On December 1, 2025, a long-anticipated announcement from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought joy to thousands of families across the southern Philippines. The open house and dedication dates for the Philippines Davao Temple have been officially set, marking a monumental milestone in the history of the faith in Mindanao.
For the community of believers in Davao, this is the culmination of years of prayers and preparation. However, this beautiful edifice is not reserved solely for members of the Church. From March 26 to April 10, 2026, the doors of the temple will be open to the general public.
During this special open house period, friends and neighbors of all faiths are invited to walk through the halls, admire the craftsmanship, and, most importantly, experience the profound sense of peace found within. It is a rare opportunity to see the interior of a dedicated House of the Lord and understand why Latter-day Saints regard it as the most sacred place on earth.
As the city prepares for this historic event, here are five significant facts about the Philippines Davao Temple to help you appreciate the importance of this new landmark.
1. It Is The First Christian Temple in Davao
Davao City is a place of deep spirituality, home to many beautiful cathedrals, mosques, and chapels that reflect the diverse faith of its people. The completion of the Philippines Davao Temple adds a unique dimension to this religious landscape.
While Latter-day Saints worship in meetinghouses (chapels) on Sundays, a temple is different. It is closed on Sundays and is reserved for the highest sacraments of the faith, such as the binding of families together for eternity. This structure serves as the first dedicated “House of the Lord” in Davao City. It stands as a physical symbol of the belief that God is present among His people. When you visit during the open house, you will witness a space designed specifically to foster quiet reflection, prayer, and a retreat from the noise of the outside world.
2. It Is The First Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mindanao
For decades, the Church has seen steady and vibrant growth across the island of Mindanao. Yet, for all those years, the island—the second largest in the Philippines—was without a temple.
The Davao Temple is the first to be constructed in Mindanao, serving as a spiritual center for hundreds of thousands of members throughout the region. Its presence acknowledges the maturity and faithfulness of the Saints in the south. It is a testament to the pioneers of the Church in Mindanao who laid the foundation of faith years ago. This edifice stands as a beacon, signaling that the Church is permanently woven into the fabric of Mindanaoan culture and history.
3. The Saints Waited 7 Years For This Temple
The journey to this moment began on a historic Sunday in October 2018. During the General Conference of the Church, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct a temple in Davao City. For those watching in meetinghouses and homes across the Philippines, the announcement was met with tears of gratitude.
Since that day, the faithful have waited seven years to see this promise realized. They have watched the ground being broken, the foundation laid, and the walls rising during a time of global change and challenge.
The completion of the temple feels like a triumphant arrival. For the local members, the seven-year wait has only sweetened the blessing. The intricate details of the building, the carefully cultivated gardens, and the serene atmosphere are all evidences that the wait was worth it. It stands as a reminder that the Lord fulfills His promises in His own time.
4. Apostolic Dedication by Elder Dale G. Renlund
Following the public open house, the temple will be formally dedicated in two sessions on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The Church has announced that Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside over the dedication.
Having a member of the Quorum of the Twelve visit Davao is a significant honor. Elder Renlund is a special witness of Jesus Christ, and his presence underscores the importance of this temple to the global Church leadership. He will offer the dedicatory prayer, consecrating the building to God. While the dedication itself is for faithful members, the spirit of the occasion—one of gratitude and consecration—is something the entire community can appreciate during the open house period leading up to it.
5. This Temple Will Make Temple Attendance Easier for Mindanao Saints
Perhaps the most tangible blessing of the new temple is the relief it brings to families. For generations, Latter-day Saints in Mindanao who wished to visit a temple had to travel to Manila or, more recently, Cebu City.
This often involved significant financial sacrifice, long overnight ferry rides, and days away from work and home. It was a journey of devotion, but one that was difficult for many to undertake frequently.
With the opening of the Davao Temple, those days of arduous travel have ended. The blessings of the temple are now just a short drive or commute away for those in the Davao region. This accessibility removes barriers, allowing families to visit the House of the Lord without the strain of long-distance travel, making worship a more regular and integrated part of their lives.
An Invitation to the Public
The Philippines Davao Temple is a gift of peace to the city of Davao. We warmly invite you to come and see this beautiful structure for yourself. Whether you are seeking a moment of quiet, an appreciation of architecture, or a better understanding of your neighbors’ faith, you are welcome here.
Open House Details:
- Dates: Thursday, March 26, 2026 through Friday, April 10, 2026.
- Note: Tours are available on all days except Sundays.
- Location: Ma-a Road and Anahaw Road, Bgy. Ma-a, Davao City 8000.
Come and walk these sacred grounds. Come and feel the spirit of the Lord in Davao.
