DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 14 January) — A religious leader expressed concern that the youth’s preoccupation with smartphones and gadgets is hindering their ability to find time to read the Bible. Rev. Rueland D. Badoy, chairman of the Davao City Ministers Fellowship and co-convenor of the National Bible Month, highlighted this challenge during the Davao Peace and Security Press Conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. He noted that gadgets compete for students’ attention, making it difficult to instill a habit of Bible reading. Despite this, Badoy emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to reach the youth, who shape the future. The Philippines observes National Bible Month every January and National Bible Day on the last Monday of January, with this year’s theme being “God’s Word Brings LIFE: Love, Integrity, Faith, and Engagement to our Hearts and to our Homes.” Mart Sambalud, a law student, lamented that technology’s comforts, like social media and entertainment, diminish interest in Bible reading, while Amariz Kirsten Baliar, a nursing student, struggles to balance academic demands with Bible study. Badoy stressed that the scriptures can shape moral and spiritual values, especially amid corruption scandals, and called for local governments and schools to promote Bible reading. Allan G. Farnazo of DepEd-Davao encouraged teachers to share Bible passages with students, and Mayor Sebastian Duterte urged the community to foster peace and mutual respect.
