JULY 5, 2026
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental — Misamis Occidental welcomed two of the country’s prominent Catholic Church leaders as the province prepared to host the 132nd Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle and Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David arrived at the Ozamiz Airport at on July 5, where they were welcomed by Governor Henry S. Oaminal, Archbishop Martin S. Jumoad of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz, Ozamiz City Mayor Sam Norman G. Fuentes and Department of Education Region X Director Ruth L. Fuentes.
The Philippine National Police–Misamis Occidental accorded the two cardinals arrival honors upon their arrival in the province.
They later joined CBCP delegates and Oaminal for a fellowship breakfast at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park (AMORAP).
The arrival of Tagle and David followed the arrival of CBCP delegates from various parts of the country on July 3, marking the start of their retreat ahead of the bishops’ plenary assembly.
The 132nd CBCP Plenary Assembly was scheduled for July 8 to 10 in the Archdiocese of Ozamiz, bringing Catholic bishops from across the Philippines to Misamis Occidental for the gathering.
The assembly is being held alongside a period of retreat and spiritual reflection, giving Church leaders an opportunity for prayer, fellowship and discussion ahead of the plenary sessions.
For Misamis Occidental, hosting the gathering marks an opportunity to welcome Church leaders from across the country while showcasing the province as a place conducive to prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal.
The province’s participation in the event has also brought together the provincial government, the Archdiocese of Ozamiz, local government units and national government agencies in welcoming the CBCP delegates.
As preparations for the plenary assembly continued, Misamis Occidental sought to provide a peaceful and welcoming setting for the country’s Catholic bishops, reflecting the province’s strong Catholic tradition and the hospitality of its communities.
