The Philippines

The movement in the Philippines has seen two characteristic stages in its development. The beginning stage was from 1975 till 1982. This was the period when the foreign missionaries arrived in the Philippines, tried to understand the country, the culture and character of its people, and to establish those who joined early on as stable, core members.

The second, from 1982 to 1989, was a period of expansion and development.

A new phase had begun in September 1978 with the arrival of John Doroski. By introducing a simplified structure to Principle lectures with the help of a lecture chart, he contributed to the rapid increase in the number of members between 1979 and 1980. This rapid development soon led to the establishment of a witnessing center.

The first twenty-one day workshop was held in April 1981. A forty-day workshop held from September 1 to October 9 was lectured by Reverend David Hose and his wife, Takeko. Some participants came from neighboring countries.

Former missionary to Bhutan Yoshinobu Murotani, who was sent to the Philippines as missionary in 1979, took over the leadership of the church from March 1982. Former Mali missionary Gary Fleischman from the United States took over from Mr. and Mrs. Doroski. Amidst this continued change, the church began to grow. The power of the Philippine Church rapidly expanded between 1982 and 1984. Two-day, seven-day, twenty-one day and forty-day workshops formed a systematic educational program. Much emphasis was put on witnessing to students. They were encouraged to become exemplary students and remain in school, rather than to become missionaries.

As a result of successful missionary activity, several new centers were established. In the early 1983, the church bought a training center so that it could continue to hold workshops. By the middle of that year, the number of members had doubled. On May 1, 1983, Reverend Moon recognized the Philippines as the third most successful missionary country. The second forty-day workshop, also under the supervision of the World Mission Office, was held from May 10 to June 20, 1983. With participants coming from neighboring countries as previously, Phillip Schanker gave the lectures. In addition, twelve missionaries from four countries who came for the Asian World Crusade led the campaign in the Philippines.

A seminar for members' parents and relatives was organized towards the end of 1983. Two professors who were supportive of the movement organized a Principle seminar for professors. Since then, thousands of professors have come to listen to the Principle. Most of them said that they realized the value of the Principle as a tool to stop students' moral corruption.Many professors introduced the Principle during their classes, and some volunteered to become Principle lecturers.

In May 1984, the first Headquarters Church building was purchased. Reverend Chung-hwan Kwak's visit in November of that year produced a significant result. He said that the formation stage of the missionary foundation in the Philippines was complete, and further emphasized that the Philippines should grow under its own power and support missionary work in neighboring countries.

Members seriously devoted themselves to working within society. They worked hard to inspire inter-religious dialog and cooperation, and launched student activities, seminars for professors and community service projects. These were the main activities of 1985 and 1986. Many of the programs were of such a high standard that they contributed valuable services to the country.

In 1987, the church opened Sunday Bible school for children as part of its work for the community, and organized sports activities. It also offered free medical examinations. In addition, it secured two farms to give young people spiritual and practical education and training. By working hard they came to love their country and the land. Through leadership training, the church helped students who were living in poor villages conceive simple agricultural plans. A fish farm was also begun.

Most members of the church began to practice Taekwon-do in 1988, in order to serve the community practically. Many missionaries and leaders went out to country areas rather than congregating at Manila, so that they could be closer to local leaders and members in the country. An open program under the theme "Building an Ideal Society" was held in Manila, attended by 1,500 people. Similar meetings were held in other three areas. Reaching a new
stage of development, the Philippine Church became the center of the Southeast Asian region in March 1989.

	*** A 21-day workshop in Manila ( October 21 to November 10, 1989 )
	*** A meeting of the Philippine Women's Federation for World Peace ( September, 1993 )