The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Pope Francis has appointed Daet Bishop Rex Andrew Alarcon as the new archbishop of Caceres.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Feb. 22, the church said the 53-year-old bishop will succeeded Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona, who retired at the age of 77.
Alarcon is currently serving in the Diocese of Daet, Camarines Norte, where he oversees the pastoral care of Catholics in Naga City, the heart of the Bicol region that is known for its economic, cultural, educational, and religious significance.
Alarcon was ordained as Bishop of Daet in 2019.
And now, as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Caceres, he will not only lead the Archdiocese but also collaborate with the suffragan bishops of Daet, Legazpi, Libmanan, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Virac to address matters of regional importance.
Dedicated leader, scholar
Meanwhile, the bishop's journey to this leadership role began with his studies at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga and the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary in Manila.
He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Caceres in 1996.
Bishop Alarcon obtained a licentiate in Church history from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 2001 and actively served in various leadership positions within the Archdiocese, including leading the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools and eventually becoming the president of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP).
CBCP added that he currently serves as the chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Youth.