ARCHBISHOP Charles John Brown, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, presided over a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Dumaguete Cathedral on December 11 at 5:00 PM, during which he conferred Papal awards to nine distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Church and the broader community.
In his address, the Papal Nuncio conveyed Pope Francis’ heartfelt congratulations to the awardees, commending their unwavering commitment to the Roman Catholic Church, particularly through their professional endeavors and apostolic work.
Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete also expressed deep gratitude for the Papal Nuncio’s presence, emphasizing that the conferral of these honors represents “a profound blessing for our diocese.”
The following individuals were honored with Papal awards:
DAMES OF THE ORDER OF POPE SAINT SYLVESTER
Atty. Florence A. Tangente, CPA
Ms. Mary Magdalene Z. Villegas, CPA
KNIGHTS OF THE ORDER OF POPE SAINT SYLVESTER
Mr. William E. Ablong
Engr. Wilfredo L. Magallano
PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE
Rev. Fr. Nathaniel B. Gomez
Sr. Gloria D. Ibalio, O. Carm.
Dr. Victoria P. Dinopol, Ph.D.
Ms. Saturnina A. Malayo
Dr. Profetiza S. Lim, Ed.D.
Brief Descriptions of Each Awardee’s Life and Ministry
DAMES OF THE ORDER OF POPE SAINT SYLVESTER:
Atty. Florence A. Tangente, CPA
Atty. Tangente is a key figure in supporting several diocesan offices, including the Administrative Board, Finance Board, Fr. Jacques de Boccard Foundation, and Seminary Burse. Her legal and financial expertise has been instrumental in the diocese’s operations. She serves as a trusted consultant to the Bishop on the temporal affairs of the diocese. As Executive Director of the Commission on Women and the Kahupayan Center, she has worked tirelessly to aid vulnerable women and girls. She is also an active member of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) Dumaguete North Chapter and the Handmaids of the Lord of Couples For Christ.
Ms. Mary Magdalene Z. Villegas, CPA
Ms. Villegas, a highly respected Certified Public Accountant and Municipal Accountant of the municipality of Sibulan, Negros Oriental, has consistently demonstrated generosity and dedication in providing her expertise to design and implement effective accounting systems for numerous diocesan offices and parishes. Her contributions extend to the Finance Board, Diocesan Schools, St. Joseph Seminary College, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Parish, St. Augustine of Hippo Parish, Sto. Rosario Parish (Cebu City), Fr. Jacques de Boccard Foundation, Seminary Burse, and the Commission on Health. She previously served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for DCCCO Multipurpose Cooperative. Despite her demanding schedule, Ms. Villegas remains committed to serving the Lord as a lector at the Carmelite Monastery and actively supports the external affairs of the nuns at the monastery.
KNIGHTS OF THE ORDER OF POPE SAINT SYLVESTER:
Mr. William E. Ablong
Mr. Ablong has demonstrated unwavering dedication and service to the Diocese of Dumaguete, working closely with Bishop Julito Cortes, as well as two former bishops: the late Archbishop Angel Lagdameo and Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte.
A steadfast defender of the Church’s teachings on faith, morals, and life issues, Mr. Ablong has led campaigns against the Reproductive Health, Divorce, and Death Penalty Bills, and presented petitions to both the House of Representatives and the Senate. His advocacy also extends to environmental protection, particularly opposing harmful reclamation projects and destructive mining practices.
He served as the first Provincial Area Director of Couples for Christ (CFC) – Negros Oriental for ten years (1993-2003) and continues to serve in the CFC Mission Support Ministry, marking a total of 34 years in the community. During his leadership, CFC undertook massive and rapid evangelization efforts, expanding its presence to nearly every barangay in the Diocese’s municipalities and cities.
Mr. Ablong has long been the President of the Diocesan Council of the Laity and a a member of the Circle of Discernment. He also served as president of the Diocesan Organization of Renewal Movements and Communities for 12 years and as a member of the Diocesan Electoral Board during the 2010, 2013, and 2016 elections.
For 15 years, Mr. Ablong has served as President of the Parish Pastoral Council at St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Parish, Dumaguete City (2009–present). He established the Dumaguete Cathedral Parish Pre-Cana Team and, alongside his wife Yolly, served as resource speakers for fourteen years (2008–2022). He also developed and implemented Pre-Cana modules now used by other parishes.
Mr. Ablong holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Dumaguete Cathedral Credit Cooperative (DCCCO), a multi-awarded cooperative in the Philippines, serving from 2010 to 2020. Under his leadership, DCCCO was recognized by the Cooperative Development Authority as the Most Outstanding Primary Cooperative in the Philippines (Large Billionaire Category) in 2019. He continues to serve as a board member and Chairperson of the Village and Human Resource Committees.
