The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed journalists and media professionals on April 13 for a tour and press conference at the newly completed Bacolod Philippines Temple, marking the beginning of a week leading up to its public open house.
The event highlighted the significance of the temple for Latter-day Saints in the Visayas region, offering members closer access to sacred ordinances that previously required travel to other cities. The Bacolod Philippines Temple is now the second operating temple in the Visayas and will serve as an important spiritual center for local church members.
Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, First Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, addressed attendees by saying, “Bacolod, you’re the City of Smiles, but think about it, what could the bigger smile be, if not family living together happily forever? That’s why the temple is here today.” He also said that bringing temples closer helps members avoid long journeys and significant expenses. Elder K. Brett Nattress expressed gratitude for media attendance and shared his testimony: “Jesus Christ made the ultimate choice to come to earth… providing ‘a perfect and infinite atonement so that we could have hope, forgiveness, healing, and eternal life.'”
Dr. Alma Vida Villanueva Tan shared her personal story about her family’s journey toward temple worship: “Finally, after 50 years of being a member of the Church, I can attend a temple in my own hometown.” She described temples as places where individuals can find peace and prepare themselves spiritually.
Media representatives were given access inside areas such as baptistry rooms and sealing rooms before these spaces become reserved for sacred worship following dedication. The new building covers approximately 2,480 square meters on nearly five hectares at Bacolod Airport Access Road and Buri Road. Its completion is especially meaningful for local Latter-day Saints who once traveled far distances for religious observances.
According to the official website, temples are used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as sacred venues where families can be united eternally through special rites called ordinances. The Church emphasizes Jesus Christ as Savior while inviting individuals worldwide—now more than 17 million across over 160 nations—to embrace faith through repentance and baptism.Local congregations are managed by volunteer leaders serving limited terms without pay under oversight from senior authorities including The First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles.
The public open house will run from April 16 through May 2 (excluding Sundays), with free admission offered Monday through Saturday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., giving visitors a rare opportunity before dedication restricts entry only to prepared church members.
