philippine relief program philrep christian ministries inc.

The nation of the Philippines comprises a chain of 7,107 islands stretching over a length of nearly 2,000 kms. With nearly 102 million inhabitants, it is is the world's 12th most populous country, and is home to 4.5 times Australia's population in less than 4% of Australia's land area.

It is a diverse nation of beautiful sandy beaches and rugged volcanic mountain ranges, populated by a creative, independent and resilient people.

Europeans first came to the Philippines in 1521 when the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived on the island of Samar, north of Cebu. Colonization began in 1565 when an expedition led by Miguel López de Legazpi established the first permanent settlement on the island of Cebu. Thus began a period of 333 years of Spanish governance. The first Republic of the Philippines was declared in 1898, however the nation was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War less than a year later. American rule continued until 1946, with a brief interval of a few years of Japanese occupation during the Second World War. It was then, in 1946, that the Second Republic of the Philippines was declared, and the Philippine flag finally flew proudly on its own.

Throughout the 7,107 islands, there are 11 separate language groups, with 111 distinct dialects. The national language is Filipino (Tagalog), although English is widely spoken and understood. (The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking nation in the world, behind America and England.) The lowland Filipinos are a mixture of mainly Malay ethnic origin blended with Spanish, Chinese, Indian, Arab and American races. In the more remote, mainly mountainous areas, the indigenous, tribal population is a distinct and unique addition to the culture and make-up of the Philippine nation.

Through the work of Christian churches across the nation, the message of the hope and security that only comes from a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ is being spread to a hungry people. As the people are being encouraged to reach out to God, they are finding the gracious hands of their faithful Father reaching out to them.

PHILREP CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES INC (PCMI) is based in Cebu, the second largest city in the Philippines, and approximately 1 hours flying time south from the capital, Manila. All of our ministry is centered here, with works in Cebu City and Mactan, and a new work being developed about 60 km south of Cebu at Sibonga. Our headquarters is located in Cornerstone House, Lapu Lapu City, Mactan.