By SIDTP SoCom

Published on October 16, 2024

The Vatican on Tuesday established the Diocese of Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur, appointing Most Rev. Ruben Labajo as its first bishop.

The new diocese, originally from the Diocese of Butuan, aims to better serve the spiritual needs of the local Catholic population in the area

Bishop Cosme Damian Almedilla advocated for the division, calling it a necessary step for growth and improved administration.

Almedilla described Agusan del Sur as a “missionary frontier,” highlighting the challenges faced by its remote communities.

Prosperidad will be the 87th diocese in the Philippines, serving nearly 800,000 residents, with about 486,000 Catholics across 26 parishes.

Bishop Labajo, 58, has a long history with the Cebu Archdiocese, where he was ordained in 1994 and later became auxiliary bishop.