People
Who they are
The Itawit are an Indigenous Filipino people who live mainly in Cagayan province and parts of Isabela in northern Luzon. Their name literally means “the people on the other side of the river,” reflecting their close historical relationship with the fertile valleys and waters of the Cagayan River. Known for their rich oral tradition, music, and traditional dances, the Itawit proudly preserve their own language and a strong sense of community belonging amid the country’s cultural changes.
Where they live
1
Country
230K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Philippines Significantly reached
|
100%
|
229.000 |
How they live
Most Itawit families practice subsistence and commercial farming, growing irrigated rice, corn, tobacco, and vegetables in the fertile valleys of the northern Philippines. Mutual cooperation is an essential feature of rural daily life, evident in both communal harvesting and the celebration of festivals and weddings. Family structure and respect for elders remain the main pillars of social cohesion.
What they believe
The vast majority of the Itawit identify with Christianity, a legacy of centuries of colonial influence, alongside a substantial presence of evangelical believers. In the daily life of many rural communities, traditional rituals and beliefs in the world of ancestral spirits still coexist with formal Christian faith, calling for a deeper, life-transforming understanding of the Bible.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Itawit
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)95%
Evangelicals12%
Needs
The region is frequently vulnerable to typhoons and floods that destroy crops and homes. In addition to economic stability and improvements in basic sanitation, the local Christian community needs ongoing discipleship to overcome religious nominalism and strengthen believers in their walk with Christ.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo aprofundamento da fé bíblica e libertação de práticas animistas remanescentes entre as famílias itawit.
Pela formação sólida e discipulado bíblico de pastores e líderes cristãos itawit.
Pelo testemunho fiel e fervor missionário das igrejas itawit em direção aos povos vizinhos ainda não alcançados.
Por oportunidades econômicas justas e proteção nas colheitas agrícolas do vale de Cagayan.
Pray for Itawit
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar