Nearly 100 Media Attend First Day of Davao Philippines Temple Open House

Nearly 100 members of the media gathered on March 23, 2026, for the first day of the Davao Philippines Temple open house. This temple is the first of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mindanao and marks a significant milestone for Latter-day Saints in the southern Philippines, where members have long traveled to other islands to worship in temples.

The first day of a temple open house is typically reserved for journalists and representatives of national and local news organizations. Before touring the temple, media guests attended a short briefing and opening program held in an adjacent building.

Elder Erich W. Kopischke, a General Authority Seventy serving in the Church’s Temple Department, presided over the program. He was accompanied by his wife, Christiane. Elder William K. Jackson, Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, and his wife, Ann, also attended and joined the media tour.

“The temple is a powerful symbol of our Lord Jesus Christ and a place of peace,” Elder Kopischke said. He referenced the teachings of Isaiah, describing temples as places of gathering and of divine blessing.

“The temple is a house of the Lord Jesus Christ. There He teaches us His ways, and we walk in His paths,” he added.

Elder Jackson spoke about the sacred role of temples in the lives of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing devotion, sacrifice, and eternal perspective. He noted that many members in Mindanao have traveled long distances to attend temples in Manila or Cebu.

“The temple is all about family,” Elder Jackson said. “In the temple, we learn how families can be united eternally with God. What we do there reflects love, both love of God and love of family.

Personal Witnesses of Temple Blessings

Donna Pareja, a member of the communication subcommittee for the open house, expressed gratitude for the temple’s proximity.

“I am overjoyed to finally have a temple here in Davao City,” she said. “In the past, we traveled to Cebu or Manila to attend the temple. Now it is only a few minutes away.”

Cynthia Romo, Relief Society president in the Davao Stake (Diocese), shared how the temple has influenced her life.

“The temple has been a great blessing to me,” she said. “It is a place where I feel the love of the Savior, Jesus Christ.”

A Meaningful First Experience for Media Guests

Following the briefing, media representatives toured the temple and participated in a question-and-answer session with Elders Kopischke and Jackson. They also met local Church members, including children, youth, and leaders.

For many visitors, the experience was both meaningful and memorable.

Merlyn Manos, a correspondent from Cagayan de Oro, said, “This is my first time inside a temple, and I felt peace. It is very beautiful.”

Kath Cortes of Davao Today said the visit helped clarify the purpose of temples.

“It helps people better understand what temples are for,” she said. “For those who are not members, it is a meaningful and enlightening experience.”

Rico Jumuad, senior manager of GMA Radio Operations Group for Mindanao, described the visit as uplifting.

“It was a very good experience,” he said. “It was a heavenly experience. There is a sense of peace inside.”

Strengthening Understanding Through Shared Experiences

The media day provided an opportunity to foster understanding and strengthen relationships between the Church and the media.

More than a tour of a sacred building, the open house helped visitors learn about temples as places of worship centered on Jesus Christ, where Latter-day Saints make sacred covenants and seek to draw closer to God and their families.

Davao Philippines Temple Media Kit