Mormons in Negros Or. celebrates 50th Jubilee

DUMAGUETE CITY , Philippines  – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as Mormons, in the province of Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City celebrated last Saturday the church's 50th Jubilee in the country.

Youth members of the church from different branches in this city and Tanjay town showcased their talents during a presentation held at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium, this city.

Ferdinand Lantaca is president of the Dumaguete district comprising   eight branches: Bayawan, Siaton, Zamboanguita, Bacong, Valencia, Dumaguete 1and 2 and Sibulan branch.

Alexander Gaudiano is president of Tanjay district that has four branches: Amlan, Tanjay, Bais and Bindoy.

Freddie Salayog, First Councilor of the Philippines-Cebu in an interview with local media, said the Dumaguete church was organized, eight years after Elder Gordon B. Hinckley opened the Philippines for the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on May 28, 1961.

On November 18, 1969, president Augusto Lim, then counselor of the Philippines-Manila Mission with two American missionaries, Elders Daniel Johnson and Michael Weber, arrived in Dumaguete City to commence the missionary work in Negros.

Today, the growth of the church has increased with Dumaguete having a membership of over 3,000, and Tanjay with at least 2,000.