PHILIPPINE DIOCESES AND THEIR CATHEDRALS

There are now 87 ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the country, comprising 16 archdioceses, 59 dioceses, 7 Apostolic Vicariates, 4 Prelatures, and one Military Ordinariate. The ordinary ecclesiastical circumscription in the church is called a diocese and is headed by a diocesan bishop.  There are, however, other ecclesiastical circumscriptions that, because of circumstances, have not yet been created into a diocese. This is the case of an apostolic vicariate which is usually made in a mission territory and is under the jurisdiction of the Dicastery for Evangelization,  Section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches  whose head now is our very own Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. The territorial prelature is also found in mission areas where there are few Catholics but unlike the apostolic vicariate falls under the Dicastery of Bishops like the dioceses. The Military ordinariate, on the other hand, does not have a territorial jurisdiction but personal. Its members are all the men in uniform including their families. Hence the bishop of the military ordinariate has members all over the country.  In the Philippines, the military ordinariate does not only include those who are in the armed forces (army, navy and air force) but also the police force (PNP), coast guard, Bureau of Fire and Protection,  Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. The heads of the apostolic vicariate called Apostolic Vicar and territorial prelature called Territorial Prelate are usually ordained bishops and they have the same power as the diocesan bishops. Dioceses are grouped together to form an ecclesiastical  or metropolitan province headed by an archbishop who heads an archdiocese.  The dioceses under the archdiocese are called suffragan dioceses. The archbishop, however, does not possess any power over his suffragan bishops but is just the first among equals. The law cites very few instances when the metropolitan archbishop can intervene in the administration of his suffragan diocese.

In presenting the cathedrals in the Philippines, I grouped them into archdioceses with their suffragan dioceses from Luzon to Mindanao beginning with the oldest in creation. I have been fortunate to have visited all the dioceses and their Cathedrals in the Philippines. 

DIOCESES IN LUZON

1. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA

   Manila is the oldest diocese in the Philippines.  It was created on February 6, 1579 and elevated to an archdiocese on August 14, 1595.  It comprises of Makati City, Manila, Pasay City, San Juan and Mandaluyong City. The suffragan dioceses of Manila include Antipolo, Cubao, Imus, Kalookan, Malolos, Novaliches, Parañaque, Pasig, Puerto Princesa, San Pablo, Taytay and the Military Ordinariate.

     

2. APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF PUERTO PRINCESA

Puerto Princesa became an Apostolic Vicariate on April 19, 1910. The Apostolic Vicariate comprises the city of Puerto Princesa and the ten southern municipalities of the province which are the following: Aborlan, Balabac, Bataraza, Brooke’s Point, Cagayancillo, Kalayaan, Narra, Quezon, Rizal and Sofronio Española. I only have visited so far the city of Puerto Princesa. 

3. MILITARY ORDINARIATE

            The Military ordinariate was created first as a Vicariate on December 8, 1950. Then it was elevated to an Ordinariate on  July 21, 1986.

4. DIOCESE OF MALOLOS

Malolos was created a diocese on November 25, 1960 comprising the entire province of Bulacan which is composed of 20 towns and 4 cities which are the following: Angat, Balagtas, Baliuag City, Bocaue, Bulakan, Bustos, Calumpit, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Guiguinto, Hagonoy Malolos City, Marilao, Meycauayan City, Norzagaray, Obando, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, Pulilan, San Ildefonso, San Jose del Monte City, San Miguel, San Rafael and Sta. Maria. The city of Valenzuela which in 1975 became part of Metro Manila still belongs to the Diocese of Malolos. I have visited all the parish churches of the towns and cities of  the province of Laguna. 

5. DIOCESE OF IMUS

Imus became a diocese on November 25, 1961 comprising the province of Cavite which is composed of 16 towns and 7 cities which are the following: Alfonso, Amadeo, Bacoor City, Carmona, Cavite City, Dasmariñas City, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Gen. Mariano Alvarez (GMA), General Trias City, Imus City, Indang, Kawit, Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez, Naic, Noveleta, Rosario, Silang, Tagaytay City, Tanza, Ternate and Trece Martires City. I have also visited all the parish churches of the towns and cities of Cavite.

6. DIOCESE OF SAN PABLO

The Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna was created a diocese on November 28, 1966 comprising the province of Laguna which is composed of 24 towns and 6 cities which are the following: Alaminos, Bay, Biñan City, Cabuyao City, Calamba City, Calauan, Cavinti, Famy, Kalayaan, Liliw Los Baños, Luisiana, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Paete, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pangil, Pila, Rizal, San Pablo City, San Pedro City, Siniloan, Sta. Cruz, Sta. Maria, Sta. Rosa City and Victoria.  

7. DIOCESE OF ANTIPOLO

The diocese was created on January 28, 1966 comprising the province of Rizal with the following towns and cities: Angono, Antipolo, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jalajala, Montalban (Rodriguez), Morong, Pililla, San Mateo, Taytay, Teresa, Tanay and the whole city of Marikina.  The seat of the diocese is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo. I have visited all the parish churches of the towns and cities of the province of Rizal.

8. APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF TAYTAY

            The Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay was carved from the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa. It was created on May 26, 2002 comprising the northern part of Palawan which are the following 13 towns: Taytay, Araceli, Agutaya, Busuanga, San Vicente, El Nido, Coron, Culion, Cuyo, Dumaran, Linapacan, Magsaysay and Roxas. The Cathedral is still under construction. I have been to seven of the 13 towns under Taytay. Although I have not been to the main island of Cuyo but I already got to visit the island of Manamoc which belongs to the municipality of Cuyo. 

9. DIOCESE OF NOVALICHES

The Archdiocese of Manila was divided into five dioceses beginning with the Diocese of Novaliches on December 7, 2002.  The Diocese of Novaliches comprises the northern parts of Quezon City and Caloocan City. 

10. DIOCESE OF PARAÑAQUE

Parañaque was created as a diocese together with Novaliches on December 7, 2002 comprising the cities of Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa.

11. DIOCESE OF PASIG

The Diocese of Pasig was created on June 26, 2003. The diocese comprises the cities of Pasig and Taguig and the town of Pateros. 

12. DIOCESE OF CUBAO

The diocese was created together with Kalookan on June 28, 2003 comprising the southern part of Quezon City. 

13. DIOCESE OF KALOOKAN

The Diocese of Kalookan was created on June 28, 2003. The territory includes the cities of Malabon and Navotas and only one third of the city of Caloocan  as the rest belongs to the Diocese of Novaliches.  

14. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NUEVA SEGOVIA

    Nueva Segovia  was created a diocese on August 14, 1595 together with Cebu and Nueva Caceres in Naga. Nueva Segovia was a flourishing town in Cagayan.  However, because of floods from the mighty Cagayan river, the town slowly was effaced and eventually was merged with the nearby town of Lal-lo. The seat of the diocese was then transferred to Vigan in 1758 while retaining its name. It was elevated into an archdiocese on June 29, 1951. The archdiocese comprises the province of Ilocos Sur which is composed of 32 towns and 2 component cities which are the following: Alilem, Banayoyo, Bantay, Burgos, Cabugao, Candon City, Caoayan, Cervantes, Galimuyod, Gregorio del Pilar, Lidlidda, Magsingal, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Quirino, Salcedo, San Emilio, San Esteban, San Ildefonso, San Juan, San Vicente, Santa, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sigay, Sinait, Sugpon, Suyo, Tagudin and Vigan City. Its suffragan dioceses are Baguio, Bangued, Bontoc-Lagawe and Laoag. 

15. DIOCESE OF BAGUIO

    Baguio was first created as the Apostolic Prelature of the Mountain Provinces (MONTAÑOSA) on July 15, 1932. It was elevated to Apostolic Vicariate on June 10, 1948 and elevated to the status of a diocese on July 10, 2004. It comprises Baguio City and and the 13 towns of the Benguet province which are the following: Ato, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay. 

16. DIOCESE OF BANGUED

        Bangued was created a diocese on June 12, 1955 comprising the entire province of Abra which is composed of 27 towns which are the following: Bangued, Boliney, Bucay, Bucloc, Daguioman, Danglas, Dolores, La Paz, Lacub, Lagangilang, Lagayan, Langiden, Licuan-Baay, Luba, Malibcong, Manabo, Peñarrubia, Pidigan, Pilar, Sallapadan, San Isidro, San Juan, San Quintin, Tayum, Tineg, Tubo and Villaviciosa. 

17. DIOCESE OF LAOAG

The diocese of Laoag was created on June 6, 1961 comprising the entire province of Ilocos Norte which is composed of 21 towns and 2 cities which are the following: Adams, Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui, Banna, Batac City, Burgos, Carasi, Currimao, Dingras, Dumalneg, Laoag City, Marcos, Nueva Era, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Pinili, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Solsona and Vintar. 

18. APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF BONTOC-LAGAWE

The apostolic vicariate was created on August 6, 1002 comprising the civil provinces of the Mountain Province and Ifugao. The Mountain province is composed of 10 towns: Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Bontoc, Natonin, Paracelis, Sabangan, Sadanga, Sagada and Tadian. Ifugao has 11 municipalities: Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Asipulo,Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, Lamut, Mayoyao and Tinoc. 

19. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CACERES

The Archdiocese of Caceres was created a diocese on August 14, 1595 and elevated into an archdiocese on June 29, 1951. The archdiocese comprises the third, fourth and fifth congressional districts of Camarines Sur of which there are 23 towns and 2 cities which are the following: Baao, Balatan, Bato, Bombon, Buhi, Bula, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Iriga City, Lagonoy, Magarao, Nabua, Naga City, Ocampo, Pilip, Presentacion, Sagnay, San Jose, Siruma, Tigaon and Tinambac.  The suffragan dioceses are Daet, Legazpi, Libmanan, Masbate, Sorsogon and Virac. 