A regular columnist for the Dumaguete Metro Post and Bohol Times, Mr. Ablong advocates for the interests of the Catholic Church. His passion for social media evangelization is evident in his daily gospel reflections and posts.
As former Vice Mayor, City Administrator, and City Agriculturist of Dumaguete City, Mr. Ablong worked to transform politics from self-serving to Christ-centered. He initiated daily morning prayers in City Hall and First Friday Masses for city employees. He also created a Committee on Family Life, ensuring that anti-life and anti-family measures, such as funding for contraceptives, were blocked. Additionally, he passed several pro-poor and pro-environment city ordinances.
Engr. Wilfredo L. Magallano
Engr. Magallano is deeply engaged in various apostolates within the Diocese. He previously served as the Regional Head of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP). Additionally, he held the position of Assistant Superintendent of Diocesan Schools under the leadership of Rev. Msgr. Marino Ybo, PC. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB), the Diocese of Dumaguete’s political education arm. Engr. Magallano is also a longstanding member of the Diocesan Finance Board, contributing to the development of the Diocesan Centralized Finance System (CFS) and the Standardized Living Allowance (SLA) for the clergy. Moreover, he serves on the Circle of Discernment (COD), providing the Bishop with expert advice on various matters.
PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE:
Rev. Fr. Nathaniel B. Gomez
Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Gomez has dedicated his life in the service of Catholic education and ecclesial ministry. He served as a formator at St. Joseph Minor Seminary from 1975 to 1979 and later as Rector of St. Joseph Seminary College from 1996 to 1999. His parish assignments include St. James the Greater Parish in Tanjay (1991-1993), St. Nicholas de Tolentino Parish in Bais City (1993-1996), and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Sibulan (2006-2014). In school administration, he was President of Dumaguete Cathedral from 1980 to 1991 and has been serving as President of COSCA since 2014. Additionally, Fr. Gomez has been actively involved in the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, serving as Ecclesial Team Priest at various levels, including the Diocese of Dumaguete, National, Asian, and in the International World Council.
Sr. Gloria D. Ibalio, O. Carm.
Sr. Ibalio has devoted much of her life to charitable work, particularly supporting impoverished parishes and Catholic schools within the Diocese. She served as the longtime administrator of Holy Child Hospital, an institution affiliated with the Diocese of Dumaguete. Additionally, Sr. Ibalio held the role of National Responsible for the Sisters of Mt. Carmel. She continues to generously share her expertise, offering valuable assistance to the Diocesan Commission on Health, the Rev. Fr. Jacques de Boccard Foundation, and the St. Joseph Seminary Burse. Her unwavering commitment to service has had a lasting impact on these organizations and the communities they serve.
Dr. Victoria P. Dinopol, Ph.D.
Dr. Dinopol has generously shared her expertise and skills in service to various ministries within the Diocese. She actively leads over a thousand members of the Mother Butler Guild (MBG), guiding them in their formation and related activities. As a member of the Commission on Bible Apostolate, she plays a key role in the biblical formation of the faithful. Dr. Dinopol also supports the clergy through her regular and insightful exegesis of the Sunday readings. In addition, she teaches at St. Joseph Seminary College, imparting her knowledge and expertise to empower seminarians in their spiritual and academic formation.
Ms. Saturnina A. Malayo
Ms. Malayo’s unwavering commitment to the work of evangelization is evident in her lifelong and consistent involvement in the formation of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) and BEC leaders. She has played an active role in assisting the Vicar General with the Diocesan Pastoral Planning and continues to collaborate closely with him in the implementation of these plans. Ms. Malayo has also represented the Diocese in both Regional and National Synodal Consultations. In addition, she is a pioneering member of the St. Maria Goretti Foundation, Inc., an organization dedicated to providing essential services to the poor, including scholarship programs for deserving students.
Dr. Profetiza S. Lim, Ed.D.
Dr. Lim has been deeply committed to the Catholic formation of young people, serving as the highly efficient Principal of Holy Cross High School, a Catholic institution dedicated to Filipino-Chinese students in Dumaguete City. She previously held the role of DepEd City Schools Division Superintendent for both Dumaguete City and Tanjay City Divisions. In addition to her educational leadership, Dr. Lim offers her expertise as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Diocesan Schools. She is also a valued member of the Board of Directors for Perpetual Help Credit Cooperative Incorporated (PHCCI). Dr. Lim’s dedication extends to her past role as the Council President of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Furthermore, she actively nourishes her faith through consistent participation in the spiritual and pastoral activities of the BCBP Dumaguete South Chapter.
A Call to Inspire
We pray that these Papal awardees continue to inspire others with their selfless service and steadfast faith, encouraging all to follow the path of love, dedication, and authentic Christian service.
