The Cathedral of the Diocese of Naval and the churches of Almeria and Biliran

The installation of the new bishop of Naval in the person of the Most Rev. Rex Ramirez last January 12, 2018 enabled me to visit the Naval Cathedral and some other parishes in the island of Biliran.  Just a few days before the installation, a massive landslide covered an entire settlement near Naval, some roads were made impassable, and the approach to two bridges was destroyed.  

CATHEDRAL PARISH OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY
Naval, Biliran
Founded: 1860

Bp. Rex Ramirez.

Pictures taken during the installation of the new bishop of Naval, the Most Rev. Rex Ramirez on January 12, 2018. 

OUR LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE PARISH (F-1986)
Almeria, Biliran

ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE PARISH (F-1828)
Biliran, Biliran

With the parish priest of Biliran, Fr. Edelino Suyom. 

Part of the road was destroyed.

The approach to the bridge got destroyed. 

There was a settlement in this area and all the houses were buried under mud and rocks together with the residents. 

Dalutan island in Almeria, Biliran

Dalutan Island belongs to the town of Almeria in the province of Biliran, Philippines. It is just 15 minutes away by boat from the Agta Beach Resort in Almeria. It has a beautiful white beach on just one part of the island as the rest is already rocky and sits on a promontory. The island is forested together with lots of coconut trees. There are also some exotic birds that can be seen there. The island is uninhabited. A caretaker would just arrive daily to collect the rent. Aside from the kiosks that can be used for picnics there is already a cottage where one can stay overnight. There are no amenities, just plain adventure, Robinson Crusoe style. Being near the mainland and yet isolated enough, it a good place for a hideaway and to be alone with nature.

The white sand beach of Dalutan.

We stayed overnight on the island

Frs. Elmo and Norman feasting on the lechon.

Fr. Elmo and Ronnie

Frs. Alcris, Saca, Erby and Benjie enjoying a light moment on the sea.

Frs. Erwin and Elmo and Ronnie enjoying the sea in Dalutan.

The Agta Beach in Almeria is the jump off point for Dalutan island.

Setting the table at Agta Beach before embarking for Dalutan island

At the Agta Beach Resort in Almeria