Bacolod Philippines Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
An aerial view of the Bacolod Philippines Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The newly completed Bacolod Philippines Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally introduced to members of the media during a special preview held on April 13, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Church and its growing community in Western Visayas.
The Bacolod temple is the sixth temple established in the Philippines and the second in the Visayas, following the Cebu City temple dedicated in 2010. Its completion reflects the continued expansion of the Church in the country, which is now home to more than 900,000 Latter-day Saints and one of the highest concentrations of temples outside the United States.
The exterior of the Bacolod Philippines Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Situated on a 12.3-acre property, the temple complex features a single-story main structure spanning approximately 2,480 square meters, complemented by an ancillary building of about 1,672 square meters. The auxiliary facility houses essential services such as an arrival center, patron accommodations, and a distribution center.
Rising to a height of 36.1 meters, the temple’s architectural design blends classical elements with local inspiration. Its distinctive domed cupola, detailed with metallic diamond shingles, is accentuated by refined features such as ornate window casings, deep cornices, and decorative urns. Inside, the design draws heavily from Filipino cultural motifs, particularly the intricate patterns of the barong, while incorporating colors inspired by native flora, including bird of paradise and local lilies.
The recommend desk of the Bacolod Philippines Temple, where a member’s temple recommend is verified before entry into the sacred areas of the building. The temple recommend signifies that a member has met with their local Church leaders and committed to living the principles and covenants of the gospel.
The waiting room of the Bacolod Philippines Temple, where family members and friends gather while their loved ones participate in temple ordinances. A place of quiet companionship, it reflects the belief that the work done within these walls is a shared journey, one that draws families closer to God and to each other.
The interiors showcase a thoughtful selection of materials and craftsmanship. Art glass installations in hues of green, magenta, and blue complement Crema Marfil stone flooring, custom carpets, and finely crafted woodwork using stained mahogany and locally sourced hardwoods. Elegant chandeliers made of brass and crystal further enhance the temple’s reverent atmosphere.
The temple includes dedicated spaces such as a baptistry, instruction rooms, and sealing rooms, where sacred ordinances central to the faith are performed. Once dedicated, the temple will be reserved exclusively for Church members who hold a valid temple recommend, underscoring its role as a sacred place of worship distinct from regular meetinghouses.
The baptistry of the Bacolod Philippines Temple, where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perform the ordinance of baptism on behalf of deceased ancestors. The font, supported by twelve oxen in the tradition of Solomon’s ancient temple, is the starting point of a sacred work that connects the living with those who have gone before.
The bride’s room of the Bacolod Philippines Temple, where a bride prepares before entering the sealing room for her eternal marriage. It is a space of quiet anticipation, a moment to pause before one of the most sacred ceremonies of a Latter-day Saint’s life.
Church leaders and representatives welcomed members of the press during the media day, including Elder K. Brett Nattress, Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, and Dr. Alma Vida Villanueva Tan, who provided insights into the temple’s purpose and significance.
The completion of the Bacolod temple holds particular importance for Latter-day Saints on Negros Island, many of whom previously traveled to Cebu or Manila to participate in temple worship. The new temple brings these sacred ordinances closer to home, strengthening the spiritual life of local members.
The celestial room of the Bacolod Philippines Temple. Bathed in light and designed to evoke a sense of peace, this room invites those who enter to rest, reflect, and draw near to God. It is the heart of the temple, a place where members commune with the Lord in stillness, away from the noise of the world.
The lobby of the Bacolod Philippines Temple, the first space visitors enter as they step inside. Welcoming and serene, it sets the tone for the sacred experience ahead and serves as a gathering point for members arriving to worship in the house of the Lord.
Following the media preview and scheduled tours for invited guests, the temple will open to the public from April 16 to May 2, excluding Sundays. The open house offers a rare opportunity for individuals of all faiths to enter and explore the temple before its formal dedication.
Guided tours, lasting approximately 45 minutes, will allow visitors to learn about the purpose of each room and the beliefs associated with temple worship. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.
The instruction room in the Bacolod Philippines Temple, where members receive sacred instruction as part of the temple endowment, a ceremony of covenants and teachings that Latter-day Saints believe prepares them for eternal life. The room is designed to be a place of learning, reverence, and spiritual preparation.
A sealing room in the Bacolod Philippines Temple, where families are united for eternity through the ordinance of sealing. At the altar at the center of the room, couples are married and children are sealed to their parents under priesthood authority, bonds that Latter-day Saints believe extend beyond this life.
The Bacolod Philippines Temple will be formally dedicated on May 31, 2026, by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, after which it will be set apart as a sacred space for worship and no longer open to the general public.