20. DIOCESE OF LEGAZPI

The diocese of Legazpi was created  with Sorsogon on June 29, 1951 at the same time when its  mother diocese of Caceres was elevated to an archdiocese. Legazpi comprises the entire province of Albay which is composed of 15 towns and 3 cities: Bacacay, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Jovellar, Legazpi, Libon, Ligao, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Oas, Pio Duran, Polagui, Rapu-Rapu, Santo Domingo, Tabaco and Tiwi. 

21. DIOCESE OF SORSOGON

Created as a diocese of June 29, 1951 comprising the civil province of Sorsogon which is composed of 14 towns and one city: Barcelona, Bulan, Bulusan, Casiguran, Castilla, Donsol, Gubat, Irosin, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog, Pilar, Prieto Diaz, Santa Magdalena and Sorsogon City. 

22. DIOCESE OF MASBATE

The diocese was created on March 23, 1963 comprising the province of Masbate. The province is composed of 20 municipalities and one city: Aroroy, Baleno, Balud, Batuan, Cataingan,Cawayan, Claveria, Dimasalang, Esperanza, Mandaon, Masbate City, Milagros, Mobo, Monreal, Palanas, Pio V. Corpuz, Placer, San Fernando, San Jacinto, San Pascual and Uson. 

23. DIOCESE OF DAET

The diocese was created together with Virac on May 27, 1974 carved from the Archdiocese of Caceres. It comprises the province of Camarines Norte which has 12 towns: Basud, Capalonga, Daet, Jose Panganiban, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, Santa Elena, Talisay and Vinzons.

24. DIOCESE OF VIRAC

The diocese was created on May 27, 1974 comprising the island province of Catanduanes  and is composed of eleven municipalites: Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, San Andres, San Miguel, Viga and Virac.  

25. DIOCESE OF LIBMANAN

The diocese  was created as a Prelature on December 9, 1989 and was elevated to the status of a diocese on Mach 25, 2009. It comprises the first and second districts of Camarines Sur of which there are 12 towns: Cabusao,Del Gallego, Gainza, Libmanan, Lupi, Milaor, Minalabac, Pamplona, Pasacao, Ragay, San Fernando and Sipocot. 

26. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LINGAYEN-DAGUPAN

Lingayen-Dagupan was created a diocese on May 19, 1928  as the Diocese of Lingayen comprising the whole province of Pangasinan. Because of the destruction of the town of Lingayen during the second world war, the seat was transferred in 1954 to Dagupan, hence the name of  the diocese as Lingayen-Dagupan. The diocese was elevated into the status of an archdiocese on February 16, 1963. It comprises the capital of the province, two cities and 15 municipalities of the central part of Pangasinan: Dagupan City, San Carlos City, Basista, Bautista, Bayambang, Binmaley, Calasiao, Laoac, Lingayen, Malasiqui, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Mapandan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Santa Barbara and Urbiztondo. 

Its suffragan dioceses are Alaminos, Cabanatuan, San Fernando de la Union, San Jose Nueva Ecija and Urdaneta.

27. DIOCESE OF CABANATUAN

The diocese was created on February 16, 1963 comprising the civil province of Nueva Ecija. 

28. DIOCESE OF SAN FERNANDO DE  LA UNION

San Fernando, La Union was created a diocese on January 19, 1970 comprsing the civil province of La Union. The province of La Union consists of the provincial capital city of San Fernando and adjacent municipalities of Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Luna, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santol and Sudipen. The compose the first district.  The second district consists of the southern municipalities of Agoo, Aringay, Bagulin, Bauang, Burgos, Caba, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, Santo Tomas and Tubao.

29. DIOCESE SAN JOSE, NUEVA ECIJA

Created a diocese on February 16, 1984. It comprises the cities of San Jose and the Science City of Muñoz and 12 other northern towns of Nueva Ecija: Carranglan, Lupao, Pantabangan, Rizal, Llanera, Sto. Domingo, Quezon, Licab, Guimba, Cuyapo, Talugtug, Nampicuan,

30. DIOCESE OF ALAMINOS

Created a diocese together with Urdaneta on January 12, 1985. Both dioceses were carved out from the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan of the province of Pangasinan. Urdaneta comprises 14 towns in the western part of Pangasinan: Alaminos City, Agno, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Burgos, Dasol, Infanta, Mabini, Mangatarem, Aguilar, Bugallon, Labrador and Sual.

31. DIOCESE OF URDANETA

Urdaneta was created a diocese on January 12, 1985 comprising of 17 towns in the eastern part of Pangasinan: Urdaneta City, Umingan, San Nicolas, San Manuel, Rosales, Asingan, Binalonan, Pozorrubio, Sison, Villasis, Alcala, Santo Tomas, Balungao, Santa Maria, Tayug, San Quintin, Natividad

32. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LIPA

        Lipa was created a diocese on April 10, 1910 and elevated to an archdiocese of June 20, 1972 comprising the province of Batangas.  The province is composed of three cities and 31 municipalities: Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Balete, Batangas City, Bauan, Calaca, Calatagan, Cuenca, Ibaan, Laurel, Lemery, Lian, Lipa City, Lobo, Mabini, Malvar, Mataas Na Kahoy, Nasugbu, Padre Garcia, Rosario, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, San Nicolas, San Pascual, Santa Teresita, Santo Tomas, Taal, Talisay, Tanauan City, Taysan, Tingloy and Tuy.

