BAGUIO CITY – Most Rev. Rafael Tambaoan Cruz, D.D., was officially installed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Baguio during a solemn canonical ceremony held in front of the Baguio Cathedral or the Our Lady of Atonement Church on Tuesday, September 17.
MAYOR Benjamin Magalong (right), Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, and Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda (left) turns over a city resolution recognizing Most Rev. Rafael Tambaoan Cruz as new bishop of the city of Baguio. (Photo via Zaldy Comanda)
Cruz is the third bishop of the Diocese of Baguio after the late Bishop Carlito J. Cenzon and Bishop Victor Bendico.
The event was attended by city officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, officials from Benguet, and religious groups.
Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan formally handed over the City Resolution No. 510, Series of 2024, welcoming Cruz to this city.
The province of Benguet also delivered a resolution promulgated during the 106th Regular Meeting of the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board welcoming Cruz.
He was appointed by Pope Francis on June 20 in lieu of Bendico.
Cruz, born on March 12, 1960 in Mapandan, Pangasinan, was the parish priest of the Saint Ildephonse Parish in Poblacion, Malasiqui, Pangasinan and a priest of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan before his appointment.
He was ordained to the Sacred Order of Presbyters on September 8, 1985.
Cruz was a lecturer at the Mary Help of Christian Theology Seminary in San Fabian, Pangasinan; Immaculate Conception School of Theology in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, and Recoletos Theology Seminary in Quezon City.