Palawano, Southwest in Philippines

Palawano, Southwest
Photo Source:  Bill Davis 
Map Source:  Mark Stevens
People Name: Palawano, Southwest
Country: Philippines
10/40 Window: No
Population: 17,000
World Population: 17,000
Primary Language: Palawano, Southwest
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 10.00 %
Evangelicals: 8.00 %
Scripture: New Testament
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Filipino, Tribal
Affinity Bloc: Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Southwest Palawanos have been on Palawan Island since long before the Spanish or Moros came to the archipelago. They even have stories of the Sri Vijayan pirates of the 1400s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are poor, subsistence rice farmers who live in homes that are raised by stilts. Most areas do not have government schools. They often hunt for their meat supply. They have no concept of the time of year.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Animist. But a number have become evangelical Christians in the last 35 years.

What Are Their Needs?

They face encroachment by settlers, loggers and mining companies. This situation could easily force them to lose their homeland. When that happens to tribal people, they often wind up living in urban centers where they don’t have the right skills to survive. Begging and prostitution become common.

Prayer Points

Pray for wisdom for church planting teams.
Thank the Lord the New Testament is now available in their language! Pray that it becomes widely distributed and embraced.
Pray for strength, wisdom and protection for church leaders as they shepherd local congregations and conduct outreaches.

Text Source:   Joshua Project