10/06/2026
MILITARY BISHOP CONDUCTS PASTORAL VISIT TO MIMAROPA, DEDICATES NEW CHAPEL AND STRENGTHENS SPIRITUAL FORMATION OF POLICE AND MILITARY PERSONNEL
CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO – June 8-9, 2026 — In line with the mission of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines (MOP) to provide spiritual care and moral guidance to the country's uniformed personnel, Most Rev. Oscar Jaime L. Florencio, SThD, DD, Military Bishop of the Philippines, conducted a two-day Pastoral Visit to Police Regional Office (PRO) MIMAROPA, Regional Training Center (RTC) 4B of the Philippine National Police, and the 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade of the Philippine Army in Oriental Mindoro.
Accompanying the Military Bishop were Rev. Fr. (LTC) Dionesio L. Acaso, CHS, Chancellor of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines and Executive Officer of the Office of the Chief Chaplain, Philippine Army; Rev. Fr. (MAJ) Joven Laurea Caycong, CHS, Chaplain of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, Philippine Army; MOP Seminarian Bro. Herbert Albor; MOP Deacon Rev. Rico Formoso; SN2 Bryan Florencio, Philippine Coast Guard; and PFC Ivan De Paz, Philippine Army.
Upon arrival in Calapan City on June 8, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. PCPT Jayrom D. Ramirez, Regional Pastoral Officer of PRO MIMAROPA. The visit began with a fellowship gathering among clergy before Bishop Florencio paid a courtesy visit to Most Rev. Moises M. Cuevas, SThD, DD, Bishop of Calapan, at Saint Augustine Seminary. The meeting strengthened ecclesiastical collaboration and highlighted the shared pastoral mission of serving the faithful, particularly those in uniform and their families.
The Military Bishop also visited the Benedictine Sisters in Calapan, emphasizing the importance of prayer and religious life in sustaining the Church's mission of evangelization and pastoral care.
Later that afternoon, Bishop Florencio conducted a Pastoral Visitation at the Headquarters of Police Regional Office MIMAROPA at Camp BGen Efigenio C. Navarro, Calapan City. He was accorded Arrival Honors and received by the command group led by PCOL Hordan T. Pacatiw, Deputy Regional Director for Operations. During the visit, the Bishop encouraged police personnel to remain steadfast in faith, integrity, and service, reminding them that spiritual strength and moral leadership are essential foundations of effective law enforcement.
On June 9, Bishop Florencio presided over the Dedication of the Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Chapel and celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the Regional Training Center 4B in Barangay Pag-asa, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro. The ceremony was attended by PCOL Tom P. Tuzon, Chief of RTC 4B, together with officers, police trainees, and personnel of the training center.
The dedication of the chapel marked a significant milestone for RTC 4B, providing a sacred space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual formation. In his homily, Bishop Florencio highlighted the importance of nurturing one's relationship with God as a source of strength, wisdom, and resilience in public service.
Following the Mass, the Military Bishop delivered a Spiritual and Moral Formation Talk to RTC 4B personnel and members of PSBRC Batch 2025-01 "SIKLAB TALA," emphasizing the values of integrity, discipline, ethical leadership, and commitment to duty.
The pastoral visit continued at the Headquarters of the 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade, Philippine Army, where Bishop Florencio was warmly welcomed by Brigade Commander BGEN Melencio W. Ragudo, PA. There, he conducted a Spiritual and Moral Talk for officers and enlisted personnel, encouraging them to remain anchored in faith while carrying out their responsibilities in preserving peace and security.
In his message to the troops, the Military Bishop underscored that the true strength of a soldier is not measured solely by military capability but also by character, moral courage, and trust in God. He reminded the personnel that their vocation of service is a noble mission that contributes to nation-building and the protection of the Filipino people.
The pastoral visitation concluded with renewed partnerships between the Military Ordinariate, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the local Church. The visit reaffirmed the Military Ordinariate's commitment to accompanying the men and women in uniform through spiritual formation, pastoral care, and moral guidance as they faithfully serve God, country, and the Filipino people.
