- New bishop calls for Church-government partnership, people-centered development, protection of Bohol heritage
MOST Rev. Crispin “Bai” Barrete Varquez, D.D. formally took the helm of the Diocese of Tagbilaran as its eighth bishop, marking a homecoming for the Boholano prelate who called on the Church, government and communities to work together for development that protects human dignity, livelihoods, the environment and Bohol’s cultural identity.
Varquez was officially installed on October 27, 2026, at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine-Parish, a day after the Provincial Government of Bohol hosted a civic reception for him at the Bohol Cultural Center.
His appointment by Pope Leo XIV as the eighth Bishop of Tagbilaran brought him back to his home province after previously serving as bishop of the Diocese of Borongan.
In his first message as bishop, Varquez called for a Church that “walks with its people” and for progress that does not sacrifice the dignity of workers, local communities, heritage and values.
As Bohol continues to open itself to tourism, investment and development, he urged Boholanos to preserve their culture, identity and relationship with God.
“Together, let us continue to evangelize Bohol not only through our words but through the holiness of our lives, the simplicity of our lives, and the love nga atong ikapakita sa kada-usa kanato,” Varquez said.
Addressing the faithful of his home diocese, he added: “To my origin Diocese, please allow me to journey with you, please allow me to walk with you, and please allow me to love you.”
CHURCH, GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP
Varquez had laid out a similar message during the October 26 civic reception, calling for stronger cooperation between the Church and government in developing local talent, expanding educational and livelihood opportunities, protecting the environment and promoting inclusive development.
“Let us recognize, nurture, and empower the God-given giftedness of our people. Bohol is not only blessed with natural beauty but also with talented, creative, and hardworking people,” he said.
“Kita nga simbahan ug gobyerno sa Bohol work hand in hand to promote education, livelihood opportunities na walay mabiyaan,” the bishop added.
While stressing that Church and government have distinct missions, Varquez said both share a fundamental responsibility to serve the people.
“Ang gobyerno ug simbahan, they have different missions. But they share one noble responsibility, the good of our people,” he said.
He offered partnership based on mutual respect, integrity and service, along with his prayers for the continued peace and prosperity of Bohol.
PROTECT BOHOL’S HERITAGE
The new bishop also placed environmental stewardship and responsible tourism among the priorities requiring collective action.
“In the spirit of synodality and stewardship, let us protect our environment and preserve the natural and cultural treasures that make Bohol a destination of pride and wonder,” Varquez said.
He called for tourism that creates opportunities for Boholanos while safeguarding the environment and respecting communities, traditions and faith.
During his installation, Varquez reiterated that Bohol’s development should uphold the dignity of its people, protect workers and communities, and preserve the island’s culture and identity.
His message assumes particular significance as Bohol, the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, balances economic and tourism development with conservation of its natural and cultural heritage.
‘ANSWERED PRAYER’
Gov. Aris Aumentado led provincial officials and Boholanos in welcoming the new bishop, describing his appointment as an answered prayer after months of waiting for a new spiritual shepherd.
“This is an answered prayer for all of us, human sa pipila ka mga bulan nga naghulat kami alang sa usa ka obisipo nga mogiya kanamo padulong sa kaayo, kaluoy, ug himaya sa Ginoo,” Aumentado said during the civic reception.
The governor expressed confidence that Varquez would guide the faithful through the wisdom of the Gospel and the simplicity of his heart.
“I believe, Bishop Bai, that you have been called by the Lord to guide His people through your wisdom of the Gospel and the simplicity of your heart,” Aumentado said.
“Truly, your installation is a blessing for all of us, and it deserves to be celebrated.”
Vice Governor Pacifico Nicanor “Nick” Besas Jr. described the occasion as more than the arrival of a Church leader, calling it the homecoming of a Boholano whose vocation was nurtured in the province.
“Tonight we gather not only to welcome a distinguished Church leader but also to celebrate the homecoming, the return of a son of Bohol to the very diocese where his vocation was nurtured, and his journey of priestly service began,” Besas said.
“Bohol welcomes you home.”
‘THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE BOHOL’
Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown also highlighted Bohol’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and deeply rooted Catholic faith.
“There is no place like Bohol,” Brown said, citing the island’s natural beauty and cultural life.
“But what you really have here is a deep Catholic faith,” he added, noting Bohol’s strong tradition of religious vocations, particularly to the priesthood.
During the installation, Brown emphasized a bishop’s responsibility to defend the poor, uphold their dignity and protect their interests, while guiding the faithful through the sacraments and Eucharist.
Archbishop of Cebu Most Rev. Alberto Uy, D.D. described Varquez’s installation as a new beginning for the Diocese of Tagbilaran and urged the clergy and faithful to pray for and work with their new shepherd.
“May Tagbilaran become a better Church, because you became its bishop. And may you become a better shepherd because Tagbilaran was entrusted to you,” Uy said.
BOHOL HONORS NEW BISHOP
The provincial government’s civic reception gathered priests, religious sisters, provincial officials, Archbishop Uy and Papal Nuncio Brown, among other guests.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan also presented Resolution No. 2026-1366, sponsored by Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite, extending the provincial government and the Boholano people’s congratulations and felicitations to Varquez on his appointment.
Diocese of Tagbilaran Chancellor Rev. Heraldin Laniba thanked the provincial government for hosting the reception and highlighted the importance of cooperation between Bohol’s civil and Church leaders.
The following day, bishops from dioceses across the Philippines, clergy from Borongan, Talibon and Tagbilaran, and members of Varquez’s family joined the solemn installation.
Representing the provincial government were Aumentado, Besas, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo, Executive Assistant Oscar Valles, and Board Members Nathan Binlod, DJ Balite, Greg Jala, Jamie Villamor and Joahna Cabalit-Initay.
Varquez begins his episcopal ministry in Tagbilaran with a call for unity and shared responsibility—between Church and government, economic progress and stewardship, and faith and service—as Bohol pursues development while safeguarding the people, communities and heritage at its heart. (Consolidated from PIMO reports)
