The intent to build the temple was announced on October 2, 2010, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during general conference.

[7] On October 2, 2010, during the church's general conference, Monson announced the intent to construct a temple in Urdaneta City.

[8][9] The temple is located in the southern area of Urdaneta,[10] approximately 100 miles north of Metro Manila on Luzon, the largest and most populated island in the Philippines.

[14] During construction various challenges were faced, including the temple site’s marshy land, which made it difficult to establish a strong foundation.

[15][3] Dallin H. Oaks, who dedicated the temple, previously served for two years as president of the church's Philippines Area while he was a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

Since then, the church in the Philippines has gained more than 850,000 members, being the fourth most populous country of Latter-day Saints in the world.

[10] The exterior features a rectangular base with rounded corners, long, vertical windows, and a spire with a statue of the angel Moroni.

The flooring is tile from Israel and Palestine, instruction room carpeting from the United States, with rugs from Thailand and New Zealand.

[3][15] One of the motifs of the temple include the Sampaguita flower, which has symbolism to the Filipino people of humility, purity, strength and simplicity.