Elder Kearon Meets With Philippine President Marcos Jr.

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. during a 40-minute courtesy visit at Malacañang Palace on Monday, August 19, 2024.

“It was an honour to meet with President Marcos and learn more about his developing vision for the new Philippines. The president was gracious regarding the work the Church is doing to build individuals and communities and to assist in disaster response, particularly in relation to typhoons,” said Elder Kearon, who was accompanied at the presidential palace by Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., Philippines Area President, and Ms. Haidi Fajardo, Area Communication Director.

During the meeting, Elder Kearon highlighted the Church’s efforts, particularly recent humanitarian projects in the Philippines aimed at uplifting Filipino families. Over the past five years alone, the Church has provided assistance worth PHP 1.7 billion (approximately USD 30 million) nationwide through initiatives focused on feeding the hungry, education, healthcare, disability support, clean water and sanitation, emergency relief, and more.

“Thank you, Elder Patrick Kearon and the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are truly grateful for the incredible humanitarian work you have done in the Philippines,” President Marcos said in a Facebook post.

“Your Church has transformed lives through education, disaster relief, and healthcare. Your dedication to serving communities perfectly aligns with our whole-of-nation approach to building a stronger and more resilient Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines),” he added.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members are dedicated to following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ to serve and love others. Grounded in principles of self-reliance, sustainability and community support, the Church’s humanitarian programs strive to equip families, individuals, and communities with the tools they need to effect enduring and significant improvements in their circumstances.

President Marcos Jr., who became the 17th president of the Philippines in June 2022, is the son of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, who led the country from 1965 to 1986.

In October 1980, former Church President Spencer W. Kimball met with President Marcos Sr. at the presidential palace. President Kimball fondly recalled the encounter as "very pleasant," noting that President Marcos had devoted his Saturday morning, typically reserved for family time, to the meeting.

In a light moment during the courtesy visit, Elder Revillo presented a photo of President Kimball and President Marcos Sr. A delighted President Marcos Jr. informed the delegates that their meeting was taking place in the very same room where his father had met with President Kimball nearly 44 years earlier

“It was wonderful to reenact the photograph taken all those years ago in the same room around the same desk. President Marcos said that he may well have been in the adjacent room waiting for his father at the time,” Elder Kearon shared.

During their meeting, President Marcos Jr. discussed his observations of the Church in the Philippines, noting the missionaries who often walk in pairs and his interest in the basketball courts at many Church meetinghouses. He also recognized the remarkable growth of the Church in the country, including its temples. In response, Elder Revillo invited President Marcos and his family to visit the Alabang Philippines Temple during its open house in 2025.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is committed to sharing Christ's teachings, strengthening families, and advancing humanitarian efforts. Although it maintains political neutrality, the Church does engage in addressing morally significant issues that align with its mission and values.

The Church actively engages with government leaders in the Philippines to discuss initiatives for nation-building and large-scale humanitarian efforts, aiming to foster unity and interfaith cooperation and further the Lord's work in the nation.

Elder Kearon, accompanied by his wife, Jennifer, arrived in the Philippines on August 17. Their visit is packed with engagements, including meetings with Filipino Latter-day Saints and full-time missionaries, participation in a For the Strength of Youth camp, and a keynote address at an international forum discussing the synergy between law and religion.