CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma will push his proposal to divide the Archdiocese of Cebu into three during the 126th Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), which will be held from July 8 to 10 in Kalibo, Aklan.
The proposal is for the Archdiocese of Cebu to serve as the Mother Church, while one diocese each will be established in Northern Cebu and in Southern Cebu.
Palma said Carcar City is being eyed for the Southern Cebu territory, while the other for Northern Cebu could be a choice between Danao City at Bogo City.
“This plan aims to serve more people, especially the far-flung areas and islands in the province,” he said.
Palma first floated the subdivision in 2011.
The Archdiocese of Cebu is looking at submitting the proposal to the Vatican in January 2024.
Only the Pope has the authority to divide, merge, or create dioceses.
The Diocese of Cebu was established in August 1595, and was elevated to the Archdiocese of Cebu in April 1934.
Currently, the Cebu Archdiocese, which covers the entire civil province of Cebu, has 4.6 million Catholics, over 600 priests, and 174 parishes.
The Archdiocese of Cebu also has as suffragan sees the dioceses of Dumaguete, Maasin, Tagbilaran, and Talibon. — Gerard Naval
