The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has unveiled plans for a new two-story temple in Tacloban City, marking it as the third such structure in the Visayas region and the eighth in the Philippines. The temple, which will span 21,407 square feet, will be constructed on a 2.82-hectare plot along the Tacloban Bypass Road, spanning the villages of Utap and Caibaan. The announcement came with the release of an artistic rendering of the temple on December 10, 2024, showcasing its majestic design.
Jhumer Operio, the president of the Tacloban Stake, which includes members from Tacloban and surrounding areas, announced that the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for January 18, 2025. This event is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the church’s members across the six provinces of Eastern Visayas, enhancing their spiritual access and growth.
Operio described the temple grounds as a serene sanctuary for spiritual reflection and enlightenment, with the interior promising an even more divine experience for those eligible to enter. The temple’s construction was first announced by Church President Russell Nelson in October 2021.
The Philippines already hosts several LDS temples, with the first being the Manila Philippines Temple, dedicated in 1984. Currently operational temples are located in Cebu and Urdaneta, while others are under construction in Alabang, Davao, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro. Future temples are planned for Naga, Santiago, Iloilo, Tuguegarao, and Laoag.
Globally, the LDS Church has 367 temples in various stages of completion, with 202 currently operational. These temples are revered as the holiest places on earth by church members, distinct from the meetinghouses used for regular Sunday services. Inside these sacred spaces, members engage in ordinances such as marriage and baptism, which are believed to unite families eternally, and learn about life’s purpose while making covenants to serve Jesus Christ and their community.