Archbishop-elect Jose F. Advincula was born on March 30, 1952 in Dumalag, Capiz. He was ordained a priest: on April 4, 1976. On March 19, 1997, he was made Papal Chaplain of Pope John Paul II. The pope appointed him Bishop of San Carlos on Juli 25, 2001. He was ordained bishop on Sept. 8, 2001. His installation took place on September 11, 2001. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Capiz on Nov. 9, 2011. His installation as Archbishop of Capiz is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2012. The archbishop speaks English, Tagalog and Ilonggo. (Click here for details)
Archbishop Onesimo C. Gordoncillo, DD, PHL, STL was born on Feb. 16, 1935 in Jimalalud, Negros Oriental. He was ordained a priest on March 18, 1961. Pope Paul VI appointed him as Auxiliary Bishop of Dumaguete on March 14, 1974. He was ordained bishop on May 27, 1974. On July 3, 1976 the pope appointed him Bishop of Tagbilaran. He was appointed Archbishop of Capiz on June 18, 1986. His installation took place on Aug. 27, 1986.
He is co-founder of Bohol Diocesan Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Currently, he serves as a member of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Missions.
Previous Ordinaries
Bishop Vicente Macanan Navarra (Auxiliary Bishop: April 23, 1979 to Nov. 21, 1987) -now bishop of Bacolod
Archbishop Antonio José Frondosa † (Appointed March 5, 1952 to June 18, 1986 Retired)
Bishop Manuel Yap † (Appointed Feb. 13, 1951 to March 5, 1952)
Vice-Oeconomous:Father Lengeria Arcan Pre-Synodal Examiners: Msgr. Vicente F. Hilata, PA, VG Father Victor Bendico, SLD Father Rufino Regie Pamposa, STL, MA
Archdiocesan Consultors
Archbishop Jose F. Advincula
Msgr. Vicente F. Hilata, PA, VG
Msgr. Benjamin Advincula, PC
Msgr. John Policarpio Luza, PC
Father Melencio Bartolo
Father Victor Bendico
Father Antonio Florendo
Father Rufino Regie Pamposa
Father Edsel Delfin
Father Berman Ibañez
Presbyteral Council
Presiding: Jose F. Advincula Ex-Officio Members:
Msgr. Vicente F. Hilata, PA, VG
Father Erwin Bombaes
Father Joseph Bernie Barrios Appointed Members:
Msgr. John Blancaver, PC
Msgr. Diosdado Borres, PC
Msgr. John Policarpio Luza, PC
Father Antonio Florendo
Father Job Bolivar Parish Priests:
Msgr. Alden Bolivar, PC (Immaculate Conception Vicariate)
Father Tomas Buensalido (St. Gemma Vicariate)
Father Melencio Bartolo (St. Catherine Vicariate)
Father Butch Abalajon (St. Joseph Vicariate) Parish Vicars:
Father Erwin Bombaes (Immaculate Conception Vicariate)
Father Federico Lim Jr. (St. Gemma Vicariate)
Father Vivencio Besa (St. Catherine Vicariate)
Father Reman Bacusa (St. Joseph Vicariate) School Priests:
Father Rommel Estrellan
Commission Priests: Father Victor B. Bendico, Father Eugenio Caldeo Jr.
Vicars Forane: Msgr. Benjamin Advincula, PC
Chaplains: Father Jaime Abao
Pastoral Council
Presiding: Jose F. Advincula
Vice-President: Msgr. Vicente Hilata, PA, VG
Member: Msgr. John Blancaver, PC
Censor Librorum: Father Victor Bendico, SLD
Superintendent of Catholic Schools: Msgr. Vicente F. Hilata, PA, VG
Council of Vigilance:
Msgr. Vicente Hilata, PA, VG
Father Victor Bendico, SLD
Father Rufino Regie Pamposa, SLD
Finance Council
Presiding: Jose F. Advincula Members:
Father Erwin Bombaes
Mr. Vicente Jore, CPA
Ms. Milagros Billones, CPA
Judiciary Section
Extension of Competence to the Metropolitan Tribunal of Jaro
Instructional Section:
Officials: Father Joseph Bernie Barrios, JCL
Statistics
A. Catholic Population
As of Dec. 31, 2009, Capiz Archdiocese had 695,979 baptized Catholics, representing 93.52 percent of all 744,194 people in the territory. The archdiocese had 26 parishes with resident priests. During 2009, the archdiocese recorded 10,086 baptisms of infants (below 1 year old). There were 1,880 (1 to 7 years old) and 458 baptisms of adults. The archdiocese had 5,647 First Communions and 6,784 confirmations. It registerd 2,500 marriages between Catholics and 57 mixed marriages.
