If you live in the United States and would like to have us mail a Tagalog book and tract to share the Gospel with your friends or family members in the Philippines, please email us at: tagalog@densu.com with their name and mailing address and our Literaure Distribution Center in Manila will mail them a book and tract free of charge.

If you have friends or relatives in America that you would like to give a book and tract to, please email us with your name and mailing address and we will mail them to you free of charge.

The Republic of the Philippines has 7,250 islands, of which over 700 are inhabited. The largest are Luzon (116,000 sq.km.) in the north and Mindanao (102,000 sq.km.) in the south. Over 75% mountains; prone to devastating typhoons. It is home to 77 million people, the capital city of Manila is home to more than 13.5 million people.

Economy: A mixed agricultural and industrial economy. High population growth, widespread corruption, protectionism, social and political unrest, two guerrilla wars and a series of natural disasters have played havoc with the economy, causing widespread poverty and unemployment. The uncontrolled crime wave and series of kidnappings along with the closing of US military bases in 1992 have cut aid and inhibited foreign investment. The Asian economic crisis of 1997 was a further setback. Between 32% and 50% live below the poverty line.

Politics: A Spanish colony from 1565 to 1898; hence the Catholic majority and many Spanish customs. Ruled by the USA until independence in 1946. Martial law imposed in 1971 to combat Communist subversion; the country became virtually a one-party republic. Political manipulation, mismanagement and abuse of civil liberties stimulated antipathy to the Marcos regime and led to its downfall in 1986. Democratic rule since then, but none have adequately addressed the need for land reform, for taming the excesses of the military, for limiting the power of the elite and ending the Muslim secessionist and Marxist guerrilla wars. President Estrada’s time in office ended in 2001 due to public indignation at corruption. A new government is now trying to consolidate power, gain democratic credibility and bring in reforms.

Religion: Freedom of religion. The Catholic Church wields enormous influence. The Catholic Church is mixed with other tribal beliefs. The Muslim minority in Mindanao seeks to set up an independent Islamic state in the south. Persecution index 51st in the world (in Muslim areas only).