17/04/2026
SURIGAO CITY – The final leg of the fraternal visit took place on Day 4, strengthening the Partnership in Mission between the Dioceses of Bago and Surigao. This partnership, led by His Eminence, Most Rev. Rhee M. Timbang, Bishop of Surigao, and the Rt. Rev. Virgilio B. Amihan Jr., goes beyond distance, bringing the two dioceses together in a shared commitment to faithful witness and service.
Throughout the day’s activities, the Dioceses of Bago and Surigao strengthened their Partnership in Mission, deepening their unity through shared experiences, learning exchanges, and common worship. The encounter affirmed their shared commitment to walk together in faith and service, bringing their ministries closer in purpose and direction.
The day commenced with a soul-stirring morning worship led by Revd. Sarmiento as liturgist. Revd. Raymund Longos delivered a poignant homily centered on the friendship between the two dioceses, framing their ministerial bond not just as a formal agreement but as a brotherhood rooted in Christ’s mission and love.
The delegation gathered at the Diocesan Center for a series of high-impact presentations. Dcn. Maruja Doverte opened the session by detailing the Financial Management System Practices and its Corollary Scheme in the Diocese of Surigao, providing a roadmap for fiscal sustainability.
This was followed by a comprehensive showcase of Surigao’s holistic ministries, where they presented their innovative plans and outputs on Social Concern, the Safeguarding of Human Dignity, and their vibrant School of Music and Committee on Mission. An open forum followed, where questions were raised and thoughtfully addressed by the presenters, allowing for deeper understanding and exchange of insights.
The session concluded with a renewed sense of commitment to strengthen and adapt these best practices in the Diocese of Bago’s mission work.
In the afternoon, delegates visited the Surigao South Deanery to see ministry in action across five parishes: the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Sison. Moreover, the Lakbay Aral delegates also explored the Church of the Nativity in Sukailang, the Church of St. Mary in Magupange, the Church of the Holy Cross in Sta. Cruz, and the Church of St. Mark in Bad-as—all in Placer, Surigao del Norte.
At each stop, the delegates of the Diocese of Bago built strong connections with local parishioners and leaders, learned from their best practices, and gathered practical mission strategies to bring back and apply in the Diocese of Bago.
The spiritual journey reached its peak at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration with a closing worship led by Revd. Osmar Macana, featuring a powerful homily by Revd. Emilyn Cutamora. To mark the occasion, the Diocese of Surigao presented tokens of appreciation to each delegate. In a reciprocal gesture of unity, the Diocese of Bago presented a certificate of appreciation and an official IFI Diocese of Bago jacket to the good bishop of Surigao, a symbolic vestment representing their shared identity and the strength of their mission.
This encounter has transformed a formal partnership into a stronger alliance, ensuring that the dioceses of Bago and Surigao stand as united partners in the enduring mission of Christ.
The evening ended with a warm fellowship dinner, a joyful celebration of how two dioceses came together as one in mission, moving forward on a shared journey toward God’s kingdom. Called to worship and commissioned to serve, the two dioceses renewed their shared commitment to faithful service.
