IFI Diocese of Surigao

01/09/2026

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗔𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘆

“Through the Memorial Mass that we are expected to hold today, we shall thank God for giving the late OM Gregorio Aglipay to the IFI and to the nation. We shall remember his gifts and contributions to the birth, life and witness of the IFI; and we shall highlight the prominence of his person and stature as among the great heroes of our faith and of our nation. Like the saints and martyrs of the Church whose feast days are usually celebrated on the supposed anniversaries of their death and martyrdom, we are also gathered today to celebrate his life and ministry, to immortalize his legacy, and to learn from his greatness. This is our sublime way of giving him honor and tribute and of ensuring that we treasure his legacy and live up to his ideals and aspirations for the continuing renewal of our Church and for our continuing journey with Christ towards greater faithfulness to God’s mission.”

++ RHEE Rhee Timbang

“Lifted from his Message entitled “Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Gregorio Aglipay: A Courageous Leader and Faithful Servant”

25/08/2026

𝗔 𝗪𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗗’𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘

Senior priests, Msgr. Joaquin Estoconing and Msgr. Donard Paculi, were invested yesterday, Aug 24, 2026, on the Feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, at the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration as the new Domestic Prelates of the IFI Diocese of Surigao.

The two were earlier unanimously elected by all the Clergy of the IFI Diocese of Surigao in their Jun 22-23, 2026 Clergy Meeting, and their election was duly approved by the Diocesan Bishop and subsequently concurred by the Obispo Maximo, who issued the Mandate of Investiture to proceed. The Diocesan Bishop presided over the service, assisted by all the Clergy of the Diocese, and attended by Council Members, Sectoral Officers, and representative Delegations from the nineteen [19] Parishes, five [5] Missions, and seven [7] Newly Organized Congregations constituting the entire Diocese.

Msgr. Joaquin Estoconing, 55 years old and SPTS graduate, was born on Jan 24, 1971, while Msgr. Donard Paculi, 59 years old and ACTS graduate, was born on November 18, 1967. The two were diaconated at the same time, and ordained to the priesthood together on the same date, Dec 28, 2004, at the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration by the Bishop of Surigao. For the longest time, Msgr. Joaquin Estoconing served as the Chairperson of the Diocesan Committee on Christian Education and Nurture. He also served as the Chaplain of the Diocesan Women’s Organization and the Rector of Magupange Parish. Msgr. Donard Paculi served as the Chairperson of the Diocesan Committee on Jurisdiction and Structure and the Rector of Pili Parish.

During his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop mentioned “that among the responsibilities of the domestic prelate is to assist the bishop in fostering among the clergy in the diocese to live out a disciplined life in prayer, study, and work. “The office of the domestic prelate took off from the practice of the church in its early years to require clergy to live in one domicile and the bishop to appoint a senior clergy to take responsibility in imposing discipline among the clergy living in one household.”

In view of this particular responsibility, the Diocesan Bishop said “that most likely Msgr. Joaquin Estoconing and Msgr. Donard Paculi would serve a prominent role in the implementation of the Safeguarding and Protection Policy adopted by the 31st Convention of the Diocese last January 2026, as among the programmatic expression of corporate discipline and propriety.”

Continuing, the bishop said in his sermon, “We are indeed grateful to God for the gifts they would bring in building up this new ministry of safeguarding that the two would eventually exercise in this Diocese.” “It is meaningful that their investiture takes place on the Feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle. Gospel accounts record that he is also known as ‘Nathanael’ as biblical scholars believed that his full name was likely ‘Nathanael bar Tolmai.’”

Biblical commentaries agreed that "Nathanael" is a given first name meaning "gift of God," while "Bartholomew" (Bar-Tolmai) is a second name attributing the father’s lineage to mean "son of Tolmai."

“By God’s grace, we hope, that Msgr. Joaquin and Msgr. Donard both become “gifts of God” to us to enable us to see how God works great things in our lives, and them to become our “gifts to God” for us to work out worthy offering of our lives, pleasing to God’s sight,” the bishop continued.

Liturgically, the Investiture Service is a solemn ritual incorporated in a Eucharistic celebration to bestow honorific title of “Monsignor” for life to the elected senior priest, to bless his new ministry, and to clothe him in the official vestments of his rank.

The Investiture Service was livestreamed in its entirety courtesy of DXMS 107.3 All Star FM. After the service, the new Domestic Prelates tendered a sumptuous early dinner for all the churchgoers.

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS UTMOST GOODNESS! THANK GOD FOR HIS AMAZING LOVE!

24/08/2026

NOW LIVE!
Investiture Rite of the New Domestic Prelates
Msgr. Joaquin E. Estoconing and Msgr. Donard L. Paculi
IFI Diocese of Surigao

18/08/2026

SWD CELEBRATES DIOCESAN THANKSGIVING AND IFI PROCLAMATION ANNIVERSARY

Surigao West Deanery [SWD] of the IFI Diocese of Surigao successfully held its celebration of the 2026 Diocesan Thanksgiving and 124th IFI Proclamation Anniversary for two [2] days on Aug. 14-15, 2026.