  The suffragan dioceses include Boac, Calapan, Gumaca, Lucena, Infanta and San Jose Occidental Mindoro. 

33. APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF CALAPAN

The Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro was first created as a Prelature  on July 2, 1936 and then as an Apostolic Vicariate on July 12, 1951. The Apostolic Vicariate comprises all the 14 municipalities of Oriental Mindoro:  Baco, Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Gloria, Mansalay, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola, Puerto Galera, Roxas, San Teodoro, Socorro, Victoria.

34. DIOCESE OF LUCENA

Lucena was created a diocese on March 28, 1950 comprising the central towns of the province of Quezon which are the following 16 towns and cities: Lucena, Tayabas City, Sariaya, Candelaria, Tiaong, San Antonio, Dolores, Lucban, Sampaloc, Mauban, Pagbilao, Atimonan, Plaridel, Unisan, Agdangan and Padre Burgos

35. PRELATURE OF INFANTA

Infanta was created as a territorial prelature on April 25, 1950. It comprises eight towns of the northern part of the Quezon province which are the following: Infanta, Gen. Nakar, Real and the islands of  Polillo, Burdeos, Panukulan, Patnanungan and Jomalig. It also includes the eight towns of the Aurora province: Baler, San Luis, Maria Aurora, Dipaculao, Dingalan, Casiguran, Dinalungan and Dilasag.

36. DIOCESE OF BOAC

Boac was created a diocese on April 2, 1977 comprising the island province of Marinduque composed of six municipalities:  Boac, Mogpog, Santa Cruz, Buenavista, Torrijos and Gasan. 

37. APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF SAN JOSE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

The Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro was created on January 27, 1983 separating it from the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan and comprising the province of Occidental Mindoro with the following eleven municipalities: Abra de Ilog, Calintaan, Looc, Lubang, Magsaysay, Mamburao (capital), Paluan, Rizal, Sablayan, San Jose and Sta. Cruz.

38. DIOCESE OF GUMACA

Gumaca was created a diocese on April 9, 1984 and comprises the eastern part of Quezon province which are the following 17 municipalities: Gumaca, Lopez, Buenavista, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Calauag, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Macalelon, General Luna, Pitogo, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Francisco, San Andres and  San Narciso.

39. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TUGUEGARAO

Tuguegarao was created a diocese on April 19, 1910 and elevated into an archdiocese on September 21, 1974. It comprises the province  of Cagayan including the islands of Fuga, Calayan, Camiguin, Dalupiri and Babuyan Claro. The province has 28 towns and one component city: Tuguegarao City,  Lal-lo, Alcala, Aparri, Baggao, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Santa Ana,  Santa Teresita,  Abulug, Allacapan, Ballesteros, Calayan, Claveria, Lasam, Pamplona, Piat, Rizal, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes,  Santo Niño, Amulung, Enrile, Iguig, Peñablanca, Solana, and Tuao.

 Its suffragan dioceses are Bayombong, Ilagan, Batanes and Tabuk. 

40. PRELATURE OF BATANES

Batanes was first established as the Territorial Prelature of Batanes and Babuyanes on November 30, 1950. In February 6, 2002 the Prelature was reduced to comprise only the province of Batanes. There are only six towns in the province: Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang and Uyugan. 

41. DIOCESE OF BAYOMBONG

Bayombong was first established as a Prelature  on November 7, 1966 and elevated into a diocese on November 15, 1982 comprising the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino. Nueva Vizcaya is composed of 15 municipalities: Alfonso Castañeda, Ambaguio, Aritao, Bagabag, Bambang, Bayombong, Diadi, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Kasibu, Kayapa, Quezon, Santa Fe, Solano, Villaverde. Quirino province is composed of 6 towns: Cabarroguis, Diffun, Aglipay, Maddela, Nagtipunan, and Saguday. 

42. DIOCESE OF ILAGAN

The diocese was created on January 30, 1966 and comprises the entire province of Isabela composed of six districts. The first district is now composed of the City of Ilagan and the towns of Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Divilacan, Maconacon, Tumauini, San Pablo, Sta. Maria and Sto. Tomas. The second district is comprised of Benito Soliven, Palanan, Naguilian, Reina Mercedes, San Mariano and Gamu; while the third district is made up of Alicia, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Ramon and Angadanan. Santiago City, Cordon, Dinapigue, San Agustin and Jones make up the fourth district. The fifth district is composed of Aurora, Burgos, Luna, Mallig, Quezon, Quirino, Roxas, and San Manuel;  while Cauayan City, Echague, San Guillermo, and San Isidro comprise the sixth legislative districts.

43. APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF TABUK

Tabuk was created as an Apostolic Vicariate on July 6, 1992 and comprises the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao. Kalinga is composed of 8 municipalities namely, Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Tabuk, Tanudan and Tinglayan. The province of Apayao is geographically subdivided into Upper Apayao (composed of the upland municipalities: Calanasan, Conner and Kabugao) and Lower Apayao (the lowland municipalities: Luna, Pudtol, Flora and Sta. Marcela.

44. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FERNANDO

San Fernando, Pampanga was created a diocese on December 11, 1948 and elevated into an archdiocese on March 17, 1975 comprising the civil province of Pampanga. Pampanga comprises 19 municipalities and three cities (one highly urbanized and two component). The province is divided into three parts. The western portion includes the municipalities of Porac and Floridablanca, the component city of Mabalacat, and the highly urbanized city of Angeles. The central part consists of the municipalities of Magalang, Arayat, Mexico, Santa Ana, Bacolor, Santa Rita, Guagua, Lubao, Sasmuan, and the highly urbanized city of San Fernando. The eastern half is composed of the municipalities of Candaba, San Luis, Santo Tomas, San Simon, Minalin, Apalit, Macabebe, and Masantol. 

 It includes the dioceses of Balanga, Iba and Tarlac as its suffragan dioceses. 

45. DIOCESE OF IBA

Iba was established as a diocese on June 12, 1955 comprising the civil province of Zambales. 

46. DIOCESE OF TARLAC

Tarlac was created a diocese on February 16, 1963 comprising the civil province of Tarlac. It is composed of the city of Tarlace and 17 municipalities:  Anao, Bamban, Camiling, Capas, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Mayantoc, Moncada, Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, San Clemente, San Jose, San Manuel, Santa Ignacia, and Victoria

47. DIOCESE OF BALANGA

The diocese was created on March 17, 1975 comprising the civil province of Bataan.  The province of Bataan is composed only of eleven towns and one component city of Balanga which serves as the capital of the province. The towns,  if one enters from Pampanga going south and rounding up the peninsula to the west, are Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Balanga City, Pilar, Orion Limay, Mariveles, Bagac and Morong.

DIOCESES IN THE VISAYAS

48. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CEBU

Cebu was created a diocese on August 14, 1595 at the same time that Manila,  the first diocese in the Philippines was erected as an archdiocese. Cebu was elevated as an archdiocese on April 28, 1934. It comprises the civil province of Cebu. The province of Cebu is composed of 9 cities: Cebu, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, Naga, Carcar, Toledo, Bogo, and Danao and forty-four (44) municipalities: Minglanilla, San Fernando, Sibonga, Alcoy, Argao, Boljoon, Dalaguete, Oslob, Samboan, Santander, Aloguinsan, Asturias, Balamban, Barili, Pinamungajan, Tuburan, Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Tabogon and Tabuelan, Consolacion, Cordova,  Alcantara, Alegria, Badian, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Moalboal and Ronda. The town in Camotes Islands: Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Liloan, Pilar, Poro, San Francisco, Sogod and Tudela. 

 The suffragan dioceses include Dumaguete, Maasin, Tagbilaran and Talibon. 

49. DIOCESE OF TAGBILARAN

The diocese was created on November 8, 1941 comprising the southern half of the province of Bohol composed of one city and 26 towns: Tagbilaran,  Alburquerque, Antequera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Calape, Catigbian, Corella, Cortes, Dauis, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sikatuna, Tubigon, Clarin, Batuan, Bilar,  Sagbayan, San Isidro, Dimiao,  Lila, Loay, Loboc, Sevilla, Valencia, Garcia Hernandez.

50. DIOCESE OF DUMAGUETE

Dumaguete was created a diocese on April 5, 1955 comprising the civil provinces of Siquijor and Negros Oriental excluding four municipalities in the north of the province. The Diocese of Dumaguete include the following 20 towns of Negros Oriental:  Dumaguete City, Bacong, Sibulan, San Jose, Amlan, Tanjay City, Pamplona, Bais City, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Valencia, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan and Basay. And the 6 towns of the Province of Siquijor: Siquijor,  Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi and  San Juan.

51. DIOCESE OF MAASIN

Maasin in Southern Leyte was created a diocese of March 23, 1968 comprising the province of Southern Leyte with one city and 18 towns: Maasin, Sogod, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, Anahawan, San Juan, Hinunangan, Hinundayan,  Silago, Malitbog, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, Tomas Oppus and Limasawa,  and six towns from the province of Leyte: Baybay, Inopacan, Hindang, Hilongos, Bato and Matalom.

