Honoring the Sanctity of Life: Pro-Life Month 2026 in the Archdiocese of Davao

The Archdiocese of Davao joyfully marks the whole month of February as Pro-Life Month, beginning with the celebration of Pro-Life Sunday on February 1. With the theme, “Inahan ug Anak Atimanon, Aborsyon dili Solusyon,” the observance highlights the Church’s strong commitment to uphold the sanctity of life and to promote a culture that values both mother and child. This month-long celebration serves as a reminder that life is a sacred gift from God—worthy of love, protection, and respect from conception until natural death.

At the archdiocesan level, the Pro-Life Month celebration is spearheaded by the Family and Life Apostolate–Pangulo sa Kristohanong Banay (FLA-PSKB), under the guidance of its Director, Rev. Fr. Orlando A. Angelia. Through this apostolate, the Archdiocese strengthens its mission of defending life and supporting families, encouraging parishes to empower their local FLA ministries in promoting life-centered activities.

The celebration will be observed mainly at the parish level with a series of meaningful activities throughout February. On February 1, parishes will launch Pro-Life Month through Pro-Life Sunday celebrations and the Blessing of the Tomb of the Unborn. On February 8, a special blessing of pregnant women will be offered during all Sunday Masses. February 11 will coincide with the World Day of the Sick, marked with a Mass for the Sick at the parish level. On February 15, parishes will hold the blessing of mothers, emphasizing the dignity and vocation of women in nurturing life.

A unique participation activity for the youth and parishioners will also be conducted through the Parish FLA. Each parish will provide a blank tarpaulin bearing the caption: “The Archdiocese of Davao celebrates #Prolife, #ProYouth, #ProYou with the theme: ‘Inahan ug Anak Atimanon, Aborsyon dili Solusyon.’” The youth and the faithful will be invited to write messages and pledges advocating for the protection of life, making the celebration more interactive and meaningful.

The Pro-Life Month celebration will culminate on February 22 with an Archdiocesan Symposium entitled “Protection of Women and the Prevention of Abortion.” This will be held at the St. Mary’s of the Perpetual Rosary Shrine in Buhangin. The symposium will feature Dra. Gilda Cunanan del Mar as resource person and will gather participants from across the archdiocese, with each parish sending ten representatives, including PSKB members, new PSKBs, FLA core facilitators, youth leaders, and other parish workers committed to building a culture of life.

In addition, part of the Pro-Life Month activities includes the National/Regional Conference of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, to be held on February 19–22, 2026 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center in Butuan City. With the theme, “The Power of Presence: Cultivating a Culture of Love and Accompaniment,” the conference will bring together family and life workers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, strengthening collaboration and accompaniment in building a culture of life.

As the Archdiocese of Davao observes Pro-Life Month, all faithful are called to renew their commitment to defend life, strengthen Filipino family values, and look to the Holy Family of Nazareth as the model of love, unity, and faith. Through the leadership of the FLA-PSKB and the active participation of parishes, youth, and communities, February becomes a united proclamation that life is God’s gift, and that the Church will continue to stand for a culture that honors, protects, and cherishes life always. Celebrating Pro-life month gives hope to have more vocations to consecrated and religious life.