Aug 14, Friday, was set aside for the Thanksgiving Mass celebrated at Malimono Parish Church, presided over by the Diocesan Bishop together with the Clergy of the Diocese, and followed by the Forum on History and Mission and the Fellowship Lunch and Program at Malimono Gymnasium. Serving as the opening salvo of Day 1 celebration was the religious parade around Malimono town, with members of the congregation carrying their tarpaulins bearing their respective calls.

Apr 15, Saturday, was appropriated for the holding of various activities undertaken by the congregations in their respective communities in the form of street-cleaning drives, coastal clean-up, tree planting and growing, among others, seeking to address particular community and social issues and concerns.

Eleven [11] churches and congregations comprised the Surigao West Deanery, grouped under five [5] parishes, one [1] mission, and one [1] newly organized congregation, all located in the western part, along the coast, of the Province of Surigao del Norte.

Revd Emelyn Cutamora served as dean, while Revd Reymond Longos served as rector of Malimono Parish.

The Honorable Malimono Mayor, Arnel Amalla, sent his official representative, no less than the Malimono Vice Mayor, Hon Robert Senaca, to grace the occasion.

THANK YOU, LGU MALIMONO, FOR THE SUPPORT! THANK YOU, MAYOR ARNEL AMALLA AND VICE MAYOR ROBERT SENACA FOR GIVING IMPORTANCE TO THE OCCASION!

10/08/2026

06/08/2026

NAGSAULOG SA IKA-31 NGA DIOCESAN THANKSGIVING UG IKA-124 NGA ANIBERSARYO SA PROKLAMASYON ANG DIOCESE OF SURIGAO IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE
SURIGAO CITY

Malampusong gisaulog karong adlawa Agosto 6, 2026, sa Diocesan Cathedral Church ang ika-31 nga Diocesan Thanksgiving Celebration ug ika-124 nga Proclamation Anniversary sa Diocese of Surigao Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI).

Ang maong selebrasyon gipangulohan ni Rev. Rhee Timbang, Obispo sa Diocese of Surigao IFI, uban sa mga pari, lider sa simbahan, ug daghang mga tumutuo nga nagtigom aron sa pagpasalamat sa mga panalangin ug paghinumdom sa taas nga kasaysayan sa Iglesia Filipina Independiente.

Atol sa misa ug pasalamat nga kalihokan, gipasiugda ang kamahinungdanon sa pagpalig-on sa pagtuo, panaghiusa, ug padayon nga pag-alagad sa komunidad. Gidumdom usab ang ika-124 ka tuig sa Proclamation Anniversary isip simbolo sa malungtarong misyon sa simbahan sa pagpalambo sa espirituhanong kinabuhi ug pagserbisyo sa katawhan.

Ang maong kasaulogan nahimong higayon sa paghiusa sa mga miyembro sa IFI gikan sa nagkalain-laing parokya sa diyosesis, nga nagpakita sa ilang lig-on nga pagtuo ug padayon nga suporta sa misyon ug panan-awon sa simbahan.

03/08/2026

"Today, as we celebrate the IFI's Proclamation Anniversary, our collective acclamation should not be "Mabuhay ka IFI" but "Salamat O Panginoong Diyos!" Because despite our weakness, failure, and inconsistency as church doing its mission and ministry, God in Christ continues to invite and call us, by the power of the Spirit, to take part in his salvific work. The first acclamation expresses triumphalism, boasting before God on our merit and accomplishment; the second is humility before God and looking up to him as our source of being, doing, and becoming a church, which is commissioned to be witnesses to God's love, as revealed by Christ, in the world."

++ RHEE

Bishop's Message
On the 124th Anniversary
IFI Proclamation
Aug 3, 2026

27/07/2026

𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁
SONA Statement of ONE VOICE
27 July 2026

𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒅; 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑬𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒔 5:13-14𝒂

At SONA 2025, the Marcos administration admitted that flood-control projects have become rackets. The year before, Marcos claimed success in his completion of 5,500 such projects. The question remains: who allowed corruption to happen, and who benefited?

Corruption is not an accident. It is systemic. It thrives on patronage, political dynasties, impunity, and the absence of genuine accountability. While communities are drowning in floods, public funds are siphoned off and the poor are bearing the cost.

We must continue to shine light on the heartbreaking truth: widespread and systemic corruption remains deeply rooted in government.

The Filipino people deserve more than admissions and promises. We deserve independent investigations, the prosecution of everyone involved in flood-control scams, and accountability at every level, including those who have the power to prevent such corruption.

Public office is a public trust, and no one should be above the law. This SONA 2026, let us demand not just another speech, but the light of truth, justice, and accountability.

