Elder David A. Bednar Dedicates the Alabang Philippines Temple

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Alabang Philippines Temple on Sunday, January 18, 2026. He was accompanied by his wife, Susan.

The Alabang Temple is the fourth operating temple in the country, joining temples in Manila, Cebu and Urdaneta. It is one of 14 temples in the Philippines that are either operating, under construction, or announced.

Also in attendance was Elder Steven R. Bangerter, Executive Director of the Temple Department, and his wife, Susan. He previously served as the Philippines Area President and was a counselor in the presidency when ground was broken for the Alabang Philippines Temple  in June 2020.

A House of the Lord  

Elder Bednar emphasized that rather than saying, “Let us go to the temple,” Latter-day Saints should say, “Let us go to the House of the Lord.”

Temples are places of peace, learning and covenant-making where disciples of Jesus Christ draw closer to Him and receive spiritual strength to live with greater faith and purpose.

Elder Bednar offered both a caution and an invitation to Filipino Latter-day Saints. As temples become more accessible, familiarity should not diminish reverence or gratitude. Rather, he counseled, members should maintain joyful anticipation and more fully partake of the blessings of temple worship.

Speaking particularly to the rising generation, Elder Bednar invited children, youth and young adults to live worthy of entering the Lord’s house and to make the spiritual influence of the temple central in their lives. He taught that the temple is not a place to escape the world, but a place to gain strength to overcome its challenges and bring the spirit of the Lord into their homes.

He bore solemn witness that God is our Father, that Jesus Christ is His risen Son, and that the Restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith is real.

Elder Bednar also conveyed warm greetings from Church President Dallin H. Oaks, who expressed his love for Filipino Saints and his joy that more temples are blessing their lives.

A Temple Nearer to the Saints

Located in Filinvest City, Alabang, the temple now offers closer access for Latter-day Saints in southern Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and surrounding areas.

For many members, the temple’s proximity will make regular temple worship more feasible. Families who previously traveled long distances through heavy traffic to reach the Manila Temple now have a nearer place to participate in sacred ordinances.

Members who attended the dedication described their experience as deeply spiritual and personally meaningful.

For Yvonne Grace Tabios, a young woman from Sariaya, Quezon Province, the dedication was uplifting. “I feel so happy,” she said. Elder Bednar’s counsel to the youth resonated with her. “I was moved when he asked the youth, the Young Women, to prepare and carry on.”

Oliver Jerome Bondoc, a young father from Calamba, Laguna, reflected on the broader impact of the temple. “I realized that the temple is not just for members of the Church,” he said.  Others can feel the spirit of the Lord, even outside the temple.”

Alej Meggan Nieves from Muntinlupa City shared, “I have never felt closer to God. … It is a reminder for me as a young single adult to prepare to enter the temple.”

Jeanell De Real, a member of the temple committee, said it was a blessing to participate in the dedication and to hear Elder Bednar speak. “Now that the temple is closer to us, it helps me personally to keep the temple at the center of our lives,” she said.

Edna Berino said the dedication filled her with joy. “From the moment the choir sang until the end, I felt an overwhelming happiness,” she said.

Church News ‘We are so much thankful’ for this special season of temple building, says Elder Bednar in dedicatory prayer

Inviting All to Learn of the Temple

Prior to the dedication, a public open house was held from November 21 to December 13, 2025, inviting people of all faiths and backgrounds to tour the interior of the temple and learn about its sacred purpose. Local Church members served as guides, explaining that temples are dedicated to Jesus Christ and focused on eternal families.

Government officials, community leaders, educators, interfaith representatives, and members of the media attended the open house. Many expressed appreciation for the temple’s serenity, distinct architecture and message of hope, as well as the Church’s longstanding humanitarian and community service efforts in the Philippines.

For Latter-day Saints, temples are literal houses of the Lord where members participate in sacred ordinances, make covenants with God, and perform work that unites families across generations. The temple dedication marked the culmination of years of preparation, faith and sacrifice by members, leaders and friends of the Church.

President Oaks has taught that temples are the most sacred places on earth — where heaven and earth meet.

Following the dedication, the Alabang Temple will operate Tuesday through Saturday, providing access to sacred ordinances that strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and deepen discipleship among members.

The Alabang Philippines Temple stands as a testament of faith, unity and devotion among Filipino Latter-day Saints and reflects the continuing growth of the Church in the Philippines.

Church News ‘Heaven has come closer to home’ as members in metro Manila prepare for the Alabang Philippines Temple dedication