Roman Catholic Diocese of Dumaguete

Diocese of Dumaguete
Dioecesis Dumaguetensis
Diyosesis sa Dumaguete
Coat of arms
Location
Country  Philippines
Territory Provinces of Negros Oriental (Except Canlaon City, Guihulngan City, Municipality of Vallehermoso, Municipality of La Libertad) and Siquijor
Ecclesiastical province Cebu
Coordinates 10°03′N 123°07′E
Statistics
Area 4,955 km2 (1,913 sq mi)
Population
- Total
- Catholics		 (as of 2017)
1,192,000
1,157,583 (91.0%)
Parishes 42
Congregations 19
Schools 13
Information
Denomination Roman Catholic
Sui iuris church Latin Church
Rite Roman Rite
Established 5 April 1955
Cathedral Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Dumaguete
Patron saint Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Saint Joseph Secondary
Secular priests 85
Current leadership
Pope Francis
Bishop Julito Cortes
Metropolitan Archbishop Jose S. Palma
Vicar General Rev. Msgr. Glenn Corsiga, PC
Map

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dumaguete (Lat: Dioecesis Dumaguetensis) is a diocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines.

History

On April 5, 1955, Pope Pius XII created the Diocese of Dumaguete and appointed the Most Reverend Epifanio B. Surban, D.D. as its first bishop. The diocese then included the Province of Negros Oriental, the Sub-Province of Siquijor, and four municipalities of Negros Occidental.

Negros Oriental occupies the eastern portion of the island of Negros and is part of the Central Visayas Region known as Region VIII. Its western and northern portions connect with the borders of Negros Occidental. It is bounded on the east by the Tañon Strait, on the south by the Mindanao Sea.

Negros Island was subdivided early after its Spanish conquest as there were already settlements there. In 1734, it was unified again into a military district with Iloilo as its base. In 1856, it was raised to a political-military status under Governor Emilio E. Saravia, with Bacolod as the capital. In 1890, it was again subdivided into the two provinces that exist today, and Dumaguete became the capital city of Negros Oriental. It is one of the leading ports in the region.

The Catholic faith was first introduced to the early inhabitants of eastern Negros by the Augustinian Recollect (OAR) friars who established the parish of Tanjay in 1580. Forty years later, Dumaguete was created as another parish covering the southern territories and Siquijor, which the Spaniards called Isla de Fuego. Dumaguete was under the territorial jurisdiction of the Diocese of Cebu until 1865, the Diocese of Jaro until 1932 and the Diocese of Bacolod until its creation as a new diocese in 1955. In 1988, the Diocese of San Carlos was created in Negros Occidental which absorbed ten parishes of the Diocese of Dumaguete.

It remains a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Cebu, and has for its titular patron St. Catherine of Alexandria whose feast is celebrated November 25.

In the time Msgr. Surban was pastor, the diocese has seen 3 auxiliary bishops. The first was Msgr. Bienvenido Tudtud (1968-1971) who later became the first Prelate of Iligan (1971) and then the first Prelate of Marawi (1977). Next was Msgr. Onesimo Gordoncillo (1974-1976), the first native of the diocese raised to the episcopacy, who later became the third Bishop of Tagbilaran (1976) and then the second Archbishop of Capiz (1986). Finally came Msgr. Salvador Modesto (1978-1987), the longest serving auxiliary and the last, who later became the auxiliary bishop of San Carlos (1987).

After Msgr. Modesto, Rome appointed a coadjutor bishop to aid Msgr. Surban with shepherding his flock (1986). This came in the person of Msgr. Angel Lagdameo who previously served as auxiliary bishop of Cebu (1980).

3 years after, on May 30, 1989, Msgr. Surban retired and the Most Rev. Angel N. Lagdameo, D.D. succeeded the elderly Bicolano by right of succession as coadjutor bishop.

