Islands, Philippine
Republic in the Malay Archipelago, administered by a governor-general appointed by the President of the United States and a local legislature. When Legaspi reached the islands from Mexico in 1564, he was accompanied by several Augustinians. The Franciscans arrived in 1577. The first bishop, the Dominican Salazar and a few Jesuits in 1581. The Dominicans in 1587 and the Recollect Fathers in 1606. The work of evangelization progressed rapidly, the missionaries penetrated into the interior of the country, and founded missions and .schools. The natives, attracted by the zealous lives of these priests were converted to Christianity in great numbers, and the missionaries were an active influence of peace, upholding the cause of the people against the injustices of the civil governors. These missionaries also did remarkable work in literature and science. At the time of the United States occupation of the Islands the Washington administration took over many of the large parcels of land that had come into the possession of the Friars there, paying them a handsome indemnity. Similar indemnities were paid for injuries done to church property at the time and for other properties which had been abandoned by the Friars. The country is over 80% Catholic with large minorities of other Christians.
Ecclesiastically the country is governed by the archdioceses of
Caceres
Cagayan de Oro
Capiz
Cebu
Cotabato
Davao
Jaro
Lingayen-Dagupan
Lipa
Manila
Nueva Segovia
Ozamis
Palo
San Fernando
Tuguegarao
Zamboanga
the dioceses of
Alaminos
Antipolo
Bacolod
Baguio
Balanga
Bangued
Bayombong
Boac
Borongan
Butuan
Cabanatuan
Calbayog
Catarman
Cubao
Daet
Digos
Dipolog
Dumaguete
Gumaca
Iba
Ilagan
Iligan
Imus
Kabankalan
Kalibo
Kalookan
Kidapawan
Laoag
Legazpi
Lucena
Maasin
Malaybalay
Malolos
Marbel
Masbate
Mati
Naval
Novaliches
Pagadian
Paraaque
Pasig
Romblon
San Carlos
San Fernando de La Union
San Jose
San Jose de Antique
San Pablo
Sorsogon
Surigao
Tagbilaran
Tagum
Talibon
Tandag
Tarlac
Urdaneta
Virac
the vicariates apostolic of
Bontoc-Lagawe
Calapan
Jolo
Puerto Princesa
San Jose in Mindoro
Tabuk
Taytay
the territorial prelatures of
Batanes
Infanta
Ipil
Isabela
Libmanan
Marawi
and the
Philippines Military Ordinariate
See also
World Fact Book
Catholic Hierarchy.Org
patron saints index : Philippines
patron saints index : Cagayan de Oro
patron saints index : Cebu
patron saints index : Lambunao
patron saints index : Obada, Bulacan
patron saints index : Pasig
patron saints index : Sergio Osmena, Zamboanga del Norte
patron saints index : Villareal Samar
patron saints index : Zamboanga
In recent years most of the bishops have been Americans. Missions are conducted by the Jesuits, Franciscans, Benedictines, Augustinians, Vincentians, and the Society of the Divine Word.