PHILIPPINE CONSULATE VISITS SYRACUSE UTAH TEMPLE AND CONFERENCE CENTER DURING OFFICIAL TRIP TO UTAH
(San Francisco PCG photo)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, accompanied by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, visited the Syracuse Utah Temple on 7 May 2025 on the sidelines of the 2nd Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit held from 7 to 8 May 2025 in Salt Lake City.
The visit to the Syracuse Utah Temple, one of the newest temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held during its open house. The temple, which spans 88,886 square feet, will be dedicated on 8 June 2025. A public open house is currently underway which offers visitors a chance to tour the temple and learn about its sacred functions and significance.
The tour provided during the visit was an opportunity for the Philippine Consulate officials to gain deeper insight into the religious and cultural significance of the temple to the LDS community.
Consul General Ferrer expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by temple officials and highlighted the importance of interfaith and intercultural understanding in fostering strong people-to-people ties.
“The Filipino-American community in Utah continues to serve as a bridge between our nations, and we value opportunities to engage with institutions that play a vital role in their spiritual and communal lives,” said Consul General Ferrer.
Consul General Ferrer and Consul Pangilinan-Daquipil, along with other diplomats, were also provided a tour of the Conference Center, the largest meeting house of the Church and serves as a hub for its global conferences and events. With a seating capacity of over 21,000, it hosts the semiannual General Conference of the Church, which is broadcast worldwide. The Conference Center is also a performance home of the world-famous Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.
During the visit, the Consulate officials met with Church officials and expressed appreciation for their efforts in promoting humanitarian initiatives and fostering global connections. They also expressed fond memories of the concert of the Tabernacle Choir in the Philippines in 2024 which featured multi-awarded Filipino singer and actress Ms. Lea Salonga.
The visit was part of the Consulate’s broader engagement efforts in Utah, which included participation in the Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit, where Consul General Ferrer promoted trade, investment, and cultural partnerships between the Philippines and the state of Utah, as well as exploratory meetings with some businesses based in Utah. END
Consul General Ferrer (second from right) and Consul Pangilinan-Daquipil (rightmost) pose with Mr. Ron Gunnell, The Tabernacle Choir envoy (center) and other diplomats. (San Francisco PCG photo)