52. DIOCESE OF TALIBON

Talibon was established as a diocese on January 9, 1986 comprising the northern half of the province of Bohol composed of 21 towns: Alicia, Anda, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Candijay, Carmen, Dagohoy, Danao, Duero, Getafe, Guindulman, Inabanga, Jagna, Mabini, Pilar, President Carlos P. Garcia, San Miguel, Sierra Bullones, Talibon, Trinidad, Ubay

53. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF JARO

Jaro was created a diocese on May 27, 1865 and elevated to an archdiocese in June 29, 1951 comprising the provinces of Guimaras and Iloilo. The province of Iloilo consists of two cities and 42 municipalities: Iloilo,  Guimbal, Igbaras, Miagao, Oton, San Joaquin, Tigbauan, Tubungan,  Alimodian, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga,  Badiangan, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Calinog, Janiuay, Lambunao, Maasin, Mina,  Pototan, Passi, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas,  San Enrique, Ajuy, Balasan, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, Estancia, Lemery, San Dionisio, San Rafael and Sara. The Province of Guimaras is composed of five municipalities namely: Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo and Sibunag.

 The suffragan dioceses are Bacolod, Kabankalan, San Carlos and San Jose de Antique. 

54. DIOCESE OF BACOLOD

Bacolod was created a diocese on July 15, 1932.  The diocese comprises the central territory of the province of Negros Occidental.  It includes the following towns and cities of the province of Negros Occidental:  Bacolod City, Talisay City, Silay City, E.B. Magalona, Victorias City, Bago City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Hinigaran, Pontevedra, San Enrique, La Carlota City and Murcia.

55. DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE DE ANTIQUE

San Jose de Antique was first created as a Prelature on March 24, 1962 and elevated to a diocese on November 15, 1982 comprising the province of Antique. Antique is composed of 18 towns: Anini-y, Barbaza, Belison, Bugasong, Caluya, Culasi, Hamtic, Laua-an, Libertad, Pandan, Patnongon, San Jose de Buenavista, San Remigio, Sebaste, Sibalom, Tibiao, Tobias Fornier and Valderrama.

56. DIOCESE OF KABANKALAN

The diocese of Kabankalan was created at the same time as San Carlos on March 30, 1987. It comprises the southern part of the province of Negros Occidental which includes the following towns and cities:   Kabankalan City,   Binalbagan,   Himamaylan City,  Isabela,  Moises Padilla (Magallon),   La Castellana,    Ilog,    Cauayan,  Sipalay City,  Hinoba-an

57. DIOCESE OF SAN CARLOS

San Carlos was created a diocese on March 30, 1987. It comprises the towns of La Libertad, Guihulngan, Vallehermoso and the City of Canlaon in Negros Oriental and the towns of Manapla, Toboso, Calatrava, Don Salvador, Benedicto, Escalante, Cadiz and Sagay in Negros Occidental. 

58. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PALO

Palo was created a diocese on November 28, 1937 and elevated to an archdiocese on November 15, 1982. It comprises the civil province of Leyte except for six towns in the southwest which was given to the Diocese of Maasin and four towns in the northwest which was ceded to the Diocese of Naval.  Of the 40 towns and 3 cities of the province of Leyte, 31 towns and 2 cities belong to the Archdiocese of Palo: Tacloban,  Alangalang, Babatngon, Palo, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tanauan, Tolosa, Barugo, Burauen, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Jaro, Julita, La Paz, MacArthur, Mayorga, Abuyog, Javier, Mahaplag, Pastrana, Tabontabon, Tunga, Villaba,  Ormoc, Albuera, Isabel, Kananga, Matag-ob, Merida and Palompon

The suffragan dioceses are Borongan, Calbayog, Catarman and Naval. 

59. DIOCESE OF CALBAYOG

Calbayog was created a diocese on April 10, 1910 and is the mother diocese of the dioceses of Eastern Visayas composing the islands of Samar and Leyte. The diocese now comprises the civil province of Western Samar. It consists of two cities and 24 municipalities: Calbayog, Catbalogan, Almagro, Basey, Calbiga, Daram, Gandara, Hinabangan, Jiabong, Marabut, Matuguinao, Motiong, Pagsanghan, Paranas, Pinabacdao, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, San Sebastian, Santa Margarita, Santa Rita, Santo Niño, Tagapul-an, Talalora, Tarangnan, Villareal and Zumarraga.

60. DIOCESE OF BORONGAN

Borongan was created a diocese on October 22, 1960 comprising the civil province of Eastern Samar composed of one city and 22 municipalities: Borongan, Arteche, Balangiga, Balangkayan, Can-avid, Dolores, General MacArthur, Giporlos, Guiuan, Hernani, Jipapad, Lawaan, Llorente, Maslog, Maydolong, Mercedes, Oras, Quinapondan, Salcedo, San Julian, San Policarpo, Sulat and Taft.

