The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop-elect Glenn Corsiga in Dumaguete

Last July 29, 2025, I had the privilege of visiting Dumaguete, Negros Oriental to attend the episcopal ordination of the Most Rev. Glenn Corsiga, the bishop-elect of the Diocese of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. It had been several years since my last visit to Dumaguete, and I noticed that some embellishments had been added to the altar of the cathedral.

I also had the chance to revisit the churches of Bacong and Dauin during a side trip for snorkeling in Dauin. The place brought back memories of my diving course years ago, when one of our practice dives was held there. This time, our driver took us to a resort near the town, where the waters were quite deep. From above, I could see divers exploring below, though the coral growth was rather sparse.

Later, when I met the parish priest of Dauin, he mentioned that the best spot for snorkeling was actually the beach right in front of the parish church itself—something I made a mental note of for the next visit.

  

St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral (F-1620) 
Perdices Street, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Cardinal Jose Advincula  was also present in the ordination and he gave a message during the celebration. 

Bishop-elect Corsiga processing towards the entrance of the Cathedral

Bishop Glenn Montibon Corsiga

With some of the bishops attending the episcopal ordination

St. Augustine of Hippo Parish (F-1849)
Bacong, Negros Oriental

St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish (F-1880)
Dauin, Negros Oriental

The beach in Dauin

CHURCHES IN NEGROS ORIENTAL IN THE DIOCESE OF DUMAGUETE

Aside from taking the open water diving course for the PADI in Dumaguete, I also made it a point to visit some of the churches that were nearby.  The churches visited included the following: Dumaguete Cathedral, the Redemptorist Church, St. Paul University Chapel, Bacong,  Dauin, Zamboanguita, Valencia and Sibulan. 

ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA CATHEDRAL PARISH

DUMAGUETE CITY

Founded: 1620

A marker in the  Cathedral says that this is the oldest stone church in the island of Negros. It was built in 1754-1776 and reconstructed in 1883. It was extended with the present facade in 1936. 

Interior of the Cathedral. 

St. Catherine of Alexandria, the patron of the Cathedral.

The dome stylishly done. 

Cathedral altar. 

The bell tower is a bit far from the Cathedral. 

The boulevard in the city of Dumaguete which is a popular hangout and place for paseo. 

ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO PARISH CHURCH

Bacong, Negros Oriental

Founded: 1849

The parish pipe organ. 

The back part of the church. 

Children reciting prayers for the Flores the Mayo. 

The Adoration chapel. 

ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO PARISH CHURCH

Dauin, Negros Oriental

Founded: 1880

ST. ISIDORE PARISH CHURCH

Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental

Founded: 1866

Stones jutting out of the walls of the church. 

OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP PARISH CHURCH

Dumaguete City

Founded: 1958

ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY CHAPEL

Dumaguete City

Being named after St. Paul, the stained glass windows around the university chapel features different scenes in the life of St. Paul. 

ST. ANTHONY PARISH CHURCH

Sibulan, Negros Oriental

Founded: 1835

OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED PARISH CHURCH

Valencia, Negros Oriental

Founded: 1856

FOREST CAMP

Valencia, Negros Oriental