Announcement of the Santiago Philippines Temple
President Russell M. Nelson, 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced the Santiago Philippines Temple on Oct. 2, 2022, during the Sunday afternoon session of October 2022 general conference. A tenth house of the Lord for the Philippines was one of 18 announced worldwide during this conference.
Hearing the news of temples for two cities on the island of Luzon announced during the conference — Santiago and Naga City — was thrilling for Kendrick Navarro of North Salt Lake City, Utah. A native of the Philippines, Navarro wrote soon after the announcement: “These locations have a special meaning to me. My dad grew up in Legaspi City, which is almost 60 miles away from Naga City, way closer than the Manila temple.
“His family is one of the pioneers in Legazpi City, and seeing the temple being built close to home is such an amazing blessing.”
Navarro continued: “Having the Santiago temple and the Urdaneta temple [then under construction] will cut the travel time to almost half. I’m so excited for my people who will have the opportunity to go to the temple more often. I can’t wait for the day for these temples to be dedicated and do ordinances in Ilokano in Ilokano regions. Truly, the Lord is mindful of all of His children wherever they are.”
Timeline of the Santiago Philippines Temple
The Santiago Philippines Temple was announced by Church President Russell M. Nelson on Oct. 2, 2022. Details about the temple’s groundbreaking have not yet been released.
Architecture and Design of the Santiago Philippines Temple
According to site plans released by the Church on Feb. 23, 2026, the Santiago Philippines Temple will be a single-story building of approximately 18,850 square feet. The edifice will stand on a 14.47-acre site on the lots east of Camella Isabella Main Road in Barangay Malvar, Santiago City, Province of Isabela, Philippines. Patron housing, a distribution center and a meetinghouse are also planned for the grounds.