Gadgets carry youth away from Bible — pastor

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 14 January) — Bibles and devices apparently don’t combine, stated a spiritual chief right here who expressed considerations for the youth who’re too preoccupied with their devices, notably smartphones, that they can’t anymore discover the time to learn the Bible.

In an interview on the sidelines of the Davao Peace and Security Press Conference on 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, stated the spiritual sector faces a serious hurdle in encouraging college students to develop a behavior of studying the Bible, as a lot of them are hooked on their devices.

“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 stated.

The nation observes National Bible Month each January pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 124, sequence of 2017, and National Bible Day on the final Monday of January below Republic Act No. 11163.

This 12 months’s celebration is themed “God’s Word Brings LIFE: Love, Integrity, Faith, and Engagement to our Hearts and to our Homes.”

Mart Sambalud, a legislation pupil at Rizal Memorial Colleges in Davao City, stated that the youth seem to now not recognize studying the Bible as they’re 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, studying the Bible is necessary as a result of it offers him with ethical steering.

“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 stated.

Amariz Kirsten Baliar, a first-year nursing pupil on the San Pedro College, stated that with so many readings in class, she finds it troublesome to squeeze in time to open the Bible, however added she is regularly making an effort to learn a verse or two every day.

She stated her household, all Evangelical Christians, had been encouraging her to learn 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 stated.

Badoy stated that the scriptures within the Bible may assist form the ethical and religious values and beliefs of the Filipino individuals, particularly now that corruption scandals plague the nation.

The spiritual chief emphasised the significance of shaping values rooted within the phrase of God, echoing John 13:34 within 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 company’s metropolis and provincial administrators to encourage native authorities items to help actions through the celebration, together with the conduct of public Bible studying actions in authorities workplaces, faculties, barangays, and communities, and different actions that promote ethical and religious values.

Badoy believed that by way of the scriptures, the Filipino individuals, notably the youth, would study to look after others genuinely and never oppress or make the most 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 stated.

But Badoy added that the native authorities items and even faculties play a vital position in encouraging a behavior of Bible studying amongst college students.

Allan G. Farnazo, regional director of the Department of Education-Davao, inspired instructing and non-teaching personnel to actively take part within the Bible Month by studying 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 stated.

In his message, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte stated 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 stated. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)