Five months later, on January 7, 1990, Msgr. Lagdameo convoked the First Diocesan Synod of Dumaguete. This Synod which was held right after and along the path of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, took place on January 20–25 and November 3–7, 1992.[1]

After 11 years of serving as the second pastor of the diocese, Msgr. Lagdameo was appointed fifth Archbishop of Jaro on March 11, 2000.

After a year, the auxiliary bishop of Cebu, Msgr. John Du was appointed as the third Bishop of the diocese on April 21, 2001. He reigned for 11 years and was appointed fourth Archbishop of Palo.

One year of vacancy followed after Msgr. Du's appointment. Then finally, the first son of the diocese was appointed as its Bishop. Most Rev. Julito Cortes, D.D.received his assignment on September 28, 2013 and was installed on December 5, 2013.

Msgr. Cortes served the diocese as Vicar General for 11 years (1989-2000) and Apostolic Administrator during the period between Msgr. Lagdameo and Msgr. Du (2000-2001). It was after this time, that he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Cebu the very position left vacant by the appointment of Msgr. Du.

Currently, Bishop Cortes reigns as the fourth Bishop of Dumaguete.

Dumaguete Church and Belfry in 1891.jpg
The present-day cathedral back when it was a parish in 1891

Diocesan Coat of Arms

Red field. In chief, a gold St. Catherine's Wheel with silver spikes, symbol of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the patroness of the Diocese. On a rocky mountain, covered with sharp spines, is a secretary bird throttling, with its right talon , a snake. On base is a long-stemmed lily, symbol of St. Joseph, second patron Saint of the Diocese. The rocky and spine-covered mountain is Mount Canlaon, which is also called Mount Malaspina, after a Spanish scientist. The Malapina Family in Italy, especially that of the "Del Spino Secco" branch, has a leafless thorn branch in its coat-of-arms.

DUMAGUETE comes from the world MANALAGUIT, a name given by the Moros[2] whose depredations were carried on repeatedly to it long before the Spaniards came. The word comes from a verb " DAGUIT", which means the same in Moro, Tagalog and Cebuano. It means "to swoop down on a prey." "DUMAGUIT" means, therefore, "it snatched its prey".

The serpent, the devil, is our old enemy which must always be under control by the ministers of the Lord. For our purpose here, there is no better symbol for the checking of the devil's activities than the serpent's defeat by its mortal enemy in actual life, the secretary bird.

The Secretary bird is an African bird of prey variously called scientifically Serpentarius Secretarius, Gypogeranus Serpentarius, Sagittarius Serpentarius, Serpentarius Serpentarius. It is the only example of the family Sepentaridae. Fossil remains of the bird had already been found.

We think that the symbol is most fitting because, the "DUMAGUIT SA DUMAGUETE" that is, "he who swooped into Dumaguete", is an eagle by his position and office and his being an ex-soldier himself. He is tall, and solemn and dignified in his ways, and held office as Secretary to Archbishop Rosales.[3]

Prelates

No. Picture Name Duration
From Until
1 Epifanio Surban y Belmonte 29 July 1955

(Appointment)

 30 May 1989

(Retirement)

2 Angel Nacorda Lagdameo 30 May 1989 (Succession) 11 March 2000 (Appointment)
Sede Vacante - Apostolic Administrator Msgr. Julito Cortes, H.P. - Vicar General 11 March 2000 21 April 2001
3 John Forrosuelo Du 21 April 2001 (Appointment) 25 Feb 2012

(Appointment)

Sede Vacante - Apostolic Administrator Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing, PC - Vicar General 25 Feb 2012 28 Sept 2013
4 Julito Buhisan Cortes 28 Sept 2013 (Appointment) Incumbent

Territorial Jurisdiction

Today, the Diocese of Dumaguete includes the provinces of Negros Oriental and of Siquijor, excluding the municipalities of La Libertad and Vallehermoso as well as the cities of Guihulngan and Canlaon, all located in Negros Oriental.

