DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 14 January) — Bibles and gadgets apparently don’t mix, said a religious leader here who expressed concerns for the youth who are too preoccupied with their gadgets, particularly smartphones, that they cannot anymore find the time to read the Bible.
In an interview at the sidelines of the Davao Peace and Security Press Conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Rev. Rueland D. Badoy, chairman of the Davao City Ministers Fellowship and co-convenor of the National Bible Month, said the religious sector faces a major hurdle in encouraging students to develop a habit of reading the Bible, as many of them are addicted to their gadgets.
“It’s challenging because many things, like gadgets, compete for students’ attention. However, we continue to bring the message, especially since we bear a burden for these young lives that will shape our future. The youth, in particular, are truly important,” he said.
The country observes National Bible Month every January pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 124, series of 2017, and National Bible Day on the last Monday of January under Republic Act No. 11163.
This year’s celebration is themed “God’s Word Brings LIFE: Love, Integrity, Faith, and Engagement to our Hearts and to our Homes.”
Mart Sambalud, a law student at Rizal Memorial Colleges in Davao City, said that the youth appear to no longer appreciate reading the Bible as they are already “inundated with the ‘comfort’ that technology and modern society provide, such as social media, entertainment, and other forms of material convenience.”
“In my humble opinion, all these things provide a false sense of ‘comfort’ that seeks to diminish interest in forming a habit of reading the bible,” he added.
For him, reading the Bible is important because it provides him with moral guidance.
“It feeds my soul, and it connects my consciousness to God, who is omnipotent. By reading His words and teachings in the Bible, I gain a sense of purpose in my life, guided by moral clarity through His teachings,” he said.
Amariz Kirsten Baliar, a first-year nursing student at the San Pedro College, said that with so many readings in school, she finds it difficult to squeeze in time to open the Bible, but added she is gradually making an effort to read a verse or two each day.
She said her family, all Evangelical Christians, had been encouraging her to read the Bible.
“Actually, as a nursing student, we have so many readings, especially since our subjects require thorough study. For me, I can hardly adjust my schedule to include reading the Bible. Although I still go to church, it feels different. It’s not the same as when I was in senior high school or junior high, when I still had a little time to read the Bible,” she said.
Badoy said that the scriptures in the Bible could help shape the moral and spiritual values and beliefs of the Filipino people, especially now that corruption scandals plague the country.
The religious leader emphasized the importance of shaping values rooted in the word of God, echoing John 13:34 in the New Testament: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
In a memorandum dated January 8, 2026, Abdullah V. Matalam, regional director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), urged the agency’s city and provincial directors to encourage local government units to support activities during the celebration, including the conduct of public Bible reading activities in government offices, schools, barangays, and communities, and other activities that promote moral and spiritual values.
Badoy believed that through the scriptures, the Filipino people, particularly the youth, would learn to care for others genuinely and not oppress or take advantage of them.
“Everyone is talking about that, and it goes back to our behavior. Our behavior is a product of our beliefs. Our beliefs are based on values. But if our values are from the word of God, we will love God, we will love our fellowmen,” he said.
But Badoy added that the local government units and even schools play a crucial role in encouraging a habit of Bible reading among students.
Allan G. Farnazo, regional director of the Department of Education-Davao, encouraged teaching and non-teaching personnel to actively participate in the Bible Month by reading and sharing passages.
“Teachers are encouraged to read and share selected Bible passages or stories with learners, and to allow learners to read the Bible during designated reading activities,” he said.
In his message, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte said that the celebration “is an opportunity to recognize the scriptures as a living and transformative book that continues to guide Christian communities in their daily lives, sending a reminder that it is not only meant to be read, but to be understood, lived, and shared.”
“And as one united Dabawenyo community, may we also continue to foster peace rooted in mutual understanding and respect for one another’s beliefs and cultures, calling us to go beyond our differences, to recognize the dignity of every person, and to share the values of love, respect, and compassion to one another,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
