Dedication of the Alabang Philippines Temple
The Manila Philippines and Alabang Philippines temples are about 15 miles (or about 25 km) apart. However, coming from southern Luzon island means navigating traffic through several cities in metro Manila. Parañaque Philippines Stake President Belmin E. Misalucha said that it would previously take two hours or more to get to the Manila temple from Parañaque City, which is in southern metro Manila.
“Having the Alabang temple nearby feels like heaven has come closer to home. It reduces the struggle of distance and traffic, providing a peaceful refuge from the busy streets of metro Manila,” he said. “It is a beautiful reminder of the Lord’s love for us.”
The Alabang Philippines Temple was dedicated Jan. 18, 2026, by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was accompanied by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar; Elder William K. Jackson, a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Philippines Area presidency, and his wife, Sister Ann Jackson; and Elder Steven R. Bangerter, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Temple Department, and his wife, Sister Susan Bangerter. Elder Bangerter had previously served in the Church’s Philippines Area presidency as a counselor and later the area president.
In the house of the Lord, the focus should be on the Savior, Jesus Christ, said Elder Bednar. “The covenants and ordinances we make in the house of the Lord enable us to have a covenant connection with the Father and the Son,” he said in an interview prior to the dedication. “Ultimately, everything in the house of the Lord is about the Father’s plan of happiness and the Savior’s Atonement.”
Elder Bednar said the Philippines has “the most resilient, happy people you can encounter anywhere in the world.” He also said every aspect of life can be enriched based on what is taught in the temple. “The joy that we experience as individuals and families can be deeper and richer because of what we learn in the temple.” Through the ordinances of the Lord’s restored gospel, “we have access to the power of godliness,” said Elder Bednar. “In a world that grows increasingly confused, we can be blessed with light and direction in the house of the Lord.”
Aquilino Andaca Jr. was 7 years old in 1970 when his parents were baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Makati Branch, which met in the Buendia chapel in the metro Manila area in the Philippines. The following year, young Aquilino turned 8 and was also baptized. Now, there’s more than one stake in that area. “I don’t know how it happened so fast,” said 63-year-old Andaca. “Nowadays, the Church is growing so quickly that you cannot see the grass grow.”
Elmer Sumagpao and Leanell Sumagpao, who served as the dedication and open house committee coordinators for the Alabang temple, spent each day of the open house in the temple and many times stayed later than the posted times. “We can see happiness in their eyes because of their experiences,” Elmer Sumagpao said of those who came to the open house. Leanell Sumagpao said that even before it was dedicated, she felt the temple’s sacredness. “It’s different from the other buildings around it.”
Additionally, the Alabang temple is close to a highway exit; it’s on the corner of two streets, and it’s also close to the bus and jeepney terminals. “It’s a huge blessing because when we try to find refuge, find answers to questions, it’s just easier now to visit the temple,” said Ammon Cancel of Cavite, Philippines.
Jon and Clarice Reyes of the Batangas Philippines Stake attended the dedication with their daughter, 13-year-old Carley Reyes. Emotion filled Jon Reyes’ voice as he spoke about the dedication. “It was so Spirit-filled, and I just feel gratitude.” Carley said she felt so happy and grateful to be at the dedication. “The speakers really helped me feel the Spirit.”
Yvonne Fabros, 17, who spoke during the dedication, said afterward: “I am so happy and grateful that I am part of this temple dedication.” She added that during the dedication, it felt like “being in heaven.”
Lenny Paloma of the Santa Cruz Laguna Philippines Stake came to the dedication with her 13-year-old son, Craig Paloma. The temple “will serve as a light,” Lenny Paloma said prior to the dedication, adding, “It reflects the sacredness of this building.”
Rosalina Rey, who serves in the Parañaque Philippines Stake Relief Society presidency, said that the temple is only five minutes from her home. “It is really exciting,” she said. Because the temple is so close, “we can come always.”
Dedicatory prayer excerpt: “May the power of godliness manifested in the ordinances of the holy priesthood draw all of Thy covenant children to worship in this holy house. We ask Thee to help each of us to appreciate more fully and strengthen our covenant connection with Thee and Thy Beloved Son.”
Read the dedicatory prayer of the Alabang Philippines Temple here.
Timeline of the Alabang Philippines Temple
The Alabang Philippines Temple was announced April 2, 2017, by Church President Thomas S. Monson. The groundbreaking and site dedication for this house of the Lord were held on June 4, 2020, and presided over by Elder Evan A. Schmutz, Philippines Area president.
After a public open house from Nov. 21 to Dec. 13, 2025, the Alabang Philippines Temple was dedicated Jan. 18, 2026, by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Architecture and Design of the Alabang Philippines Temple
A two-story edifice of 35,998 square feet, the Alabang temple is a cast-in-place concrete structure clad in white Oro Cristal granite from China. Art-glass windows display a motif of the white jasmine flower, or sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines. Colors of cream, amber, white, green and pink decorate the glass, which was fabricated in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Inside the temple, 100% wool area rugs adorn nylon carpet; the rugs and carpet were made in Hong Kong, China. Honey gold limestone from China is also used, along with tile fabricated in Cerrione, Italy. Crystal, acrylic and brass decorative lighting fixtures were built in Hong Kong. Doors and millwork were both fabricated in Manila and made of Khaya (African mahogany) hardwood.
The temple’s 2.62-acre site — just a mile west of the Laguna de Bay lake — features 90 trees of 10 species, as well as 32 different species of shrubs and ground covers. Trees on the grounds include the Manila palm, royal palm, banaba, takulao, katmon, botong, champaca and kalachuchi.
Interior Photos of the Alabang Philippines Temple
