The Philippines Country Information

Fact and Figures

Location Eastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea

Capital Manila

Population 99million

People Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3%

Language Filipino, English, eight major dialects

Religion Roman Catholic 80.9%, Evangelical 2.8%, other Christian 1.8%, Muslim 5%, other 6.7%, none 0.1%

Literacy rate 92.6%

Life expectancy 71.3 years

% Living below $1.25/day 23%

Sources The CIA World Fact Book 2008, Compassion International, www.news.bbc.co.uk

The Philippines

A mountainous, tropical nation made up of more than 7,000 islands, The Philippines has been the meeting point of many cultures, including the Middle East, India and China, for centuries. After being ruled by the Spanish and the Americans, the country became independent in 1946. In 1986, the 21-year rule of Ferdinand Marcos ended after widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile.

High population growth, corruption, social and political unrest, two guerrilla wars and a spate of natural disasters have wreaked havoc with the country’s economy, causing widespread poverty and unemployment. Recent terrorism has affected economic stability and foreign companies are backing away from investing.

With the majority of the population already living on only 11 of the largest islands, 5,000 people are moving to the capital Manila each day, in the hope of gaining a better life. However, most start by living on one of the 1,000 slums built on the city’s rubbish dumps.

The current climate is also affecting the lives of children, who instead of going to school, need to work to earn a living. It’s estimated that there are 5,000 child labourers. Many children suffer from malnutrition; about 28% of children under five are severely or moderately underweight.

While the economy may be pushing many foreign investors away, Compassion remains committed to this nation’s children. Beginning in 1972, Compassion now has more than 52,950 children receiving the help they need through more than 304 church-based projects, enabling them to build a better future, in Jesus’ name.

Compassion Philippines currently has 25 Child Survival Programmes.

Over 52,950 children are currently being assisted in more than 304 Child Sponsorship Programmes in Philippines.

Compassion Philippines currently has 142 active Leadership Development Programme students.