On the Inclusion and Recognition of “Anituhan” in Government Forms and Digital Platforms

Prepared by:
Rev. Rolando Gomez Comon
Chief Priest, Practitioner of Anituhan
San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan

Date: May 2026

I. Introduction

This Position Paper is respectfully submitted to call the attention of government agencies, particularly those responsible for public data collection systems such as the eGovPH platform, to a significant issue affecting religious freedom and identity representation: the absence of “Anituhan” as a recognized option in religion fields within government forms and digital systems.

This omission results in the misrepresentation and exclusion of individuals who practice Anituhan, an Indigenous Filipino spiritual tradition. It is imperative that government systems reflect the diversity of beliefs among Filipinos and uphold constitutional and international protections on freedom of religion.

II. Statement of the Problem

Current government forms and digital platforms, including the eGovPH mobile application, provide a limited list of religions in dropdown menus. The absence of Anituhan in these options creates the following issues:

Denial of Accurate Self-Identification
Individuals are forced to select a religion that does not reflect their beliefs or leave the field incomplete.
Data Inaccuracy
Government records become unreliable when citizens are misrepresented.
Cultural and Religious Erasure
Indigenous Filipino spiritual traditions are marginalized or rendered invisible.
Risk of Unauthorized Classification
In some official processes, such as immigration, there is concern that personnel may assign a religion without transparency or consent.

III. Legal and Constitutional Framework

1. The 1987 Philippine Constitution

Under Article III, Section 5 (Bill of Rights):

“No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

This provision guarantees:

Freedom to profess and practice religion
Freedom from coercion or forced identification
Protection of religious identity and expression

Excluding a religion from official forms effectively limits the free exercise and declaration of belief, especially when such declaration is required in public systems.

2. Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 (RA 8371)

The IPRA law affirms:

The right of Indigenous Peoples to preserve and develop their culture, spirituality, and traditions
The obligation of the State to recognize and promote these rights

Anituhan, grounded in Indigenous Filipino cosmology and reverence for Anito, Diwata, and ancestral spirits, falls within the protected sphere of Indigenous spiritual practices.

3. United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Under Article 18:

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to manifest his religion or belief…”

This includes:

The right to identify with one’s religion
The right to be recognized without discrimination

Failure to include Anituhan in official systems may constitute a barrier to the full enjoyment of this right.

IV. Policy Gaps and Systemic Concerns

Despite strong legal foundations, implementation gaps persist:

Rigid data structures that do not accommodate minority or emerging religions
Lack of “Others (specify)” fields in digital forms
Absence of policy guidance requiring inclusivity in religious identification fields
Insufficient training and awareness among public officers handling personal data

These gaps highlight the need for rights-based digital governance.

V. Position and Recommendations

In light of the foregoing, this Position Paper strongly asserts that:

Anituhan is a valid religion and must be recognized, respected, and accurately represented in all government systems.

The following actions are respectfully recommended:

1. Immediate Inclusion of “Anituhan”

All relevant government forms and digital platforms should include Anituhan in their list of recognized religions.

2. Implementation of “Others (Specify)” Option

Every religion field must include an open-text option to ensure inclusivity for all belief systems not yet listed.

3. Standardization Across Agencies

A unified policy must be issued requiring all government agencies to adopt inclusive and flexible religious identification fields.

4. Transparency in Data Collection

Public officers must:

Ask and confirm religious identity clearly
Avoid assigning values without the individual’s consent

5. Cultural Sensitivity and Training

Government personnel should undergo orientation on:

Indigenous spirituality
Religious diversity
Human rights-based data handling

VI. Conclusion

The recognition of Anituhan in government systems is not merely an administrative adjustment—it is a moral, cultural, and legal obligation.

A truly inclusive Philippine society must ensure that every citizen can declare their identity without fear of erasure or misrepresentation. In doing so, the government reaffirms its commitment to:

Religious freedom
Cultural dignity
Human rights for all

To include Anituhan in official documents is to affirm that Indigenous Filipino spirituality continues to live, belong, and be honored in the modern nation.

VII. Closing Statement

We respectfully call upon all relevant agencies to take immediate and concrete steps toward the recognition of Anituhan and other Indigenous belief systems in all public forms and data systems.

No Filipino should be invisible in their own country.