The Manobo are a big group of ethnic Mindanao people divided into several sub-tribes. Anthropologists have given varied groupings, including the Tigwahanon.
The Tigwahanon inhabit the Bukidnon and Davao del Norte border, specifically in the municipality of San Fernando Watersheds in Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, Agusan Sur and Misamis Occidental.
The areas where the tribes live are generally underdeveloped with poor infrastructure. Dispossessed of their tribal lands, they have little control over their lands. They practice swidden agriculture and live off the forest. They are driven off the land by loggers and corporate plantations.
Unlike the dominant Muslim tribes, they have failed to consolidate themselves and thus have no significant voice in politics. Because of their unattended grievances, they are prey to the communist rebels and other dissident movements who wish to use them against the government.
Effective ministries are those that combine evangelism with discipleship and community development. Upland farm technologies are in demand to help uplift the economic situation of the people. Education and medical assistance are other basic needs in the area.
Hindrances to the Gospel include the bitterness of hill tribes at being dispossessed of their ancestral lands by Catholic lowlanders, whom they collectively lump with other Christians.
Pray that more Manobo pastors and church leaders will be raised up to reach out to their own people.
Pray for wisdom for those who are ministering to them right now. That they will be able to clearly present Christ to these people.
Pray for improved living conditions
Pray that the surge of materialism (due to lowlander influence) will be stopped by the gospel
Pray that their efforts to hold on to their land will be successful. That they will not deceived by opportunistic lowlanders with offers of money.
Scripture Prayers for the Manobo, Tigwahanon in Philippines.
| Profile Source: Asia Missions (AMNET) |