People in the Diocese
Baptized Catholics: 695,979, or 93.52 %
Members of other Christian denominations (Evangelicals and Baptists): data not available
Followers of other religions (mostly mostly Hindus; Muslims, Buddhists): data not available
B. Diocesan and Religious Priests
Diocesan Priests: 104 (all Filipino) Religious Priests: none
C. Deacons
Transitional: none Permanent: none
D. Religious Brothers, Sisters
Religious Brothers: none Religious Sisters: 119 (118 Filipino, 1 foreigner)
E. Lay Missionaries, Catechists
Lay missionaries: no data available
Catechists: 4,974
Minor seminary: 1 Major seminary: 1 Houses of Formation: none
G. Vicariates in the archdiocese are: Vicariate of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Vicariate of St.
Joseph the Worker, Vicariate of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Vicariate of St. Gemma
Coat of arms of Archbishop Gordoncillo: "I will proclaim your truth"
Commission on Clergy Chairman: Msgr. Benjamin Advincula, PC
Commission on Lay Apostolate Chairman: Msgr. Diosdado Borres III
Commission on Seminary Chairman: Father Rufino Regie Pamposa
Commission on Vocation Chairman: Father Edsel Delfin
Commission on Mission Chairman: Father Edsel Delfin
Commission on Youth Chairman: Father Redan Apines
Commission on Sacred Liturgy Chairman: Father Victor Bendico, SLD
-Sub-Commission on Sound and Acoustics of Churches Chairman: Father Aristides Pedrajas
-Sub-Commission Knights of the Altar Chairman: Father Berman Ibañez
Commission on Doctrine of Faith Chairman: Father Freddie Billanes
Commission on Christian Formation and Catechetics Chairman: Msgr. John Luza, PC
Commission on Family Apostolate Chairman: Father John Alston Azarcon
Commission on Social Action Chairman: Father Aristides Pedrajas
- Ministry of the Deaf Priest In-Charge: Father Erwin Bombaes/Father Rammel Talabucon
Commission on Prisoners Chairman: Msgr. John Blancaver, PC
Commission on Health Care Chairmen: Father Lowell Cayetano, Father John Marlon Bordo
Commission on the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People Chairman: Father Gybbyn Gumban
Commission on the Conservation of the Cultural Goods and Patrimony of the Church Chairman: Father Conrado Palete Jr.
- Sub-Commission on Museums Chairman: Msgr. Benjamin Advincula, PC
Commission on Public Affairs Chairman: Rt. Msgr. Vicente Hilata, PA, VG
Commission on Church Property and Lands Chairman: Msgr. Diosdado Borres III
In a land area of 2,663 square kilometers, the diocesan territory covers the civil Province of Capiz and the City of Roxas.
Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region (Region VI). Its capital is Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north.
Roxas City is situated at the Northeastern tip of the Island of Panay. Its boundaries are: Visayan Sea on the North, Municipality of Panit-an on the South, Municipality of Ivisan on the West, and Municipality of Panay on the East. The city classified, as a second Class Component City, belongs to the first political district of the Province of Capiz along with the Municipality of Maayon, Panay, Panit-an, Pilar, Pontevedra, and Pres. (President) Roxas.
Capiz is subdivided into one component city (Roxas), 16 municipalities, and 473 barangays (villages) with 2 Congressional districts. City: Roxas Municipalities: 1st District: Panay, Pontevedra, Panitan, Maayon, President Roxas, and Pilar. 2nd District: Ivisan, Sigma, Mambusao, Sapian, Jamindan, Tapaz, Dumalag, Dumarao, Cuartero, and Dao.
Population
As of yearend 2009 the total population of the diocese is 744,194 of which 93.52117 percent are Catholics.
Three types of people known to have inhabited Capiz: Aeta, popularly known as Negritos; Indonesians descendants of the Mundo tribe in central Panay; and the Malays.
Sulod Tribe
Located in Tapaz, Capiz, it is a cultural minority of Indonesian stock that worships spirits, practice secondary burial, and hunt with blowguns. The Sulod love personal ornaments. The necklace worn is not only an ornament and a status symbol but also an anting-anting or amulet.
Languages
Capiznon and Hiligaynon are the local dialects. Pilipino is also used and understood. English is the business language and spoken widely.
Capiznon is concentrated in the province of Capiz in the northeast of Panay Island. It is a member of the Visayan language family and the people are part of the wider Visayan ethnolinguistic group, who constitute the largest Filipino ethnolinguistic group.
