The Palawanos inhabit the southern and central portion of Palawan Island in the Philippines. The people, including the missionaries, are subsistence farmers who live in bamboo and grass sheds. Not long ago, Muslims fleeing the unrest on Mindanao emigrated there, building mosques and occupying Palawano land.
Believers gather by their church building.
Though officially organized in 1985, gospel workers of the Association of Palawan Tribal Churches have been working among these very poor Palawanos since 1956. Seven missionaries travel throughout the region encouraging an additional 24 local workers. Though working amid dire poverty, these APTC workers have so far planted 70 congregations. Most meet in primitive bamboo and grass huts and average 25-100 believers each. The local offerings go to maintain the local meeting huts and provide some travel expenses for the workers.