Religious symbols are everywhere in the Philippines. It is especially unique in Mindanao because there are multiple religious dynamics in play in this region.
We were very lucky to have met so many actors that were influencing the landscape of the conflict in Mindanao. While many actors are NGO’s, Civil Society Organizations, and nonprofit organizations, a significant amount of the actors we met in Mindanao were rooted in religion.
Most of our meetings took place in conference rooms,equipped with blowing fans, plastic chairs, and a banner with their organization’s emblem. As part of the scenery, most meeting places had religious symbolism of one type or another. We saw many Bibles and Qu’rans, placed carefully on tables and often right next to the other. We also saw many Indigenous People altars, which were found up high, either suspended from the ceiling or on a table. These were also incorporated with the Holy Books, but less apparent outside in restaurants, hotels, or other public spaces.
An Indigenous Person’s Altar in Pamaas
Driving around Mindanao, we saw many Christian and Catholic Churches, which were absolutely packed every Sunday for mass. In the Muslim regions, we saw many mosques with tall minarets that echoed the call to prayer five times a day. It is clear to see that both religion and spirituality are very much alive in Mindanao.
