Cuyonon in Philippines

Introduction / History

In the Philippine archipelago of 7,100 islands live the Cuyo people. This includes several dozen islands and islets — many uninhabited — huddled in the open sea northeast of Palawan Island with white-sand beaches and unspoiled tropical wilderness, popular with tourists. Until the 1980s, Cuyonon was widely spoken in Palawan and other areas. Now days the youth prefer the more prestigious Filipino or English to their mother tongue.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Amer R. Amor, a faculty member of the University of the Philippines who travels across the country, had this to say about the town of Cuyo on Cuyo island: "Cuyo's greatest strength, and its reward to those who travel to the island, is its people. The warmth of their hospitality makes the town extra-special, and the humble manner in which they live their life is both remarkable and inspiring. They understand and respect the simple life. Commercialism is a concept that, even if not unheard of in the town, does not have a place in the island."

What Are Their Beliefs?

Since Spaniards set foot on Cuyo in the 1600s, most Cuyonons have considered themselves Christians. Recognizing a spiritual thirst among the believers, a local denomination partnered with the Philippine Bible Society and published the New Testament in 1982.

What Are Their Needs?

The Cuyonon church has requested help to complete the entire Bible. As it stands, they have little or no guidance from the Old Testament.

Prayer Points

Pray for a full and complete Bible translation.
Pray for the Cuyonon people to put their faith in Jesus Christ and him alone.
Pray for many to disciple others who will reach out to the Muslim peoples of Mindanao.

Text Source:   Joshua Project