It is often confused with Ilonggo or Hiligaynon, but it has its own unique vocabulary and accent. The Capiznon vocabulary also includes Akeanon and Waray words.
The Capiznon can also be claimed as the fastest language in the region.
Rural farmers speak a certain variety (characterized by the corruption of "l" sounds) that is now disappearing as the younger Capiznons adopt a more Ilonggo-like language with a slower pace and softer and longer vowels.
Political structure
A Philippine province is headed by a Governor. A Provincial Council (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) is composed of a Vice Governor (Presiding Officer) and Provincial Board Members. A Philippine city or municipality is headed by a Mayor. A City Council (Sangguniang Panlungsod) or Municipal Council (Sangguniang Bayan) is composed of a Vice Mayor (Presiding Officer) and City or Municipal Councilors. A barangay is headed by a Barangay Captain, who is also the presiding officer of the barangay council. The Barangay Council is composed of seven (7) Barangay Kagawads. A similar unit called a Youth Council (Sangguniang Kabataan) is headed by an SK Chairperson with a similar rank to a Barangay Captain. The council is composed of SK Members.
Economy
Annual per capita income (in Philippines Pesos) is 21,491 or USD500 as of October 2010.
Capiz is known as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines", where farming and fishing are the primary sources of income of the people. Capiz boasts of its 80-kilometer coastline and wide expanse of swampy lands easily converted into fishponds. It holds one of the richest fishing grounds and a major contributor in the aquamarine industry of the Philippines.
The combined natural bounty of land and sea are enough to sustain a vibrant food industry. Its primary agricultural raw products are rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, banana and cut flower. Apart from a surplus of agricultural products it generates every year, Capiz is also one of the country's major suppliers of prawn and milk fish. Other agro-industrial harvests include blue marlin, squid, oysters, shrimp, seaweed, squid and angel wings. The rich fishing grounds attract investors to venture into prawn culture, prawn feed manufacture, seaweed farming and the distribution and processing of other marine products.
Popular Capiz Shell Finished Products
Some popular Capiz shell chips decorating design include gift items, indoor decoration and outdoor decoration ornaments. Capiz chip-made products range from lanterns, lamp shades, window pane, chandeliers, curtains, picture panels and frames, Capiz shell balls, plates, decorative bowls, candle holders, tiles, flower vase, door hanging chime, soapdish, pendant, globelight, necklace decor, beads, bird cage, floor lamp holders, faux chandelier, gift boxes, collection item rack and many more. This alone is proof to the wonders of the captivating Capiz treasures.
Bulad or dried fish
Bulad or dried fish is a major product of the province of Capiz considering that it is blessed with miles and miles of rich coasts. There are several varieties of dried fishes that can be found in Capiz that makes it a captivating land for the middleman sellers of dried fish in Metro Manila. Sellers of dried fish earn a living simply by exporting these to other areas in the country as well as abroad.
Ornaments Made from Capiz Shells
Known as one of the most versatile and elegant decorating raw materials, the Capiz shells are very important part of the culture of the local Capiznon. It is bread and butter source for many locals who engage in developing all sorts of designs for use as ornamental decoration in houses. The Capiz shells when used as ornaments and decors turn simple living into elegant and cozy-looking environment. It is well known to be a good indoor as well as outdoor décor major raw material. The Capiz shell products are also very well recognized in the world market because Capiz is the only living paradise for the Capiz shells that can be found in their vast sea treasure chest.
Telecommunications
Communication facilities are catered by the Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Company (PLDT), Bureau of Telecommunications (BUTEL), PT&T, RCPI-Bayantel, Globelines-Islacom and cellular phone companies: Smart, Globe, Touch Mobile & Sun Cellular. Internet services are also available like PLDT Vibe.
Broadcast media is catered by 4 radio stations namely: AM - DYJJ, DYOW - Bombo Radyo, DYVR - Radio Agong / RMN - FM.-Star FM.
Television facilities reach the city through Iloilo. However, we have two (2) cable television provided by Wesfardell Cable Services and the Filvision, Inc. (Altocable). An ABS-CBN Television relay station is now operating in the city.
Infrastructure
Airport
Roxas Airport is an airport serving the general area of Roxas City, the capital of the province of Capiz, in the Philippines. The airport is classified as a trunkline airport, or a major commercial domestic airport, by the Air Transportation Office, a body of the Department of Transportation and Communications that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except the major international airports.
Other major infrastructures are: the National Port, the Libas Fishing Port, the Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center (TATC), the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center, and the Jumbo Bridge.
