In this article, I want to share the History of Religion in the Philippines as Religion has significant role in Peace Weaving specially in culturally diverse and conflict prone societies like the Philippines.

Religion plays an important role in Peace Weaving such as in:

1. Promoting Moral and Ethical Values

• Religious teachings often emphasize compassion, forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation.
• These values help foster mutual respect and non-violence among communities.

2. Mediating Conflicts

• Religious leaders and institutions can act as neutral mediators in political or ethnic conflicts.
• In Mindanao, for example, interfaith dialogues between Muslim and Christian leaders have helped reduce tensions.

3. Building Community Solidarity

• Faith-based organizations often engage in community development, disaster relief, and social services.
• These efforts build trust and cooperation across religious and cultural divides.

4. Educating for Peace

• Religious schools and programs can teach peace education, emphasizing tolerance and coexistence.
• Sermons, religious texts, and youth programs often include messages of unity and harmony.

5. Healing and Reconciliation

• Religion provides spiritual tools for healing trauma and promoting reconciliation after violence.
• Rituals, prayers, and communal worship can help individuals and communities process grief and rebuild relationships.

6. Advocating for Human Rights and Justice

• Many religious groups advocate for social justice, human dignity, and inclusive governance, which are essential for lasting peace.

Let me start this sharing by making a statement that our Filipino Ancestors even prior to written History have already our Spiritual Beliefs and practices. And allow me to show you this: The image you can see is a hand curving on a cave wall at Angono Rizal and was dated around 3000 BCE during the late Neolithic Period. This preserved art work by our ancestors can still be seen today and considered to be a testament that our ancient Filipino Ancestors have their own beliefs and practices as experts says that it is thought to have a ritual and symbolic significance, possibly related to healing and shamanic practices.

The next image I am about to show you that our Filipino Ancestors has a belief on the After Life.The image you see is called a Manunggul Jar which was used during burial practices in the Late Neolithic period, specifically around 890–710 BCE. 

The jar’s lid features a boat with two figures—interpreted as the soul of the dead being guided to the afterlife, reflecting early Filipino beliefs about death and the spirit world.

Then on 601- 1300 CE that Srivijaya Empire which is a Maritime Empire based in Sumatra, Indonesia have introduced to us Hinduism and Buddhist religion.

Then we also have the Calatagan Pot which is believed to have been used around 1200 to 1400 CE, during the Late Philippine Iron Age or early Spanish contact period. It was discovered in Calatagan, Batangas, and is notable for the inscription around its shoulder, which is one of the earliest examples of pre-Hispanic writing in the Philippines.

Likely used for ritual or ceremonial purposes, possibly related to burial or offerings.

Then Islam arrived in the Philippines through Muslim Traders and Missionaries on 1380 CE and built their first mosque at Barangay Tubig Indangan, Simunul Island, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines.

Then a Portuguese Navigator came under the Flag of Spain on March 16, 1521, to colonize our country and held the very first Roman Catholic Mass and Baptism to Rajah Humabon and his 100 men to be converted into Roman Catholicism.

After 377 years of Spanish Colonization, Filipino sought Freedom from Spain and thought of Reverting back to the Nativist Religion or Philippine Indigenous Folk Religion.

It was Andres Bonifacio and his Katipunero’s or Revolutionist have thought that in search for a National Identity some revolutionaries proposed reviving Indigenous Philippine Folk Religions and making them the national religion of the Philippines. Andres Bonificio and his circle envisioned a return to Pre-Hispanic Filipino Values and spirituality as part of their broader nationalist ideology. They saw the precolonial era as a time of kasaganaan (abundance) and kaginhawaan (prosperity), which they believed had been lost due to Spanish colonial rule.

The Katipunan’s vision of kalayaan (freedom) included not just political independence but also cultural and spiritual liberation, which inspired efforts to reconnect with native beliefs and practices.

But unfortunately, this vision did not manifest. Instead, on 1898, after the Spanish American war, Philippines was ceded to the United States. This marked the end of Spanish Catholic dominance and opened the door for religious freedom.

On March 5, 1899, The Central Methodist Episcopal Church was established now known as the Central United Methodist Church and is located at Ermita, Manila, Philippines.

The church’s founding is closely associated with Rev. George C. Stull, who officiated the first Protestant worship service in the country on August 28, 1898, attended by American soldiers and Filipino civilians. This service laid the groundwork for the formal organization of the church the following year.

Then, on August 3, 1902, a revolutionary church was established by Gregorio Aglipay Cruz y Labayan who is a former Roman Catholic Priest and a revolution leader and call his church as Iglesia Filipina Independiente and was known as its supreme bishop. The church was created as a nationalist response to Spanish Catholic control. It aimed to establish a Filipino-led church independent of Rome.

On February 19, 1905, Union Espiritista Cristiana de Filipinas, Inc. was officially founded. It began when a group of spiritist from Pangasinan joined another group in Manila to form a unified religious association for spiritist across the Philippines.

While the Union Espiritista was formally organized after the Philippine Revolution (which began in 1896), spiritist beliefs and practices were already present in the Philippines during the revolutionary period. Their beliefs drew from precolonial animism, folk Christianity, and spiritual mediumship were seen as a form of spiritual resistance against colonial religious structures.