Clergy

Diocesan Curia
Rev. Msgr. Glenn M. Corsiga, PC Vicar General
Rev. Fr. Lyndon B. Zerna Oeconomus
Rev. Fr. Carmelito Q. Limbaga, Jr Chancellor
Rev. Msgr. Merlin T. Logronio, PC Moderator Curiae
Episcopal Vicars
Rev. Msgr. Glenn M. Corsiga, PC North (Sibulan to Jimalalud)
Rev. Msgr. Robert A. Bongoyan, HP South (Valencia to Basay)
Rev. Msgr. Candelario O. Catubig, HP Siquijor
Vicars Forane
Rev. Fr. Edgardo Q. Mariño Vicariate of St. Thomas
Rev. Msgr. Ramon L. Duran, PC Vicariate of St. Simon the Zealot
Rev. Fr. Antonio G. Magalso Vicariate of St. Philip
Rev. Msgr. Mariño P. Ybo, PC Vicariate of St. Peter
Rev. Msgr. Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela, PC Vicariate of St. John
Rev. Fr. Casiano O. Salac, Jr Vicariate of St. Jude
Rev. Fr. Francisco E. Bomediano Vicariate of St. Matthew
Rev. Msgr. Carmelito C. Torres, PC Vicariate of St. Paul
Saint Joseph Seminary College
Rev. Fr. Geremvit I. Truno Rector
Rev. Fr. Ben Eric C. Lozada Dean of Studies
Rev. Fr. Matias Rendon Spiritual Director
Rev. Fr. Hitchon S. Amahit Pastoral Director and Prefect of Discipline
Rev. Fr. Ferdinand A. Ferraren Procurator and Vocation Director
Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA)
Rev. Fr. Nathaniel B. Gomez President
Rev. Fr. Thadeu Enrique N. Balongag Vice-President for Academic Affairs

School and Hospital Chaplaincies

Rev. Fr. Clyde B. Flores Chaplain St. Paul University Dumaguete
Rev. Msgr. Thaddeu Stefano Z. Quinit, PC Catherina Cittadini School
Rev. Fr. Thadeu Enrique N. Balongag Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)
Rev. Msgr. Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela, PC Foundation University
Rev. Fr. Ramonito S. Torres Holy Child Hospital
Rev. Fr. Alfredo H. Bonocan, FBB Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) Divine Mercy Chaplaincy
Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross Fatima Village Chaplaincy
Rev. Fr. Eric Lozada Carmelite Monastery Chaplaincy
Rev. Fr. Ramonito P. Maata Station Manager DYWC "Radyo Bandilyo" Station

Diocesan Commissions

Ministry on Worship
Rev. Fr. Nestor C. Remata Commission on Liturgy
Rev. Msgr. Julius Perpetuto S. Heruela, P.C. Commission on Church Cultural Heritage
Rev. Fr. Sulpicio P. Vincoy Commission on Extraordinary Phenomena
Ministry on Education
Rev. Fr. Hitchon S. Amahit Commission on Catechesis
Rev. Fr. Hendrix C. Alar Commission on Bible Apostolate
Rev. Fr. Thadeu Enrique N. Balongag Commission on Catholic Education
Rev. Fr. Ramonito P. Maata Commission on Social Communication
Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony S. Vilos Commission on Mission and Evangelization
Ministry on Social Services
Rev. Fr. Burton N. Villarmente Commission on Social Action
Rev. Fr. Rexbert B. Garces Commission on Health Care
Rev. Fr. Matias D. Rendon, Jr. Commission on Prison Pastoral Care
Rev. Fr. Cecilio U. Gordoncillo Commission on Environment
Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Acab Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People
Ministry on Clergy, Consecrated Persons, and Seminarians
Rev. Fr. Ben Eric C. Lozada Commission on Clergy
Rev. Fr. Gerard Francis Griffith, CSsR Commission on Consecrated Persons
Rev. Fr. Clyde B. Flores Commission on Vocations
Rev. Fr. Geremvit I. Truno Commission on Seminarians
Ministry on Lay Formation
Rev. Fr. Nathaniel B. Gomez Commission on Family and Life
Rev. Msgr. Glenn M. Corsiga, P.C., V.G. Commission on Laity
Rev. Fr. Bernardo L. Maquiling Commission on Youth