61. DIOCESE OF CATARMAN

This diocese was created on December 5, 1974 comprising the civil province of Northern Samar composed of 24 municipalities: Allen, Biri, Bobon, Capul, Catarman, Catubig, Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig, Las Navas, Lavezares, Lope de Vega, Mapanas, Mondragon, Palapag, Pambujan, Rosario, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Jose, San Roque, San Vicente, Silvino Lobos, Victoria

62. DIOCESE OF NAVAL

Naval was created a diocese on November 29, 1988 comprising the island province of Biliran and four towns from  the north-western part of Leyte. Biliran has 8 towns: Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Culaba, Kawayan, Maripipi, Naval and the fours towns from Leyte are: Leyte, Leyte, San Isidro, Calubian and Tabango

63. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CAPIZ

Capiz was created a diocese on January 27, 1951 and elevated to an archdiocese on January 17, 1976 comprising the civil province of Capiz. It is composed of 16 towns and one city: Roxas,  Maayon, Panay, Panitan, Pilar, Pontevedra, President Roxas,  Cuartero, Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao, Ivisan, Jamindan, Mambusao, Sapian, Sigma and Tapaz

 Kalibo and Romblon are its suffragan dioceses. 

64. DIOCESE OF ROMBLON

The diocese of Romblon was created on December 19, 1974 comprising the civil province of Romblon composed of 17 municipalities. Its main components include Romblon, an archipelagic municipality of the same name that also serves as the provincial capital; Tablas, the largest island, covering nine municipalities:  Alcantara,  Calatrava, Ferrol, Imelda, Looc,  Odiongan, San Agustin, San Andres and  Sta. Fe; Sibuyan with its three towns: Cajidiocan, San Fernando, Magdiwang; as well as the smaller island municipalities of Corcuera, Banton, Concepcion, and San Jose.

65. DIOCESE OF KALIBO

Kalibo was created a diocese on January 17, 1976 comprising the civil province of Aklan composed of 17 municipalities: Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, New Washington, Numancia and  Tangalan.

DIOCESES IN MINDANAO

66. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF ZAMBOANGA

Zamboanga was created as a diocese on April 19, 1910 and elevated as an archdiocese on May 19, 1958 and comprises the city of Zamboanga.   It is the mother diocese of all the dioceses in Mindanao. Its suffragan are Ipil, Isabela de Basilan and Jolo. 

67.  DIOCESE OF IPIL

Ipil was created as a Prelature on December 24, 1979 and elevated to a diocese on May 1, 2010. It comprises the province of Zamboanga Sibugay with 16 municipalities: Alicia, Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, Ipil, Kabasalan, Mabuhay, Malangas, Naga, Olutanga, Payao, Roseller Lim, Siay, Talusan, Titay, Tungawan;  and three municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur: Bayog, Kumalarang, Lake Wood.

68. PRELATURE OF ISABELA DE BASILAN

This prelature was created on October 12, 1963 comprising the whole province of Basilan. The province comprises of 11 municipalities: Akbar, Al-Barka, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Hadji Muhtamad, Isabela City, Lamitan City, Lantawan, Maluso, Sumisip, Tabuan-Lasa, Tipo-Tipo, Tuburan, Ungkaya Pukan. Since Catholics comprise only about 27 percent of the total population who are mostly Muslims, there are only 10 parishes, 6 of them are found in Isabela and Lamitan. Only in Maluso is there a parish church in the town itself. In Sumisip, the parish is found in the barangay of Tumahubong. There are two parishes in Lantawan but not in the town proper itself but in two barangays. 

69. APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF JOLO

Jolo was erected as an Apostolic Prefecture on October 28, 1953 and elevated to an Apostolic Vicariate on July 12, 1958 comprising the provinces of Sulu and Tawi-tawi with its 464 islands and islets. There are 19 municipalities of Sulu and 11 in Tawi-tawi. But there are only 4 parishes, one sub parish and about 6 other mission stations. 

70. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CAGAYAN DE ORO

Cagayan de Oro was created a diocese on January 20, 1933 and elevated as an archdiocese on June 29, 1951. It comprises the civil provinces of Misamis Oriental and Camiguin. Misamis Oriental comprises of 2 cities and 23 munipalities: Cagayan de Oro City, El Salvador City, Alubijid, Balingasag, Balingoan, Binuangan, Claveria, Gitagum, Initao, Jasaan, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Magsaysay, Manticao, Medina, Naawan, Opol, Salay, Sugbongcogon, Tagoloan, Talisayan and Villanueva. Camiguin is composed of 5 towns: Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, Mambajao, and Sagay.

Its suffragan dioceses are Butuan, Malaybalay, Surigao and Tandag. 

71. DIOCESE OF SURIGAO

Surigao was created a diocese on June 3, 1939 comprising the civil provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands. Surigao del Norte has one city and 20 towns: Surigao City, Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen,  General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica (Sapao), Socorro, Alegria, Bacuag, Claver, Gigaquit, Mainit, Malimono, Placer, San Francisco (Anao-Aon), Sison, Tagana-an and Tubod. Dinagat islands has 7 towns: Dinagat (Mother Municipality), Loreto, Cagdianao, Libjo, Basilisa, Tubajon, and San Jose.

72. DIOCESE OF BUTUAN

Butuan became a diocese on March 20, 1967 comprising the civil province of Agusan del Norte.  The province has 2 cities and 10 municipalities: Buenavista, Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago and  Tubay. 

