Majority of Filipinos believe in the importance of faith in fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Based on the results of the nationwide Veritas Truth Survey released on Tuesday, 89 percent of those who participated in the text and online survey conducted from June 20 to July 10 believe that faith is “very important” in battling the health crisis.

“Overall, 89 percent of the respondents (roughly 9 out of 10 Filipinos) believe that faith is ‘very important’ in our fight against Covid-19; while 9 percent said that it is ‘important’ and 2 percent said that it is ‘somewhat important’,” an article posted on the Church-run Radio Veritas website said.

In terms of area, “very important” was chosen by 93 percent of respondents from Mindanao, 87 percent of respondents from Luzon, and 66 percent of respondents from the Visayas.

The survey, initiated by Radio Veritas, involved 1,200 respondents nationwide with a +/- 3 percent margin of error (gathered through a text- and online-based data gathering process). It aimed to obtain information on the respondents’ perception of the significance of one’s faith against Covid-19.

“Most of the respondents believe that God is much bigger than this Covid-19 health crisis. They believe that God can surmount all. He is intimately involved in every part of our lives and is concerned with our afflictions. He will never forsake or overlook us,” said Fr. Anton Pascual, Radio Veritas president.

On the other hand, respondents from the Visayas who said faith is “important” was at 32 percent, followed by those in Luzon at 10 percent, and by those in Mindanao at 5 percent.

Only 2 percent to 3 percent of the respondents among all geographical boundaries said faith is “somewhat important”, while no respondent answered that faith is “not important” in the fight against Covid-19.

“The survey is indicative of the respondents’ desire to conquer fear with faith. To fight an ‘invisible enemy’ brings a lot of anxiety and fear. Leaving the safety of our homes will definitely take a lot of courage for most of us. In so doing, we will muster all the strength needed through the gift of faith,” said Bro. Clifford Sorita, Veritas Truth Survey head.

Meanwhile, Radio Veritas is launching its 4 o’ Clock Deliverance Prayer Against Covid-19.

“As our Philippine Covid-19 data is released daily every 4 p.m., let us likewise collectively offer during this time a nationwide prayer to San Roque, our Patron Saint against Plagues, and ask through his intercession the healing of those afflicted by Covid-19 and our continued protection against this plague and other communicable diseases,” it said.

Radio Veritas also urged the faithful to offer prayers on San Roque’s Feast Day on August 16 for the country’s deliverance from the Covid-19 health crisis. (PNA)