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The recently completed expansion of the Philippines Missionary Training Center (MTC) was dedicated by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The expansion doubles the capacity of the MTC to around 300 at a time and allows it to be a major contributor to missionary work in all of Asia. Members of the Church from nearby stakes (diocese) gathered in the MTC Activity Center to attend the meeting.
His wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, spoke as a mother and grandmother. She said that she had been told of the very strong physical foundation under the MTC buildings. She said, "This was important, but more important was the spiritual foundation that needs to be built in our lives."
Elder Andersen spoke of looking forward, even if we can't see clearly ahead. He said, "There will always be something pushing against us, there will always be problems." Despite this, "The Philippines MTC has a great future in the missionary work of the Church."
A choir of the current missionaries in the MTC provided two musical numbers, "Behold a Royal Army" and "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go". They sang these hymns with enthusiasm as they are very meaningful to both the missionaries and audience.
The Philippines MTC is one of 15 worldwide that provides initial training in religious principles, teaching skills and, if needed, a foreign language to new missionaries. It also helps them develop a respect and cultural understanding for the areas and countries where they will serve. For those who teach in their own language they spend about 3 weeks in the MTC. For those studying a foreign language, they spend about 6 weeks. Those who trained in another MTC and will be serving in the Philippines spend 5 days.
The Philippines MTC started in a house in the San Juan area in 1983. Another house was added in 1985. In 1992, the first two buildings on the current site were built. Two additional buildings for residence and instruction, along with the Activity Center, were completed in 2011. In May 2017, two more buildings were completed, which doubles the capacity.