73. DIOCESE OF PROSPERIDAD

The Diocese of Prosperidad is the newest diocese in the Philippines.  It was established on October 15, 2024 and the canonical installation of its first bishop in the person of the Most Rev. Ruben Labajo, the former Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu done on January 28, 2025.  The territory comprises the civil province of Agusan del Sur which formerly belonged to the Diocese of Butuan.  Agusan del Sur is composed of 13 municipalities that are divided into two districts. District 1 comprises six municipalities: Bayugan City, Esperanza, Prosperidad, San Luis, Sibagat, and Talacogon. Meanwhile, District 2 is composed of eight municipalities, including Bunawan, La Paz, Loreto, Rosario, San Francisco,  Sta. Josefa, Trento, and Veruela.

St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral
Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

74. DIOCESE OF MALAYBALAY

Malaybalay was created first as a prelature on April 25, 1969 and elevated to become a diocese on November 15, 1982. It is composed of the province of Bukidnon composed of 20 towns and 2 cities: Bukidnon City, Valencia City,  Baungon, Cabanglasan, Damulog, Dangcagan, Don Carlos, Impasugong, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Lantapan, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Maramag ,Pangantucan, Quezon, San Fernando, Sumilao and Talakag,  except the town of Malitbog.  and includes the town of Wao from Lanao del Sur and one barangay, Buda  from the city of Davao

75. DIOCESE OF TANDAG

Tandag became a diocese on June 16, 1978 comprising the whole province of Surigao del Sur. Surigao del Sur is composed of 19 municipalities namely: Barobo, Bayabas, Bislig, Cagwait, Cantilan, Carmen, Carrascal, Cortes, Hinatuan, Lanuza, Lianga, Lingig, Madrid, Marihatag, San Agustin, san Miguel, Tagbina, Tago and Tandag.

76. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DAVAO

Davao was created first as a Prelature on December 17, 1949 and later became a diocese on July 11, 1966 and finally was elevated as an archdiocese on June 29, 1970. It comprises the city of Davao and islands of Samal and Talicud of the province of Davao del Norte. Digos, Mati and Tagum are its suffragan dioceses. 

77. DIOCESE OF TAGUM

The diocese of Tagum was first erected as a Prelature on January 13, 1962 and elevated to a diocese on October 11, 1980. It comprises the province of Davao del Norte with the following 13 municipalities: Asuncion, Babak, Compostela, Kapalong, Mabini, Mawab, Monkayo, Nabunturan, Panabo, Pantukan, Sto. Tomas and Tagum,  except Samal Island; and the province of Compostela Valley now called Davao de Oro with the following 11 municipalities: Compostela, Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, Pantukan

78. DIOCESE OF DIGOS

Digos was created a diocese of Novemer 5, 1979. It comprises the whole province of Davao del Sur and portions of Sarangani Province. 

79. DIOCESE OF MATI

Mati was created a diocese of February 16, 1984. It comprises the civil province of Davao Oriental. 

80. THE ARCHDIOCESE OF COTABATO

Cotabato was created as a Prelature on August 11, 1950 and became a diocese on June 12, 1976 and finally was elevated as an archdiocese on November 5, 1979. It comprises parts of the province of Cotabato and the whole province of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Cotabato City. Marbel and Kidapawan are its suffragan dioceses. 

81. DIOCESE OF MARBEL

Marbel was created a Prelature on December 17, 1960 and elevated to a diocese on November 15, 1982. It comprises the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani, city of General Santos and some parts of Sultan Kudarat. 

82. DIOCESE OF KIDAPAWAN

Kidapawan became a Prelature on June 12, 1976 and was elevated to a diocese on November 15, 1982. It comprises 11 towns of the province of Cotabato, 3 towns of the province of Maguindanao and one town of the province of Sultan Kudarat. 

83. THE ARCHDIOCESE OZAMIS

Ozamis was created a Prelature on January 27, 1951 and elevated to a diocese on February 17, 1971 and finally became an archdiocese on January 24, 1983. It comprises the cities of Ozamis, Oroquieta and Tangub and the province of Misamis Occidental. Its suffragan dioceses are Dipolog, Iligan, Pagadian and Marawi. 

84. DIOCESE OF DIPOLOG

Dipolog was created a diocese on July 31, 1967. It comprises the province of Zamboanga del Norte and the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan. 

85. DIOCESE OF ILIGAN

Iligan was created a Prelature on February 17, 1971 and elevated to a diocese on November 15, 1982 comprising Iligan City and part of the province of Lanao del Norte.

86. DIOCESE OF PAGADIAN

The diocese was created on November 12, 1971 comprising the city of Pagadian and twenty-four municipalities in the northern and eastern parts of the province of Zamboanga del Sur. 

87. PRELATURE OF MARAWI

Marawi was created on November 20, 1976 comprising the City of Marawi, the civil province of Lanao del Sur and part of the province of Lanao del Norte. 

The ruins of the Cathedra. Picture taken on March 2024.

What was left of the St. Mary's Cathedral of Marawi after the siege in May 2017  which lasted for  six months  originated by the Maute group which was affiliated to ISIS.