The City Council of Davao on Tuesday declared the month of January as Bible Month through the “Bible Month Ordinance” that was passed on December 5, 2024.
Authored by First District Councilor Pilar Braga, the landmark ordinance reflects the city’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, and moral integrity while celebrating its cultural and spiritual heritage.
Braga said the ordinance seeks to inspire reflections on the teachings and values of the Bible and encourage interfaith respect in Davao City.
“The passage of this ordinance underscores our city’s dedication to fostering moral and cultural growth. Through Bible Month, we aim to unite our community in celebrating shared values while embracing our diversity,” Braga said during the Aprubado sa Konseho media forum.
Braga said the implementation of Bible Month will be led by the Office of the City Mayor through the Moral Recovery Council, in collaboration with the National Bible Month Ecumenical team, local organizations, and education institutions.
She added that barangay councils are also urged to organize activities in their respective communities to foster a spirit of love and service.
Braga said that to ensure its sustainability, funding for the observance will be included in the city’s annual budget.
“The ordinance emphasizes inclusivity and respect for all beliefs, focusing on universal principles that unite communities,” she said.
In January 2017, former president Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 124, Series of 2017 declaring that every year, the month of January will be National Bible Month and the last week thereof will be National Bible Week.
Also In 2017, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Presidential Proclamation No. 124 declaring the month of January of every year as National Bible Month culminating in the last week thereof as National Bible Week.
Braga said the first observance of the Bible Month will be this month and Dabawenyos are encouraged to participate in various programs and activities that celebrate the ordinance’s goal.
As part of the annual observance, a range of inclusive activities will be held city-wide including Bible studies, youth and family programs, exhibits, seminars, and community-building events.
Braga said these activities will be led by the Moral Recovery Council.
It can be recalled that Braga also authored the ordinance institutionalizing the Moral Recovery Program (MRP) of the city government of Davao to achieve quality service to the Dabawenyos.
The MRP recognizes the need for moral renewal to address social issues such as graft and corruption, patronage politics, apathy, and lack of patriotism.