Bridges Roxas City Bridge (Old Capiz Bridge)
The old and imposing Roxas City Bridge (formerly Capiz Bridge) remained strong and firm after it was built in 1910. Overlooking the Panay River, the bridge is a silent witness to various changes that ushered in progress and development in the city. Like the old bridge, equally alluring is the huge stretch of Panay River that transverses the very heart of the city. Passing the major edifice of the city, the river of Roxas City has been dubbed as the "Venice of the Visayas"
Water and Power Supply
Electricity is provided by the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO). The Metro Roxas Water District (MRWD) supplies potable drinking water to the populace. Supplementing the water supplied by MRWD are wells with hand pumps and artesian wells which are constructed through the Barangay Water Program (BWP) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Transportation
The primary transportation vehicle used in Roxas City and other municipalities in Capiz is the tricycle. "Capiz Cab", the city's taxi that plys Roxas City and the 16 municipalities of the Capiz. Capiz Cabs are the first receipt-issuing taxis in the Philippines apart from those operating out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. As of now, there are 5 Capiz cabs that operate in the province.
Inter and provincial mobility of residents and their cargo is serviced by vans, buses and jeepneys. Sea transportation is served by two (2) shipping companies namely: Negros Navigation and Moreta Lines plying the route of Roxas to Manila.
Roll On-Roll Off (Ro-Ro) buses are operating to fetch passengers from Roxas City to Manila (Cubao or Pasay) via Catiklan, Aklan-Mindoro-Batangas-Manila.
Education
Literacy rate (simple literacy) is 92.04 percent.
Cultural dimension
Saot Capiz
a cultural presentation -The First Capiz Dance Season held every Saturday at the Capiz Provincial Park, Roxas City. This was participated by the different Performing Groups in the Province of Capiz.
Sinadya sa Halaran
is a merging of the Roxas City Fiesta "Sinadya" and the Province celebration of "Halaran". "Sinadya sa Halaran" is a commemoration of the feast of the patroness of Roxas City which is the Immaculate Conception and a thanksgiving. It literally means "Joy in Sharing and Thanksgiving". Rituals and festivities of every municipalities where captivated in this occasion. Fireworks, grand parade, fluvial processions, fair and food festival, street dancing, and exhibits are some of the things to see of this event.
Pangahaw Festival
A thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest by the Indigenous Peoples of Jamindan. It is during this time when all the members of the family come together and share.
Guyum-Guyuman Festival
"Caguyuman" the old name of Pontevedra, meaning anthill, a name distinct for ants' house was once a part of the municipality of Pan-ay mainly because of its rich and abundant natural resources both from the coastal and upland areas. People from the nearby municipalities of Panay, Panitan, Maayon and Pres. Roxas, would thrive in the market place like swarm of ants for trading. This rich tradition is now a celebration of life and thanksgiving for all Caguyumanons.
Talahong Festival
Talaba and tahong is very rich in production in these areas. More than a hundred fisherfolk live along the coast. Since Sapian is abundant with seafoods, it was the initiative of the Local Government Unit to organize a Talahong Festival (Talaba-Tahong) every 2nd Friday and 2nd Saturday of May that promotes the local products at its best.
Tagbuan Festival
It was conceptualized during the Pre-Spanish time, wherein there were aetas in the upland barangays who tilled the soil and planted rootcrops. During the harvest season of their rootcrops, they brought their products to the town for the barter of the abundant catch of the fishermen in the 10 coastal barangays. The upland people then meet with the fishermen in the seashore and bartered their catch with the products of the upland folks. The hiligaynon term for the meeting of the upland and fisher folks along the seashore is "Tagbu".
Pagpasidungog Festival
Meaning to honor. The Panitan Municipal Government gives honour and recognition to every Paniteño who has given something for the social, cultural, educational and economic development of this town. Pagpasidungog honors those whose successes in life give inspiration to our young generations. This festival also honors their "KASIMANWAS" who brought fame, honor and recognition for Panitan.
Pasalamat Festival
"PASALAMAT" is the annual theme of town's fiesta celebration. The occasion is an auspicious opportunity to highlight town's rich culture and heritage, strengthen Daonhons solidarity as a community, and as well as thanksgiving to God Almighty for the good health and prosperity received through His blessings.
Patabang Festival
was conceived to give identity to the Tapaznons' festivities. It is coined based on the people's generosity of heart and the idea of "you'll help me and I'll help you" which is reflected in their way of life. "Pagpatabang" is one valuable trait of Tapaznons when it comes to some occasional time of hard work such as working in the farm during planting and harvesting season, transferring of the house from one place to another, preparing foods during thanksgiving and many more. This bayanihan spirit is very common among the Tapaznons simple way of life.
