Luke Society Palawan
Palawan, Philippines
On the shores of the narrow and southwestern-most island of the Philippines, the Luke Society Palawan uses a multifaced approach to bring holistic health to the region.
Founded in 1998, the ministry’s medical component is a base clinic that includes consultations, X-rays, lab services, a pharmacy and birthing services. The ministry also works closely with other government health entities.
“We are given opportunities to reach our goals and aspirations in the ministry through a loving partnership with faithful prayer warriors and gracious donors,” said Dr. Susie Cayaon, who co-directs the ministry with her husband, Ben.
The ministry also founded the Lighthouse Baptist Church in nearby Tabon; a medium frequency radio station operated transmits the Gospel to fishermen at sea; and the Luke Society Kiddie Center offers preschool education to about 50 student per year.
Name: Luke Society Palawan
Location: Quezon, Philippines
Director: Dr. Susie and Rev. Ben Cayaon
Partnership: 1988-present
Staff: 20
Alumni PMT: Dr. Greg and Marg Kuiper; Dr. Roy and Lydia Bors-Koefoed; Don and Doris Koopman; Samuel and Brenda Zylstra.
About the ministry
About Philippines
Population: 110.8 million
Size: 300,000 sq. km, or slightly larger than Arizona.
Capital: Manila
Borders: No land borders; located among the South China Sea to the west and the Philippine Sea to the east.
Religious groups: Catholic, 79.5%; Muslim, 6%; Evangelical, 2.4%.
Primary language: Filipino, English
Literacy (age 15+): 96.3%
Physician density: 0.6 doctors per 1,000 people.
Population below international poverty line: 16.7%
Life expectancy: 70.3 years
Infant mortality rate: 20.6 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Major exports: Semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, copper products, coconut oils; fruits.
Climate: Tropical marine; northeast monsoon season from November to April; southwest monsoon season from May-October.
Terrain: Mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands.
