HISTORY OF SGI-PHILIPPINES

The Soka Gakkai International of the Philippines (SGI Philippines) found its way here as early as 1959. It provided a base for faith, practice, and the study of Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings throughout the land. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, while at the Manila Airport en route to Australia on May 12, 1964, gave the following encouragement to a women’s division leader who was struggling to spread the teachings: “I understand your hardship. But true Buddhist practice means sharing faith with others in the most difficult of circumstances. The harder the conditions we face, the greater the benefits we gain by working wholeheartedly to spread the Daishonin’s teachings. Furthermore, Bodhisattvas of the Earth are everywhere. It is impossible that the Philippines would be the only place in the world where they would not appear. You need not worry. As long as you pray earnestly for the realization of kosen-rufu and continue to talk about Buddhism with others, you will definitely be able to help people here take up faith.”

The activities of SGI Philippines are driven by our understanding of the link between individual happiness and the peace and prosperity of our diverse communities. These include discussion meetings, culture festivals, forums, exhibitions, and house-to-house visitations. Through their participation in these activities, our members aim to improve their lives by facing up to the challenge of caring for their families, living without fear, creating value, accepting responsibility for their circumstances, and living with compassion for others.

SGI Philippines has its main headquarters in Quezon City, with six other culture centers throughout the Philippines: the Manila International Peace Center in Escolta, Manila; the Grand Culture Center in Tagaytay City and the Youth Culture Center in Silang, both in the province of Cavite; culture centers in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City.