 |
| Creating a devotee's dream destination. Divine Mercy Apostates-Davao Chair Joji Ilagan Bian, Rev. Archbishop Romulo Valles, D.D., and Palafox Associates' Architect Felino Palafox present the signed contacts |
“It’s a mountaintop destination. The upcoming Divine Mercy Shrine in Davao will be the largest in the Philippines planned to date,” said Joji Ilagan Bian, Chair of the Divine Mercy Apostolates, adding, “We are putting into realization the dream of Celina Ilagan, founder of Divine Mercy Apostolate-Mindanao, and current adviser, Emilia Sitjar, to create a spiritual sanctuary where the faithful can experience the healing and hope of God’s infinite mercy.”
 |
| Spearheading the realization of the Divine Mercy Mindanao founder is Joji Ilagan Bian, chair of Divine Mercy Apostolates-Davao |
The proposed Divine Mercy Shrine in Davao will rise on a 25-hectare property owned by the Archdiocese of Davao in Barangay Guilon in the Island Garden City of Samal. Rising more than 1000 feet above sea level, the site has a sweeping panorama of the rich foliage of the island, its pristine white sand beaches, the Davao Gulf, the city of Davao across with the breathtaking sunset as its backdrop at day’s end.
 |
| The Divine Mercy Shrine Davao will rise on Samal Island's mountaintop (Photo lifted from Cebu project by Palafox Associates video presentation) |
 |
| The 25-hectare site of the proposed Divine Mercy Shrine in Samal Island |
Within the shrine will be a diverse range of spaces, including prayer grounds and a rosary garden, a pilgrim center, a Divine Mercy retreat center, an adoration center, and a central shrine where the cathedral is. Envisioned to be the focal point of the shrine complex is a majestic 150-feet high statue of the Divine Mercy, the tallest in the country upon erection.
“We will also include a convention center, a hotel, camping site for the youth, small chapels for prayer groups, the Gallery of the Saints, souvenir shops and restaurants in the blueprint,” said Bian.
The pilgrimage site will be an important addition to the religious landscape of Samal Island and the Province of Davao del Norte. While the shrine is poised to boost religious tourism in the region welcoming both local and foreign devotees, it is also foreseen as an attraction for national and international tourists.
 |
| Inking the agreement. Joji Ilagan Bian, Rev. Archbishop Romulo Valles, D.D., and Architect Felino Palafox |
 |
| The agreement signed & sealed with a handshake |
 |
| t the ceremonial signing of contract. (Seated L-R) Lena Benedicto, Joji Ilagan-Bian, Rev. Archbishop Romulo Valles, D.D., Architect Felino Palafox and Vivian Sison. (Standing L-R) Emilia Sitjar, Rev. Monsignor Ed Rodriguez and Edna Ramirez. |
Tasked to design the master development plan is the architectural firm of Architect Felino Palafox of Palafox Associates, who also designed the Divine Mercy Shrine in Cebu, which is currently in progress.
 |
| Architect Felino Palafox |
A ceremonial signing of “A Covenant of Mercy: Master Development Plan for Divine Mercy Shrine in Samal” was held at the Archbishop’s Residence in Davao City recently. Inking the agreement were DMA-Davao representatives Joji Ilagan Bian, Vivian Sison and Lena Benedicto, Rev. Archbishop Romulo Valles, D.D., and Architect Felino Palafox of Palafox Associates, with Rev. Monsignor Ed Rodriguez, Emilia Sitjar and Edna Ramirez as witnesses.
Joining the affair were IGACOS Vice Mayor Richard Guindolman, DOT Regional Director Tanya Tan, church leaders and the members of the DMA Davao Apostolate.
The Divine Mercy Apostolates will be spearheading the construction of the shrine. As the project now moves forward, the Apostolates are appealing to the faithful to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime mission. “Let us build this shrine together brick by brick, prayer by prayer,” said the chairperson.
 |
| Looking forward to the realization of a dream spiritual sanctuary. The Divine Mercy Apostolate-Davao, church leaders, architectural team and tourism heads |
 |
IGACOS Vice Mayor Richard Guindolman & DOT Regional Director Tanya Tan
|
