THE PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE BISHOPS IN ANDA, BOHOL

 July 4, 2025

          After the Mass and lunch-river cruise in Loboc, the bishops continued their journey to Anda. At this point, coordination shifted from the team of the Diocese of Tagbilaran to the team from the Diocese of Talibon. As the convoy entered Jagna—the first town under the Diocese of Talibon—they were greeted by residents lining the streets, waving flaglets in a warm display of welcome.

          The bishops made their first stop in the town of Duero to visit its centuries-old church, notable for its wooden floors. Another brief stop followed at the church in Guindulman, where they were welcomed by parishioners gathered in the church grounds, with student-dancers performing a traditional dance of greeting.

          From there, the group proceeded to Anda. The main venue for the sessions was the Bugnaw Si-E Resort. As the resort could not accommodate all the bishops, two other nearby resorts—Anda Pearl and Parklane—were also used for lodging.

          A welcome program was held at the plenary hall of Bugnaw Si-E, where dinner was also served. Among those who delivered welcome messages was Congresswoman Alexie Besas-Tutor, whose family owns the resort.

Students from a Catholic school in Jagna lining the streets to welcome the bishops.

The municipal hall of Jagna

Immaculate Conception Parish Church (F-1872)
Duero, Bohol

Our Lady of Consolation Parish (F-1787)
Guindulman, Bohol

The bishops with coconut juice in hand watching the welcome dance.

The congresswoman of the third district of Bohol, Alexie Besas-Tutor giving her welcome speech. 

Fr. Raul Cuyag, my student in Canon Law in UST was the emcee.

July 5, 2025

            The first day of the 130th Plenary Asembly of the bishops. One of the main activity on the first day was the election of officers of the CBCP, including the chairmanship of the different commissions, committees and offices (ECCOs).

Bp. Oscar Florencio led the morning prayer.

Abp. Charles John Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio giving his customary speech at the opening of the plenary.

Cardinal Ambo David delivering his last speech as president of the conference. 

Mass in the afternoon was held at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Jagna, Bohol. 

St. Michael the Archangel Parish (F-1876)
Jagna, Bohol

The altar of Jagna parish church

With Fr. Randy Boiser, another student of mine in Canon Law from Talibon.

Dinner was served at the Jagna Cultural Center

July 6, 2025

Bp. William Antonio of Ilagan led the morning prayers.

The Sunday mass was celebrated at the Sto. Nino Parish, Anda, Bohol with a picture taking prior to the mass outside the church. 

Dinner was held at the beach just right in front of the church. The bishops were made to wear Hawaiian polos which the diocese provided.

The outfit was completed with locally made buri hats. 

The CBCP Secretariat

Two Bol-anon bishops: Bp. Eli Ayuban of Cubao and Bp. Soc Messiona of Puerto Princesa.

The four full-time priests residing at the CBCP headquarters: Fr. Vlad Echalas, head of Research; Fr Mike Samaniego, head of HR, the Secretary General and Fr. Bryand Restituto, Asst. SecGen.

July 7, 2025

The bishops acknowledging the decisions and resolutions made as the plenary assembly came to an end. 

 The last time Cardinal David and Bp. Mylo Vergara, president and vice president respectively, to preside over the plenary.

Fr. Bryand giving his last instructions before the departure of the bishops.

Bp. Jose Corazon Tala-oc, bishops emeritus of Kalibo presiding the last mass of the plenary and most likely, the last mass he will be celebrating as celebrant of the plenary. 

With the seminarians from Talibon who served during the plenary.

The CBCP priests and sisters were invited by the relatives of Abp. Du to a dinner at the Amun Ini Resort. After the plenary, the CBCP staff extended for two days to see more of the sights the island of Bohol had to offer.