Philippines 2
March 5th

“My beloved Philippines is mine, and I am his!”

My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies. Song of Songs 2:16,NIV).

》 Country Profile

Continent | Southeast Asia
Population | 114.6 million
Area | 300,000㎢ ; includes about 700 inhabited islands among a total of roughly 7,250 islands
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 10%, Catholic 74.1%), Muslim 4.9%, Ethnic religion 3.2%, Non-religious 0.7% Evangelical 14% (15 million people)

》 About Philippines

The history of Christianity in the Philippines began in the 16th century with Spanish colonial rule. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines, marking the beginning of Catholic missionary efforts. Under Spanish rule, Catholicism became the dominant faith, with numerous churches established, and indigenous people were compelled to adopt Catholic beliefs. Missionary priests played a key role in spreading the religion through education and healthcare. As a result, the Philippines became the country with the largest Catholic population in Asia. Protestantism was introduced in the late 19th century following American colonial rule. After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines came under U.S. governance, and Protestant denominations such as Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians began missionary work. American missionaries established seminaries and Christian schools, focusing on education and healthcare. Over time, Protestantism grew, especially with the rise of the Pentecostal movement and evangelical churches. Today, approximately 10% of the population is Protestant.
Currently, the Philippines is the most Christian nation in Asia, where Catholicism and Protestantism coexist. Many denominations actively engage in missions and social work, and the country has become a significant sender of missionaries to other parts of the world.

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 $3,906.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. In the Philippines, 74% of the population identifies as Catholic. However, many Catholics practice a nominal faith mixed with traditional beliefs like animism and magic. Evangelical churches are growing and now make up 14% of the population. Despite this growth, false doctrines and cults have also increased within the church. Protestantism in the Philippines is divided into many denominations, making complete union difficult. However, groups like the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) and the Philippines for Jesus movement (PFJ) aim to unite denominations and build strong spiritual foundations. Let us pray that the church may be armed with the gospel of the cross, so that it can escape the lies and chaos that tear down the vineyard like little foxes. Let us pray that the church may not compromise with sin. Let us also pray that church leaders are raised as true disciples of Jesus, united as one body to nurture the Filipino people with the Word of God.

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. Muslim rebels on Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines were engaged in conflict with the government for over 50 years before being granted an Islamic autonomous government. Hundreds of missionaries from OMF, SEND International, and SIM are courageously spreading the gospel in dangerous areas among the Maguindanao and Maranao tribes. In addition, let us pray that the gospel will be powerfully proclaimed and bring transformation among the tribes and unreached peoples of islands such as Sulu, Palawan, Luzon, and Visayas. May the Philippine church develop a deep love and concern for Muslims and actively reach out to them with the gospel. The Philippines, home to the world’s largest drug market, has many regions where people rely on the drug trade for their livelihood, with corruption involving the police and government officials. The availability and distribution of drugs have increased, making it easy to access, particularly for the working class—such as professional drivers, construction workers, and dock laborers—who are highly exposed to cheap narcotics. Since President Duterte took office in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Agency has arrested over 164,000 suspects and confiscated more than 3 tons of illegal drugs. Let us pray that the Philippines will turn to Jesus Christ, who died for our transgressions and sins, and be restored as His beloved bride, bringing joy to the LORD.

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