Naga Saints Rejoice as Temple Construction Begins

More than 500 members and guests gathered for the groundbreaking of the Naga Philippines Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 8, 2026. For many members throughout the Bicol Region, the occasion marked the fulfillment of years of faith, sacrifice, and anticipation.

In his welcome remarks, Elder Steven D. Shumway, a counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, welcomed government officials, media representatives, interfaith leaders, community stakeholders, and Church members who gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Present during the groundbreaking was Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, who expressed her support for Church members and appreciation for the occasion. “We are in solidarity with the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” she said, “as they celebrate this significant milestone through the temple groundbreaking.”

Mayor Robredo recognized that the temple groundbreaking is significant to the members “but is also equally important to the community of Naga.” She added, “We thank you for all the help you [the Church] have extended and for being a very active member of the community.”

Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Cong. Nelson S. Legacion and Fr. Joseph Wilfred Almoneda, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Caceres, also participated in the groundbreaking. Together with other guests, they took part in the symbolic turning of soil marking the start of construction.

Members from across the Bicol Region gathered to celebrate this sacred milestone. For many, having a house of the Lord in their region is the realization of a long-held hope. In the past, Church members often traveled between 10 and 15 hours by land to Manila to receive temple blessings.

Sacred Sacrifices

“As a temple worker, I have willingly sacrificed my time and energy to serve the Lord, which previously required a grueling ten to twelve-hour journey to the Manila Temple,” shared Sister Mila Avanceña of Milaor Ward, Naga Stake. “However, since the Naga Philippines Temple was announced, I will be blessed to perform the Lord’s work just three kilometers away from my home.”

Nine-year old Jhao Dy from Naga 3rd Ward of Naga Stake recounted how his parents would travel to Manila to go to the temple. “I am deeply excited about the new temple because it means we will spend significantly less time traveling to Manila,” he said. “For years, my parents have willingly sacrificed their time and energy to serve in the House of the Lord.”

Brother James Nathan Silos, a returned missionary from Naga 3rd Ward of Naga Stake, recounted that “before my mission, I was only able to attend the temple twice because of the distance from Naga to Manila.” When he served a full-time Church mission, there was a temple in his area, so he was able to come once a month, helping him better understand the importance of regular temple worship. “When I heard that there would be a temple in Naga, I was so excited because I would be able to attend the temple more regularly.”

Personal Witnesses

Elder McArthur, one of the pioneer missionaries assigned in Naga, also expressed his wonder when he learned that a temple will be built in Naga. “Witnessing the gospel take root in the hearts of the locals reminds me that we are merely instruments in the Lord's hands,” he shared. “It is an absolute privilege to watch Him multiply our small efforts into such a grand and beautiful harvest, just like the temple.”

Attending the groundbreaking also became an important event for Sister Kimberly Barachina, a recent convert from Guinobatan 1st Ward, Legazpi Stake. “Witnessing this sacred milestone firsthand has strengthened my personal testimony,” she related. “Having a dedicated holy sanctuary right in our local region will make it much easier for all of us to consistently seek His peace.”

Making and Keeping Covenants

For Sister Marisol Francisco and Brother Jovit Avanceña of Milaor Ward, Naga Stake, the temple serves as an important reminder of the Lord’s plan as they prepare to get married. They confided that “Heavenly Father has a plan where our family on earth will continue eternally. The temple makes it possible for our families here on earth to be together eternally and be with our loving Heavenly Father.”

Brother Jedi Spencer Lazarito, a youth from Sorsogon 1st Branch of Sorsogon District also shared how he prepares to enter the temple to make covenants. “I prepare myself by being worthy to have a temple recommended and to be able to go inside the temple,” he explains. “For me, this is a miracle. The temple can bless other people, and it is a blessing to witness the groundbreaking of the temple.”