Davao City is embarking on an ambitious community-wide spiritual journey for the 2026 National Bible Month, with plans to extend the celebration to every corner of the metropolis. Organizers have set a clear goal: to bring the observance to all 182 barangays in the city, ensuring the message of hope and faith reaches the grassroots level.
A Celebration for Every Community
Pastor Rueland Badoy, co-convenor of National Bible Month, emphasized the mission's core purpose during a briefing at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. "We want to bring this message to the Dabawenyos, you know there's life in God, there's hope in God so let's celebrate," Badoy stated. He believes that reaching local communities directly is the most effective way to spread the Word of the Lord.
Moving beyond the traditional central event at Rizal Park, this year's activities are designed to be decentralized. A series of Bible readings, discussions, and community engagements are scheduled to take place in schools and barangay halls across the city, making participation more accessible for all residents.
Unified Support from City Hall and National Agencies
The city's leadership has thrown its full support behind the month-long observance. Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte extended the local government's greetings, framing the event as an opportunity to recognize the Bible as a living guide for daily life. He called for unity, urging the community to "foster peace rooted in mutual understanding and respect for one another's beliefs and cultures."
Echoing this sentiment, Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo "Rigo" Duterte expressed hope that the celebration would draw people closer to God and build trust. He encouraged active participation to help "build spiritual rhythm in our lives and within our communities."
The push for a citywide observance is bolstered by directives from national government agencies. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Davao Region has issued a memorandum encouraging all local government units to participate. Specifically, DILG-Davao City has called on all punong barangays to lead and support activities in their respective jurisdictions.
Schools Join the Spiritual Movement
The Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Davao City is also a key partner. DepEd-Davao Regional Director Allan G. Farnazo directed school division superintendents to involve both teaching and non-teaching personnel in the celebration. In classrooms, teachers are encouraged to read and share selected Bible passages with learners, and students will be given opportunities to read the Bible during designated reading activities.
Roots of the Annual Observance
The nationwide celebration traces its origin to Proclamation No. 124, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017. This proclamation officially declares January as National Bible Month, with the last week of the month specifically designated as National Bible Week. The DILG's own proclamation that same year helped solidify and promote the annual tradition across local government units.
This year's theme, "God's Words Bring L.I.F.E. (Love, Integrity, Faith, and Engagement) to our hearts and to our homes," encapsulates the goal of making scriptural values a tangible part of family and community life in Davao City. Through this barangay-focused approach, organizers aim to create a lasting impact that resonates well beyond the month of January.
