rule. The country was named after King Philip II of Spain (Felipe II). From 1565, the Philippines remained a Spanish colony for over 330 years. After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Treaty of Paris transferred control of the Philippines to the United States. During U.S. colonization, education, infrastructure, and public administration brought significant change. However, during World War II in 1942, the Philippines was invaded by Japan. After the war, in 1946, the country declared independence and became the Republic of the Philippines. In the early years of independence, the Philippines faced political instability and economic difficulties. In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos became president, and in 1972, he declared a state of emergency and established a military dictatorship. As a result, political opposition was repressed, and human rights violations and corruption became rampant. Although there was some economic development, it was overshadowed by extreme corruption and inequality. In 1986, the People Power Revolution ended Marcos’ dictatorship and democracy was restored. In the southern Philippines, the government has reached separate agreements with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). However, the New People’s Army, a communist rebel group, continues to show resistance. In 2017, the Philippine military launched an assault to ISIS-affiliated groups within the country. The Philippines, a presidential republic, is now led by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who became president in 2022.
In 2018, the Philippines’ economy’s GDP comprised 60% from the service sector, 31% from manufacturing, and 9.3% from agriculture, forestry, and fishing. The agricultural sector includes the export of coconuts, bananas, and pineapples. The Philippines is one of the top four countries in the world for overseas labor exports, with 10% of its population working abroad.. Their remittances make up 9.7% of the country’s GDP, significantly impacting the economy. However, more than 20% of the population lives in poverty, and in some southern regions, this figure reaches 75%. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused many overseas workers to return home, and remittances were expected to drop by as much as 40%. Philippines’ GDP per capita is approximately $8,000
》 Scripture Focus
| Song of Songs 2:1-4,10-13(NIV) 1. I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. 2. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. 3. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. 4. Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love. 10. My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me. 11. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. 12. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. 13. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” |
》 Prayer Points
1. The capital city of Manila, has a population of 13.9 million, which makes up one-eighth of the entire population of the Philippines. The wealthy upper class, who control much of the nation’s finances, live in their own exclusive areas within the city. Meanwhile, millions of urban poor reside in slums and restricted areas, which are extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, poor hygiene, and safety risks. For instance, in 2009, a storm completely destroyed some slum areas within the city. Many of these residents survive by scavenging in the enormous garbage dumps around the city. Some organizations, like the National Urban Poor Coalition, work to serve these communities. Both the rich and the poor need the true treasure, Jesus Christ. Let us pray that the Filipino church will lead both groups to the Lord, restoring them to be the beloved bride of Christ.
2. For many years, foreign missionaries and mission organizations have supported the Filipino church in various areas. Let us pray that they will continue to fulfill their roles well and collaborate effectively. The Filipino church has already sent out around 4,500 long-term missionaries. The Philippine Missions Association (PMA), a coalition of local mission organizations, continues to raise up missionaries, mission mobilizers, specialist missionaries, and intercessors. Many believers are trained as missionaries, not only through churches and organizations but also at training centers like the Asia Missions Center and the Great Commission Training Center, before being sent out. Just as the flowers bloom and the fig tree forms its early fruit after the passing of winter, let us declare that the day of life has come to the Philippines. Let us pray that the country will become a holy priestly nation, obedient to the Word of God, bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth.
3. In the southern Philippines, on Mindanao Island, Muslim rebels have been in conflict with the government for over 50 years. This led to the establishment of an autonomous Islamic government. Despite the dangers, hundreds of missionaries from organizations like OMF, International SEND, and SIM continue to share the gospel with groups like the Maguindanao and Maranao. Let us pray that the gospel will also be spread powerfully to the various tribes on islands like Sulu, Palawan, Luzon, and the Visayas. Additionally, let us pray for the 10 million Filipino workers living abroad, that they will encounter the gospel and become witnesses for Christ in the countries where they work. Let’s pray that they respond to the Lord’s call, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.,” Let us pray that they rise up as the church, walking with Him forever.
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