Union Espiritista emphasized direct communication with spirits, healing, and moral guidance, which resonated with many Filipinos seeking liberation—both politically and spiritually.

Then on July 27, 1914, Felix Ysagun Manolo have established Iglesia ni Cristo at Punta, Santa Ana Manila for the purpose of restoring the Original Church established by Jesus Christ (a colonial deity) which they believe had become apostate over time.

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has had a significant influence on Philippine politics and government, primarily through its practice of bloc voting and strategic endorsements during elections.

INC members are known to vote as a unified bloc, following the guidance of church leadership. This practice gives the INC considerable sway, especially in tight electoral races.

Politicians often seek INC endorsements because even a few percentage points of guaranteed votes can be decisive in national and local elections.

Then on 1928, Nicolas Antiporda Perez of Pulilan, Bulacan have established Iglesia ng Dios kay Cristo Jesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan and was officially registered with the Philippine Government on December 10, 1936.

This church emerged from earlier movements and was part of a broader wave of Filipino Christian denominations that sought to establish independent religious identities during the American colonial period.

Then in 1932, a merger of several Protestant Groups formed Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Cristo which includes Methodist and Presybyterians and created the Philippine Federation of Christian Churches now known as the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.

In 1948, United Church of Christ in the Philippines was formed through the union of several protestant denominations including Presbyterians, Methodist and Congregationalist which is known for their strong advocacy is social justice and ecumenical work.

The Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) was founded by Ruben Edera Ecleo Sr. in 1965 on the island of Dinagat, off the coast of Mindanao It was officially registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 19, 1965, under Registration No. 28042 

PBMA is a non-sectarian and non-profit charitable religious fraternal organization open to both men and women. Its stated purposes include Promoting spiritual enlightenment and faith healing. Encouraging benevolence and brotherhood among its members. Practicing esoteric teachings, including the use of mantras, Akashic records, and ancient languages for spiritual insight. Viewing its founder, Ecleo Sr., as a Christ-like figure with healing powers and spiritual omnipresence.

On February 14, 1975, Jesus Miracle Crusade was founded by the Evangelist Wilde Estrada Almeda and her wife Assistant Pastor Lina Comon Almeda in Urduja Village, Novaliches, Quezon City.

JMCIM (Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry) was established decades later, during the post-independence era, and is primarily known for its Oneness Pentecostal teachings, faith healing, and evangelistic crusades, not for political or revolutionary activities.

The Assistant Pastor Lina Comon Almeda is my aunt. But I have not been their member in their church.

The Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch), also known as PMCC (4th Watch), was founded in 1972 by Apostle Arsenio Tan Ferriol, a native of Odiongan, Romblon

The church was officially registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission on August 30, 1973.

On October 5, 1978, Eduardo Cruz Villanueva who is a former activist and political figure in the Philippines have established Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide and became a prominent evangelist. The JIL movement was born out of a Bible study group of 15 students and grew into a global evangelical ministry. Its core purpose is: To proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ worldwide. To evangelize and disciple people through Bible-based teachings. To promote moral and spiritual transformation in individuals and society. To engage in social outreach, education, and media ministries.

On April 25, 1980, Eliseo Fernando Soriano, who had been a protegee and appointed minister of Nicolas Peres have established the religious organization named as Mga Kaanib ng Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan sa Pilipinas.

He separated from Nicolas Perez Church upon the later death because of Leadership Dispute.

As the Group expanded, Brother Eli renamed it as Members Church of God International which was registered at Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2004.

Then, on September 1, 1985, a former member of the United Pentecostal Church of the Philippines established The Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The name above every name and become the Appointed Son of God which is Apollo Carreon Quiboloy.

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), has made several contributions to nation-building in the Philippines, particularly through its social, educational, and media initiatives—though these are often viewed through mixed perspectives due to controversies surrounding its founder.

The Jesus Is Our Shield Worldwide Ministries (JIOSWM) was officially registered with the Philippine government on August 30, 1986. This marked the formal beginning of the ministry led by Apostle Renato D. Carillo, which has since grown into a global movement with hundreds of chapters.

The church emphasizes “Living Like Jesus”, promoting holiness, healing, and spiritual transformation.

It is known for its mass evangelistic crusades, especially the “Oras ng Himala” (Hour of Miracle) program.

JIOSWM also engages in outreach to schools, prisons, and communities, aiming to bring moral and spiritual renewal.

Then lastly, I will take pride on this as our Katipunero or Revolutionary have failed to re establish our Nativist Folk Religion or Philippine Indigenous Folk Religion. That on December 13, 2000, yours truly have established Luntiang Aghama Natural Divine Arts Shrine of Healing Inc. and was chartered as Formal Shrine in the Philippines by the Correllian Nativist Church of Wicca and registered in the Philippine Government on September 4, 2012 being the first Indigenous Nativist Church in the Philippines.

Luntiang Aghama as a Shrine was established for the purpose of personal and outward expression of my faith that states: “The Wisdom of God gave knowledge to men; and the Wisdom of men is to know God. “Thus the nature and purpose of the Shrine is about the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. We also share and adopt the Principles and Philosophies of the Correllian Nativist Tradition of Wicca.

Last November 6, 2024, Luntiang Aghama have established Templong Anituhan, Inc. for the purpose of reviving the Philippine Indigenous Spiritual Beliefs and Practices.