Stake History[]
2020 New Stake Creation[]
The Church organized a new stake in the Philippines in November 2020 which was not reported until recently. The Santa Cruz Zambales Philippines Stake was organized from the Santa Cruz Zambales Philippines District (organized in 1990) as created by Elder Steven R. Bangerter, General Authority Seventy, and Elder Norman C. Insong and Arlen M. Tumaliuan, Area Seventies.
With perhaps one exception, all of the six branches in the district appear to have become wards, namely the Bayto, Candelaria, Guisguis, Infanta, Masinloc, and Santa Cruz Zambales Branches. The Church has experienced rapid growth in the number of stakes in the Philippines Olongapo Mission which has gone from one stake and six districts within the mission boundaries in 2016 to seven stakes and no districts today. There are now 117 stakes and 60 districts in the Philippines. [1]
SANTA CRUZ ZAMBALES PHILIPPINES STAKE: (Nov. 8, 2020) President — Elexir Decano Novera, 37, Micro Asia College of Science and Technology Inc. instructor; wife, Alice Mariano Pizarra Novera. Counselors — Dennis Francisco Castillo, 55, former Jandi’s Food and Catering Services manager; wife, Julie Ann Mara Arce Castillo. Norman Solver Abanto, 55, business owner; wife, Agnes Mesia Abanto.[2]
Philippines Home Centered Church Opportunities[]
We teach that true religion begins in the home: "Home Centered / Church Supported". To that end families may consider the following local resources and programs to strengthen your core beliefs and values:
1. Come Follow Me: - Daily & Weekly family gospel study
2. Vanguard Scouting: - Featuring age-appropriate Family Activities, Service, Crafts, Field Trips, & Outdoor Adventures. The Benefits of Scouting are many, and there are lots of personal growth ideas to help your family pursue the new Churchwide Children & Youth Program.
3. LIFE School Curriculum: an LDS gospel based homeschool program that is built on the foundation of the scriptures, giving the child a sense of who he is and setting him on the path of discovering his divine mission. It is presented in a four year chronological rotation, integrating all areas of study to create a clear picture of the history of our world.
4. Family History: Resources to help you explore your family tree
- Mormon Pioneers - 200+ stories of early faithful Latter-day Saint pioneers.
- Familypedia - Come help build The Philippines largest Family History online Encyclopedia.
5. Local Recreation:
- Philippines Scouting - Outdoor Trails, camping, museums and other family attractions.
- Pioneer Treks
Manila Philippines Temple[]
The Manila Philippines Temple is the 29th operating temple of the Church and is the first temple built in the Philippines (1984). Standing on a hilltop that overlooks the Marikina Valley, the Manila Philippines Temple anchors a complex of Church buildings including a temple annex, a patron housing facility, a missionary training center, and area offices. The beautiful grounds, open to the public, are filled with majestic palm trees and lush, colorful vegetation.
See Also[]