Philippines General Santos Mission
Mission leaders
Raymond and Marylene Vicente
Began service ~July 2024 (three-year terms, “on or about July 1”) · estimated release 2027-07-01 estimate · source: Church Newsroom 2024 · as of October 8, 2026
Mission office
Office address and phone: Not yet verified. Use the address in your call packet or the Missionary Portal. as of October 8, 2026
Letters & packages
Packages are often delayed and can incur fees; many parents use flat-rate boxes or local balikbayan box services after asking the mission office.
- Your missionary can email weekly on P-day; letters and packages are optional extras.
- Confirm the current mailing address with the mission office or the call packet before sending — offices move.
- Small, padded envelopes usually travel faster and cheaper than boxes; declare contents honestly and avoid restricted items.
- Mail-by dates for holidays and a calendar reminder are in the interactive guide.
Weather & climate
Profile: tropical, very-wet · about 3222 mm of rain a year · wettest months: Jun.
Monthly averages
| Avg high | Avg low | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 79°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 235 mm |
| Feb | 80°F / 27°C | 67°F / 20°C | 188 mm |
| Mar | 81°F / 27°C | 68°F / 20°C | 228 mm |
| Apr | 82°F / 28°C | 69°F / 20°C | 215 mm |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 69°F / 21°C | 326 mm |
| Jun | 79°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 346 mm |
| Jul | 79°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 276 mm |
| Aug | 79°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 225 mm |
| Sep | 80°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 228 mm |
| Oct | 80°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 302 mm |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 68°F / 20°C | 276 mm |
| Dec | 79°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 256 mm |
Monthly averages computed from Open-Meteo historical weather data (2016–2025, ERA5 reanalysis) for a ~1° grid cell near the mission city. Approximate; local altitude and coast effects vary.
Language
Tagalog (Filipino), English, Cebuano (Bisaya)
Tagalog is written phonetically with Latin letters; "ng" is one sound, as in "sing". Add "po" and "opo" to show respect to elders. English is widely understood.
Assignments can include other languages; your call letter states your language.
Nearby temples
- Davao Philippines Temple — Operating (3 May 2026) · ~117 km
- Cagayan de Oro Philippines Temple — Under construction (31 August 2024) · ~270 km
- Cebu City Philippines Temple — Operating (13 June 2010) · ~488 km
- Bacolod Philippines Temple — Operating (31 May 2026) · ~563 km
The Church in Philippines
- Church Membership
- 905,082
- Congregations
- 1,370 (890 Wards, 480 Branches)
- Number of Missions
- 26
- Operating Temples
- 3
Newsroom Facts & Statistics · updated Fri Mar 06 2026
Practical
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
- Currency
- PHP
- Country code
- +63
- U.S. travel advisory
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution as of 2026-10-08
- Organized
- 1 July 2024
Culture & food
- Use "po" and "opo" to show respect to elders.
- "Mano po" (touching an elder's hand to your forehead) is a gesture of respect.
- Filipino time is relaxed, but missionaries stay punctual.
Foods: Adobo, Sinigang, Lechon, Pancit, Halo-halo
Next steps
Official: Missionary Portal · Missionary resources