On 7 May 2012, Bacolod City was the final site to host the “Church History Jubilee Exhibit” commemorating 50 years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) in the Philippines.
The Church began the celebration of its Jubilee Year on 28 April 2011 by hosting a VIP reception at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was in attendance as the Church unveiled its “Church History Jubilee Exhibit” for the first time. This exhibit, which tells the history of the Church in the Philippines was then to travel the entire country from Luzon and Visayas to Mindanao. One exhibit, which toured the southern areas of Mindanao and the Visayas, began its trek on 25 July 2011 in Binalbagan City, Negros Occidental. A second exhibit, scheduled to cover all of Luzon, had its premier showing on the same date in Laoag City.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
In addition to the VIP reception, on 14 May 2011 the Church held a grand cultural celebration at the Araneta Center. This celebration featured songs and dances highlighting the cultural heritage of the Philippines. More than 3,000 youth from the Metro Manila area participated in this event having rehearsed many months in advance. At the same time, the Church held similar cultural celebrations all over the Philippines.
The Church History Jubilee Exhibit toured the Philippines from July 2011 thru May 2012, with 32 different venues hosting it. Those attending the exhibit included former Senator Nikki Coseteng, Provincial Governor Victor A. Tanco, Sr. of Iloilo, and many other government and civic leaders of all geographical areas in the Philippines. It was not uncommon for schools to send many of their students to learn more about the history of the Church in their own communities.
Dr. Rafael Querubin, President of Ilocos Cur Polytechnic State College and a UCCP member, said, “Your exhibit is a manifestation that indeed your church has grown big. I hope that you will sustain your growth and reach our people who need to listen to the word of God. Congratulations on your 50th year of successful ministry in the Philippines”.
Over 13,000 people viewed the exhibit during this Jubilee year.