150-foot statue of Jesus Christ that is envisioned to be the tallest religious statue in the Philippines and also among the tallest in the world.
Known as the Divine Mercy statue, the monument will stand atop a mountain overlooking the island, featuring pale blue and red illumination to symbolize Divine Mercy rays. The lights, visible even from the air, are designed to make the structure a striking landmark, both day and night.
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A Vision Four Decades in the Making
“This is a project we’ve waited 40 years for,” said Joji Ilagan-Bian, lay coordinator of the Divine Mercy Apostolates of the Archdiocese of Davao. “Now, in God’s perfect time, it’s finally happening.”
The statue will be the centerpiece of a 25-hectare religious and tourism complex owned by the Archdiocese of Davao. The master plan, developed by architect and urban planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., was approved on July 18, 2025, in a ceremony attended by Palafox, Archbishop Romulo Valles, and Divine Mercy Apostolate–Davao officials.
The site will include a major church, prayer chapels, a Marian garden, waterfalls, retreat centers, convention halls, and a “tent city” for youth pilgrims. Lodging will range from high-end accommodations for large events to budget options for students and ordinary pilgrims.
From Landmark to Pilgrimage Hub
“We want it to be inclusive,” Bian shared. “There will be high-end accommodations for big events and simple spaces for students and ordinary pilgrims. Everyone will have a place here.”
Pending regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Civil Aeronautics Board due to its height and location near flight paths, groundbreaking is set for July 2026. The project will be formally launched during the 5th Philippine Apostolic Congress on Mercy, which Davao will host from August 28 to 30, the first time the event will be held in Mindanao.
“This is not just a statue,” Bian emphasized. “It is a promise fulfilled. A monument of mercy, of hope, and of love, built not just with concrete, but with the prayers and sacrifices of generations.”
Once completed, the Divine Mercy Shrine is expected to become a major national pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from across the Philippines.
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