RELIGION

The Philippines is one of two predominant Roman Catholic countries in Asia, the other being East Timor.

It is composed of several diocese, and archdiocese. More than 90% of the population are Christians.

Historically, the Filipinos have embraced two of the great religions of the world - Islam and Christianity.

Islam was introduced during the 14th century shortly after the expansion of Arab commercial ventures in Southeast Asia.

Today, it is limited to the southern region of the country.

Christianity was introduced as early as the 16th century with the coming of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

Protestantism was introduced by the first Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries who arrived with the American soldiers in 1899.

Two Filipino independent churches were organized at the turn of the century and are prominent today.

These are the Aglipay (Philippine Independent Church) and the Iglesia Ni Kristo (Church of Christ) founded in 1902 and 1914, respectively.

Recently the Aglipay signed a covenant with the Anglican Church.

The Iglesia ni Kristo has expanded its membership considerably.

Its churches, with their unique towering architecture, are landmarks in almost all important towns, provincial capitals, and major cities.

About 80% belong to the Roman Catholic Church while the remaining 10% belong to other Christian denominations, such as the Philippine Independent Church, Iglesia Ni Cristo, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist, United Church of Christ, and the Orthodox Church.

Several Baroque churches are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the San Agustín Church in Manila, the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Santa María) Church in Ilocos Sur, the Santo Tomás de Villanueva Church in Iloilo, and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu.

About 5% of the population are Muslim, most of whom live in parts of Mindanao, Palawan, and the Sulu Archipelago, an area known as Bangsamoro or the Moro region.

Some have migrated into different parts of the country. Most Muslim Filipinos practice Shafi'i, a form of Sunni Islam, while other tribal groups such as the Bajau, practice a form mixed with Animism.

Superstition, and folk tradition are still worshipped by several indigenous groups, often syncretized with Christianity, and Islam, such as Shamanism, and Paganism.

Religions such as Buddism, Bahá'í Faith, Hinduism, Judaism, other spiritual beliefs, and those with no religion form the remaining 5% of the population.