By Leslie Ann Aquino
Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad said bishop-elect Leo Dalmao an "excellent choice" for the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan.
In an interview, the prelate said Dalmao was an excellent choice as he is well loved in Basilan not only by Catholics but Muslims as well since he used to be assigned there.
Fr. Leo Dalmao, CM (PHOTO COURTESY OF LETLET LECTOR / FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN)
"He is not new to Basilan. He was assigned before there in Basilan. He knows many people and he is well loved not only by Catholics but even by our Muslim brothers and sisters," said Jumoad, the former Basilan prelate.
"He can mix and relate to all sectors in Basilan and they rejoice with his appointment," he added.
According to Jumoad, Dalmao handled the Badjau Apostolate Program and was also assigned in Tumahubong and Maluso.
"I am happy with his appointment. It is an excellent choice," he said.
The 49-year old Dalmao was appointed by Pope Francis as the new bishop of Basilan, Monday.
Born in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Dalmao entered the Congregation in 1986 and studied philosophy at Claret Formation Center, now known as St. Anthony Mary Claret College.
After his theology studies, he was ordained priest by the late Bishop Emeritus José María Querejeta Mendizábal of Isabela in 1997 and was assigned in Basilan.
In 2000, he was named Prefect of Students and three years later, became Novice Master while serving as Consultor and Prefect of Formation of the Philippine Province.
Ten years later, he was elected as superior of the Philippine Province of the Claretian missionaries.
While serving the post, he was also elected as co-chairperson of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines until he was transferred to Rome in 2015.
Dalmao, the first Filipino Claretian to become bishop, is serving as Consultor and the Prefect of Formation at the Istituto Guiridico Claretiano in Rome, Italy, before his appointment.
The bishop elect will succeed Jumoad who was transferred to Ozamis in October 2016.