Parishes

North District - Rev. Msgr. Glenn M. Corsiga, PC

Vicariate of St. Thomas

Rev. Fr. Edgardo Q. Mariño

Rev. Fr. Cecilio U. Gordoncillo Holy Child Parish Jimalalud
Rev. Fr. Jose Antonio B. Arnaiz St. Anthony of Padua Parish Tayasan
Rev. Fr. Ireneo A. Ruiz St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Bindoy
Rev. Fr. Edgardo Q. Mariño St. Isidore the Farmer Parish Ayungon
Order of Augustinian Recollects Our Lady of Lourdes Chaplaincy
Vicariate of St. Simon the Zealot

Rev. Msgr. Ramon L. Duran, PC

Rev. Fr. Dexter V. Pomada St. Francis of Assisi Parish Manjuyod
Rev. Fr. Onesimo B. Durango Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Paniabonan, Mabinay
Rev. Fr. Norberto L. Macion Sto. Niño Parish Mabinay
Rev. Fr. Christian G. Benjamin San Isidro Labrador Chaplaincy Mangganay, Bais City
Rev. Msgr. Ramon L. Duran, PC St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Bais City
Rev. Fr. Jay M. Enriquez
Rev. Fr. Harnell K. Paulin
Vicariate of St. Philip

Rev. Msgr. Gamaliel D. Tulabing, PC

Rev. Fr. Roland S. Omatang Holy Cross Parish Tanjay City
Rev. Msgr. Glenn M. Corsiga, PC St. James the Greater Parish
Rev. Fr. Moises L. Silva
Rev. Fr. Nestor C. Remata Sta. Agueda Parish Pamplona
Rev. Fr. Randy Falcon M. de los Santos Our Lady of the Pillar Parish
Rev. Fr. Aliford O. Maglinte St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Amlan
Rev. Fr. Roman C. Sagun, Jr.
Rev. Fr. Ranulfo T. Colina St. Joseph the Worker Parish San Jose
Rev. Fr. Felino P. Jumawan
Rev. Msgr. Gamaliel D. Tulabing, PC St. Anthony of Padua Parish Sibulan
Rev. Fr. Joseph Marlon A. Martinez
Rev. Fr. Dennis C. Desor

Central District - Most Rev. Julito B. Cortes, D.D.

Vicariate of St. Peter

Rev. Msgr. Mariño P. Ybo, PC

Rev. Msgr. Marino P. Ybo, PC St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Parish Dumaguete City
Rev. Fr. Hendrix C. Alar
Rev. Fr. Henry A. Hisona
Rev. Msgr. Manuel P. Duetao, PC
Rev. Fr. Sulpicio P. Vincoy San Vicente Ferrer Parish Camanjac, Dumaguete City
Rev. Msgr. Thaddeu Stefano Z. Quinit,PC Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Balugo, Dumaguete City
Rev. Fr. Burton N. Villarmente San Isidro Labrador Parish Junob, Dumaguete City
Rev. Fr. Matias D. Rendon, Jr.
Lorenzo Ruiz Mission Society Immaculate Conception Parish Dumaguete City
Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Daro, Dumaguete City
Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross Divine Mercy Parish Banilad, Bacong

