Capisano in Philippines

Introduction / History

Within the middle Western sector of island groupings among the Philippines, the Panay Island hosts the Capisano people group, where a significant number of Christian believers reside. The Capisano people group live in this island's northeastern region, where the Panay Island hosts the northwestern point where the Visayas Island people group call home. The Capisano are counted among both the Malay people group and the Western Visayan people group. The actual classification of "Visayan" was historically first applied to the people of Panay, but the surrounding tribes of the area, including the Capisano, have over time acquired this inclusive categorization.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Surrounded by a working environment which communicates utilizing five different Visayan languages, the Capisano people group typically converse using Capiznon, which is also alternatively spelled as Capiceño. When interacting professionally, the Capisano also speak Hiligaynon, which is the main language spoken on Panay Island. The Capisano people group live on a growing robust island known for both the historical significance and commercial development within Iloilo City, the island's regional center and largest city by population. Poverty has consistently decreased over the past two decades, from over half of the general population to merely being over a tenth of the population. Additionally, several modes of transportation exist for commuting ease, as the island generates the sixth largest income for the Philippines, benefiting from the export revenue generated in such fields as agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Within the Philippines, freedom to express one's religion is highly valued and permitted. The Capisano initially revered a multitude of gods and guardians whom this people group historically believed would provide prosperity for adoration and/or destruction for rebellion. While some within this indigenous population still revere the gods of their lands as their ancestors, almost all Capisanos identify as Christian and many have found and chosen Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

What Are Their Needs?

The Capisano speak a language that is not flourishing, as this regional language is not taught in school settings. Additionally, the Capisano face poverty and property displacement at high proportions, as their growing atmosphere is still considered to be rural, in contrast to other densely occupied areas of the Philippines. The Capisano Christian communities would additionally benefit from receiving the prayers of believers around the world. Also, with a strong Christian leadership present in the Philippines, the Capisano Christians deserve to share their evangelistic outreaching on a global sense that benefits all Christians around the world, so may such opportunities become available for testifying.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Capisano Church continue to reach the indigenous non-believing members within the society, who still live in fear of false gods and seek to honor them.
Ask for God to empower the Capisano people group to seek out and assist the poor among their own people group.
Request for God's presence to work among the Capisano Church, so believers effectively train and equip more ministers of the gospel to reach their own people and others who lack a gospel presence.
Call upon God to release inspiration and direction to faithfully guide the Capisano Church, which functions collectively as the bride of Christ in the Philippines and around the world.

Text Source:   Joshua Project