Residents of Negros Occidental and visitors to Bacolod City will soon have a rare opportunity to explore the interior of a sacred landmark. The public is invited to tour the new Bacolod Philippines Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a scheduled open house running from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, May 2, 2026.
The event, which is free and open to individuals and families of all faiths, offers a glimpse into a building that will otherwise be reserved for specific religious ordinances once it is formally dedicated. Located at the corner of Bacolod Airport Access Road and Buri Road, the temple represents a significant expansion of the Church’s presence in the Visayas region.
Guided walking tours, lasting approximately 45 minutes, will be available from 8:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m. Daily, excluding Sundays. Church representatives will be stationed throughout the facility to provide context on the building’s purpose and answer questions from the community.
Architectural Design and Site Specifications
The Bacolod Philippines Temple is a single-story structure covering approximately 2,480 square meters, situated on a 12.3-acre property. The architecture blends classical aesthetics with spiritual symbolism, featuring a distinctive domed cupola topped with metallic diamond shingles. Other notable design elements include backlit art glass, decorative urns, deep cornices, and ornate window casings.
Beyond the main sanctuary, the site includes an ancillary building of roughly 1,672 square meters. This secondary structure is designed for practical utility, housing a distribution center, an arrival center, and patron accommodations to support members traveling from distant regions of the archipelago.
Inside, the temple contains specialized areas including a baptistry, instruction rooms, and sealing rooms. These spaces are dedicated to the sacred ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which are distinct from the activities held in local meetinghouses or chapels.
A Strategic Milestone for the Visayas Region
The establishment of the Bacolod temple marks a pivotal shift in accessibility for Latter-day Saints in Negros Occidental. Previously, members in this area were required to make long-distance journeys to the Cebu Philippines Temple, which was dedicated in 2010. The Cebu facility currently serves a vast area comprising 46 stakes (dioceses) and 29 districts.
The project began following an announcement by President Russell M. Nelson during the October 2019 General Conference. Construction officially commenced on December 11, 2021, with a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, then president of the Philippines Area, alongside local government and interfaith leaders.
The new temple is part of a rapid acceleration of the Church’s infrastructure in the Philippines. In 2026 alone, three temples are slated for dedication, effectively tripling the number of operating temples in the country from three in late 2024 to six within a two-year window.
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| October 2019 | Official Announcement | Project announced by President Russell M. Nelson |
| Dec 11, 2021 | Groundbreaking | Construction begins in Bacolod City |
| April 13, 2026 | Media Day | First official interior access for press |
| April 16, 2026 | Public Open House | Free community tours start |
| May 31, 2026 | Dedication | Temple officially opens for sacred worship |
The Broader Growth of the Faith in the Philippines
The Philippines currently hosts nearly 900,000 members of the Church, organized into approximately 1,325 stakes. This growth represents one of the fastest-expanding populations of Latter-day Saints globally, a trajectory that has accelerated since the arrival of the first missionaries in 1961.
With 14 temples currently announced, under construction, or already operating, the Church is moving toward a model of localized worship. The Bacolod temple will be the sixth operating temple in the country and the second in the Visayas region, significantly reducing the travel burden for thousands of worshippers across Negros Island.
The temple’s first leadership team has been named, with Gregorio Horlador Lagaña serving as president and Maria Luisa Arnaiz Nain Lagaña as matron.
Visitor Guidelines for the Open House
Due to the fact that the temple is considered the most sacred edifice of the faith, certain restrictions are in place during the public tour to maintain the sanctity of the environment. Visitors are asked to adhere to the following:
- Photography: Video recording and photography are strictly prohibited inside the temple.
- Prohibited Items: Large bags should be left in vehicles.
- Animals: Service animals are not permitted inside the temple.
- Conduct: Smoking and drinking are prohibited on the entire temple property.
For those seeking further details or planning a visit, official information is available at churchofjesuschrist.org/featured/bacolod-philippines-open-house.
The final transition from a public space to a restricted place of worship will occur on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside over the dedication ceremony at 10:00 a.m., with a subsequent rebroadcast at 2:00 p.m. Following this dedication, the building will be reserved exclusively for members who hold a current temple recommend.
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