South District - Rev. Msgr. Robert A. Bongoyan, HP

Vicariate of St. John

Rev. Msgr. Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela, PC

Rev. Msgr. Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela, PC St. Augustine of Hippo Parish Bacong
Rev. Fr. Cleford V. Buhian
Rev. Fr. Ananias B. Boncales St. Nicholas of Tolentino Chaplaincy Magsaysay, Dauin
Rev. Msgr. Albert Erasmo G. Bohol, PC St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Dauin
Rev. Fr. Isidro Salveto K. Pada
Rev. Fr. Expedito T. Busmeon
Rev. Fr. Oscar G. Calunod St. Isidore the Farmer Parish Zamboanguita
Rev. Fr. Alfredo L. Duran
Order of Augustinian Recollects Our Lady Of The Abandoned Parish Valencia
St. Ezekiel Moreno Chaplaincy Caidiocan, Valencia
St. Vincent Ferrer Chaplaincy Apo Island, Valencia
Vicariate of St. Jude

Rev. Fr. Casiano O. Salac, Jr.

Rev. Fr. Marcelo Q. Kinilitan St. Anthony of Padua Parish Bonbonon, Siaton
Rev. Fr. Casiano O. Salac, Jr. St. Nicholas of Bari Parish Siaton
Rev. Fr. Bernardo L. Maquiling
Rev. Fr. Archie K. Toroy
Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony S. Vilos St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Bonawon, Siaton
Rev. Fr. Dalmacio R. Heramis Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Manalongon, Sta. Catalina
Rev. Fr. Ricarte E. Deguit St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy San Francisco, Sta. Catalina
Rev. Fr. Oliver P. Bolongon
Vicariate of St. Matthew

Rev. Fr. Francisco E. Bomediano

Rev. Fr. Walter B. Tubis St. Isidore the Farmer Chaplaincy Amio, Sta. Catalina
Rev. Fr. Francisco E. Bomediano St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Sta. Catalina
Rev. Fr. Bencito Kho St. Isidore the Farmer Parish Kalumboyan, Bayawan
Rev. Fr. Henry J. Palamos St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Dauis, Bayawan
Rev. Msgr. Robert A. Bongoyan, HP St. Thomas of Villanueva Parish Bayawan
Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Acab
Rev. Carem R. Olam
Rev. Fr. Rexbert B. Garces Sto. Niño Chaplaincy Tayawan, Bayawan
Rev. Fr. Cecilio E. Bomediano St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Basay

South District - Rev. Msgr. Candelario O. Catubig, HP

Vicariate of St. Paul

Rev. Msgr. Carmelito C. Torres, PC

Rev. Fr. Zacarias R. Cortes St. Francis of Assisi Parish Siquijor, Siquijor
Rev. Msgr. Carmelito C. Torres, PC San Roque Parish Banban, Siquijor
Rev. Fr. Leonard L. Tan
Rev. Fr. Ronaldo E. Ablong St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Larena, Siquijor
Rev. Fr. Victor A. Fontejon Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish E. Villanueva, Siquijor
Rev. Fr. Susano O. Arbas
Rev. Msgr. Candelario O. Catubig, HP Our Lady of Divine Providence Maria, Siquijor
Rev. Fr. Jose Jaime E. Abellar St. Barbara Parish Campalanas, Lazi
Rev. Fr. Primo A. Taoc
Rev. Fr. Anecito R. Gutierrez St. Isidore the Farmer Parish Lazi, Siquijor
Rev. Fr. Jerry Y. Flores St. Augustine of Hippo Parish San Juan, Siquijor
  1. ↑ "The Diocese of Dumaguete". www.cbcponline.net. Retrieved 2016-02-11.
  2. ↑ Philippines. Census Office. (1920–1921). Census of the Philippine Islands taken under the direction of the Philippine Legislature in the year 1918 ... Compiled and published by the Census Office of the Philippine Islands. Manila: Manila: Bureau of Printing. p. 222.
  3. ↑ Madriaga, Mariano (November 1955). "Coat-of-Arms of Bishop Epifanio B. Surban of Dumaguete". Boletin Eclesiastico de Filipinas. Vol. 29 no. Año XXXIII, Number 329. UST Ecclesiastical Publications Office. p. 729. Retrieved April 7, 2018.

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