Every municipality has its own festivities and fiesta, such as: Buylogonay Festival of Ivisan, Capiz (1st Week of September)
Buyloganay" is a word typical of an Ivisan culture characterized by the gesture of unity and cooperation. It is celebrated every September 10 in honor of its patron saint, St. Nicholas of Tolentino. Hil-o-hanay of Sigma, Capiz (June 24) Linga-anay of Panay, Capiz (May 4) Linga-anay means looking back. A vivid and accurate interpretation of the Panayanons deep love for birthplace, strong sense of responsibility toward fellow Panayanons. It was also inspired by our Dakung Lingganay or the Big Bell in which the town of Panay is well-known for, not only locally but around the world. Balintawakan of Pontevedra, Capiz (May 15) Dinagsa and Ikin-ikin Festival of Dumalag, Capiz (Last Sunday of January and Nov. 11) Padagyaw Festival of Dumarao, Capiz (August 5)
Being held every year mirrors the spirit of unity and cooperation of its people. One of the few is the street dancing and pista ng bayan. These are the concrete example of group effort. From one fermented idea of planners, action men, and executions, they have translated their ideas and concepts into mass action of well rehearsed and well executed play, dancers, and graceful rendition of songs and dances. A delight to the eyes of the heart. Inilusan Festival of Mambusao, Capiz (Nov. 20-25)
was first introduced in 1975 in celebrating the Mambusao annual cultural-religious festivity. This is a colourful pageant celebrated by way of recollecting the stories of Mambusao and depicting the historical and cultural growth of the town during the celebration of the town fiesta on Nov. 25 in honour of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The term Inilusan means the mutual and reciprocal giving and sharing of food and resources in generous measure and in the spirit of fraternal goodwill that permeates the daily life of Mambusaonons. Tilibyugan Festival of Sapi-an, Capiz (July 26)
It is the Sapianon's way of celebrating their feast day in honor of their Patron Saint Anne every July 26. Tilibyugan came from the word "tibyog", a Sapianon term which means "to unite". Sapianons believed that by consolidating their efforts into one, their dream for a prosperous town can easily be achieved. Agdahanay Festival of Cuartero, Capiz (June 13, 2008)
The Agdahanay Festival is held every 2nd week of June which culminates on the 13th in honor of the town's patron saint, San Antonio de Padua. This was conceptualized to give due recognition to the Cuarteronhon's hospitality. "Agdahanay" means inviting and accommodating others. One whole week of fun, revelry, cultural activities and frenzied street dancing are enjoyed by the Cuarteronhons. Hil-o Hil-o Festival of Maayon, Capiz (Feb. 23)
Maayon Municipal and Religious Fiesta known as Hil-o Hil-o Festival which connotes reciprocity that demonstrates mutual interdependence among our people. It expresses itself in many forms and in many ways.
Brief History ARCHDIOCESE OF CAPIZ
(Archidiocesis Capicensis)
Created Diocese: January 27, 1951 Erected: May 28, 1951 Elevated to Archdiocese: January 17, 1976 Comprises the civil Province of Capiz and the City of Roxas Suffragans: the Diocese of Kalibo and the Diocese of Romblon Titular: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, December 8
The Diocese of Capiz was created on Jan. 27, 1951 and was elevated to an archdiocese on Jan. 17, 1976. It now comprises the civil province of Capiz and Roxas City and has Kalibo and Romblon as suffragans.
Capiz is one of the provinces on the island of Panay. It is part of a group of provinces forming the Western Visayas group now comprising Region VII. On Panay Island, Capiz is bounded on the south and on the east by the province of Iloilo, on the west by Antique, on the northwest by Aklan and on the north by the Sibuyan Sea.
The early history of Capiz is closely associated with that of Aklan. Both were called Aklan under Datu Bankaya who, with ten other datus from Borneo settled in Panay in the 13th century. Aklan was ruled by the descendants of Bankaya until the Spaniards arrived in 1569. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi is reported to have established a settlement in Capiz and made it an independent encomienda.
The entire island of Panay was under the leadership of Datu Sumakwel who is remembered in Philippine history as the wisest of the group of datus from Borneo who bought the lowlands with gold from the Negritos. The so called Code of Kalantiaw, a code of laws in pre-Spanish times, also originated from Panay, presumably made by Datu Kalantiaw, descendant of Sumakwel.
The separation of Aklan from Capiz took place in 1956. Most of the inhabitants speak Hiligaynon a kind of Visayan with a distinct accent.
In a land area of 2,663 square kilometers, the diocesan territory covers the civil Province of Capiz and the City of Roxas.