A 25-hectare Divine Mercy Shrine—the largest of its kind in the entire Philippines—will soon rise in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), as the Archdiocese of Davao and top architectural firm Palafox Associates officially started the project with the signing of the master plan on Friday, July 18, 2025.
The Master Development Plan is led by Most Rev. Archbishop Romulo Valles, Divine Mercy Apostolates-Davao Lay Coordinator Joji Ilagan Bian, and renowned urban planner Architect Felino Palafox.
Held at the Archbishop’s Residence in Davao City, the ceremonial signing was attended by clergy, supporters, and media—marking the beginning of a long-prayed-for mission: the building of a sacred pilgrimage site rooted in mercy, healing, and hope.
“This isn’t just a building project—it’s a mission of mercy. We envision a place where the brokenhearted find comfort, the weary find peace, and every soul feels the embrace of God’s love,” said Bian.
Located in Barangay Guilon, the shrine will feature a towering statue of the Divine Mercy at its center, envisioned to be both a spiritual focal point and a national landmark of faith.
Palafox Associates will lead the development, combining visionary design with cultural and spiritual depth. The firm aims to create a sanctuary that honors Filipino devotion while blending harmoniously with Samal’s natural beauty.
The master plan includes landscaped prayer gardens, chapels, retreat houses, and walking paths designed for reflection and pilgrimage. The shrine is expected to become a premier religious destination not just in Mindanao, but across the country and beyond.
Construction will begin with the Divine Mercy statue, and the Apostolates are inviting the faithful to be part of this historic endeavor.
“Let us build this shrine together—brick by brick, prayer by prayer,” Bian urged.
More than a structure, the future Divine Mercy Shrine represents a growing movement of faith in the south—a spiritual refuge for generations and a powerful symbol that God’s mercy knows no boundaries.
