Davao City Council Recognizes and Supports National Bible Month 2026

The Davao City Council has formally expressed its support for the observance of the National Bible Month for the year 2026, following a privilege speech delivered by Hon. Atty. Antoinette G. Principe, City Councilor of the 3rd District and Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, during the Council’s regular session on January 20, 2026.

In her address, Councilor Principe underscored that education goes beyond academic instruction and must also nurture character, integrity, and compassion. Values, she said are urgently needed amid present social challenges. She cited national and local legal bases for the observance, including Presidential Proclamation No. 124, Republic Act No. 11163, Davao City Ordinance No. 0717-24 Series of 2024, and a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum dated January 8, 2026, which enjoins local government units to actively participate in the nationwide celebration.

The Councilor highlighted that the declaration of January as National Bible Month is a standing state policy recognizing the historical, cultural, moral, and spiritual influence of the Bible in the life of the Filipino people. She noted that Republic Act No. 11163 further institutionalizes the observance by declaring the last Monday of January as National Bible Day. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “God’s Word Brings L.I.F.E. to Our Hearts and to Our Homes,” where L.I.F.E. stands for Love, Integrity, Faith, and Engagement.

During the session, the City Council also adopted Resolution No. 06-2025, Series of 2025, entitled “A Resolution Recognizing and Celebrating Bible Month in Davao City.” The resolution encourages the active participation of local officials, barangay leaders, educators, and community stakeholders in promoting Bible reading and value-centered activities consistent with existing laws and policies. Copies of the resolution will be furnished to the Department of Education Region XI, the Davao City Division, and other concerned agencies for general circulation.

Councilor Principe emphasized that the observance of National Bible Month does not violate the constitutional principle of separation of Church and State, but rather affirms that moral and spiritual development complements social, economic, and political progress. She also cited ongoing initiatives in the city, including Bible reading sessions and Bible distribution activities conducted in partnership with faith-based organizations and community leaders in public spaces such as schools, barangays, and parks.

In closing, the Councilor called on fellow public servants and the community to support the celebration, stressing that genuine and lasting development must be anchored on moral and spiritual grounding. She expressed hope that the observance will help foster peace, harmony, forgiveness, and responsible citizenship, and contribute to building a more compassionate, principled, and united Davao City.