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞. 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧.𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚.𝐬𝐚.𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦
0998-348-9307

Signed by:
Most Rev. Broderick S Pabillo, DD, Apostolic Vicar of Taytay

Most Rev. Elmer Mangalinao, DD, Bishop of Bayombong

Bishop Joseph Agpaoa, General Secretary, United Church of Christ in the Philippines

Minnie Anne Mata-Calub, General Secretary, National Council of Churches in the Philippines

Bp Dindo Ranojo, General Secretary, Iglesia Filipina Independiente

Most Rev. Rhee M. Timbang, IFI Obispo Maximo XII, Diocese of Tandag

Fr. Roberto Noel Rosas, Prior Provincial of the Philippine Carmelite Province of St. Titus Brandsma

Sr. Elizabeth V. Pedernal, MSCS, National Coordinator and Chairperson, Talitha K*m Philippines

Vanessa Jane Dabay, Chair, Kalipunan ng Kristiyanong Kabataan sa Pilipinas (KKKP)

Sr. Maria Cecilia A. Espenilla, OP, Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena

Sr. Rizalyn B. Solitario, RMICM, Religious of Mary Immaculate Claretian Missionary Sisters

Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing

Jennifer Ferariza-Meneses Vice Chair for Women, National Council of Churches in the Philippines

Bishop Rodel M. Acdal, United Methodist Church, Baguio Episcopal Area

Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella United Methodist Church, Manila Episcopal Area

Bishop Israel M. Painit. United Methodist Church, Davao Episcopal Area

Bishop Ciriaco Francisco, UMC, Ecumenical Bishops Forum

Bp. Ronelio Fabriquier, IFI Diocese of Odiongan

Bp Allan Caparro, IFI Diocese of Negros Oriental

Bp Gilbert Garcia, IFI Diocese of Tarlac

Bp Jonash Joyohoy, IFI Diocese of Negros Occidental

Bp Godofredo David, IFI Diocese of Rizal and Pampanga

Bp. Christopher Macaday, IFI Diocese of Guimaras

Bp Virgilio Amihan Jr, IFI Diocese of Bago

Bp Emelyn Dacuycuy, IFI Diocese of Batac

Bp Jojit Sayas, IFI Diocese of Nueva Ecija

Bp Arnold Damayan, IFI Diocese of Maquebaca

Bp Salvador Ballesteros, IFI Diocese of Manila

Bp Alger Loyao, IFI Diocese of Cebu

Bp Conrado de Guzman, IFI Diocese of Zambales

Bp Rowel Arevalo, IFI Diocese of Laguna

Bp Arly Balili, IFI Diocese of Burgoz

Bp Jovy Fodulla, IFI Diocese of Dagupan

Bp Andy Mark Loma, IFI Diocese of Aklan and Capiz

Bp. Winston Mariano, UCCP South East Mindanao Jurisdiction

Bp Alejandro Lazaro, UCCP North West Mindano Jurisdiction

Bp Jerby Salor, UCCP East Visayas Jurisdiction

Bp. Juliet Solis-Aguilar, UCCP West Visayas Jurisdiction

Bp Luisito Saliendra, UCCP South Luzon Jurisdiction

Bp Francisco ‘Nonie’ Aviso Jr, UCCP Middle Luzon Jurisdiction

Bp June Paplonot, UCCP North Luzon East Jurisdiction

Bp. Marcela Sacayle-Lopez, UCCP, North Luzon West Jurisdiction

Fr. Arvin Bellen, CMF, Claretian Missionaries

Sr. Maureen Catabian, RGS, Religious of the Good Shepherd

Sr. Rosalind Tanhueco, OSB, Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing

Sr Joy Balais, DC, Daughters of Charity

Sr Ma. Lisa Ruedas, DC, Daughters of Charity

Sr Geraldine 'Bambi' Denoga, DC, Daughters of Charity

Fr. Raymond Ambray, BALSA-Mindanao

Fr. Virgilio Pozon, MDJ, Missionary Disciples of Jesus

Sr. Vangie Africa, snds, Sisters of Notre Dame

Sr. Rebecca Pacete, mms, Medical Mission Sisters

Rev. Dr. Eleuterio J. Revollido, Rector, Aglipay Central Theological
Seminary (ACTS)

Rev. Dr. Frank Hernando, President, Union Theological Seminary

Rev. Teodora N. Dotusme-Ada National Coordinator, Association of Women in Theology

Prof. Arche Ligo, Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines

Rev. Dr. Federico Villanueva PhD, Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila
University

Rev. Dr Aldrin Peñamora, Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches

Pastor Thaad Kolin A. Samson, UMC Board of Church & Society Philippines Regional Conference

Rev. Shine Dulnuan, Episcopal Church of the Philippines

Rev. Irma Balaba, Spokesperson, Promotion of Church People’s Response

Rev. Fr. Allan Jose L. Arcebuche, OFM, Chair, PCPR-Cebu

Antonio Balbin, Executive Director, Church People-Workers Solidarity

Dss. Norma Dollaga, General Secretary, KASIMBAYAN

Dss. Rubylin Litao, Coordinator, Rise Up for Life and for Rights

Fr. Melvin Fajardo, One Negros Ecumenical Council

Dr. Marita Wasan, President, TeenSTAR Philippines

Dr. Carmen Alviar, Anawim Mission