Bacolod temple showcases faith and Filipino culture

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By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has unveiled its first temple in the Negros Island Region and the sixth in the Philippines, the Bacolod Philippines Temple.

Located along the Bacolod-Silay Access Road in Barangay Bata, the temple is open to the public for a free open house from April 16 to May 2, excluding Sundays.

Visitors of all faiths are invited to tour the temple’s interior and grounds and learn about the purpose of these sacred spaces.

The temple was first announced Oct. 5, 2019, and groundbreaking was held Dec. 11, 2021.

It stands on a 12.3-acre property, with the main structure covering about 2,591.5 square meters.

Designed to reflect Filipino culture and natural beauty, the temple incorporates patterns inspired by traditional barong fabrics.

Its color palette draws from local flora, including bird-of-paradise and indigenous lilies, creating a vibrant yet reverent atmosphere.

The structure uses a steel-braced frame and is enclosed by decorative painted steel fencing.

Interior finishes include custom Bentley carpets, nylon-tufted rugs and select areas with Crema Marfil stone.

The walls are painted in hues inspired by Benjamin Moore colors, ranging from soft whites to coastal blues and warm earth tones.

Lighting fixtures combine brass and crystal chandeliers with pendant lights to enhance the temple’s serene ambiance.

Stained mahogany doors with brass hardware complement the interior.

Ordinance rooms feature gypsum ceilings, while other areas use acoustic tiles for comfort.

Local hardwoods are also prominently used, highlighting regional craftsmanship.

Art glass elements incorporate green, magenta and blue hues, while satin brass-finished stainless steel accents surround the baptismal font.

The temple also features original artworks, including “Faithful” by Esther Hi‘ilani Candari and “The Bright Rays of the Sun” by Ken Spencer.

Following the open house, the temple will be formally dedicated May 31.

Church leaders K. Brett Nattress and Chi Hong Wong led a special media tour ahead of the opening.

In a media interview after the tour Monday, Nattress said the temple centers on Jesus Christ and serves as a place where individuals can strengthen faith, deepen their understanding of God, and strive to live with greater kindness and service toward others.

He said temples are built through the faith and sacrifices of members, reflecting their devotion and desire to feel closer to God.

He added that in a complex and challenging world, the teachings of Jesus Christ offer simple and enduring answers.

For church members, temples are especially meaningful as places to make sacred covenants and draw nearer to God, he said.

Globally, the church has 383 temples either operating or under construction.

In the Philippines, existing temples are in Manila, Cebu, Urdaneta and Alabang.

Additional temples are under construction in Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Tacloban.

More temples have also been announced, including those in Iloilo, Laoag, Naga, San Jose del Monte, Santiago and Tuguegarao.

Unlike chapels used for regular Sunday worship, temples are considered houses of the Lord where sacred ordinances are performed.

These ordinances emphasize the teachings of Jesus Christ and the belief in eternal families.

The Philippines is home to more than 900,000 Latter-day Saints across more than 1,300 congregations, making it the country with the fourth-largest membership in the world.

The first Filipino convert, Aniceta Fajardo, was baptized in 1946 after meeting Latter-day Saint servicemen during World War II.

Missionary efforts formally expanded in 1961. The Philippines’ first temple was dedicated in Manila in 1984.

Today, the church continues to work with communities across the country, providing humanitarian aid, including more than PHP605 million in assistance, while promoting education, self-reliance and service in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ. (Contributed Photos)