Explanation of the Personal Coat of Arms of His Excellency Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, D.D., 2nd Bishop of the Diocese of Mati

Upper Part:

On the upper part is the image of the CROSSED KEYS which symbolizes St. Peter the Apostle to whom the Lord entrusted the keys of heaven (Mt. 16:19). St. Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, was given the responsibility of leading God’s people to heaven. St. Peter is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Davao, where the Bishop comes from. In fact, the crossed keys are in the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Davao. Hence, the Bishop entrusts his episcopacy to the intercession of St. Peter, the Vicar of Christ, as he shepherds the flock entrusted to him.

The EAGLE, known as the Philippine national bird, symbolizes the people and the beautiful City of Davao. It speaks about the aspiration of the people of the City of Davao to soar high amidst the many challenges in life. Together with the Crossed Keys, this is also depicted on the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Davao. The Philippine eagle happens to be found in Malagos, Calinan — the place where the Bishop comes from. The Bishop wants to bring with him the identity of his place of origin wherever he goes.

The color YELLOW of this field is a reminder to the Bishop of the color Yellow often associated with the Holy See, and furthermore reminds him of his very close unity of the successor of Peter, the Holy Father.

Middle Part:

The meaning of the images of the TWO HEARTS is very important to the life of the Bishop. The first heart (right side) refers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The parish where the Bishop was baptized and where he grew up has the titular the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is here in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish where he was raised as a Christian, and where he matured in his faith in God which eventually led him to the awareness of his priestly calling. It is in this parish where he found the joy of serving the people of God, the joy which he will also bring to the people of the Diocese in which he will be serving. The second heart (left side) represents the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Bishop strongly believes in the care of the Blessed Mother for the servants of Her son, and so the Bishop carries with him his devotion to the Blessed Mother as he serves God’s people in his diocese — “do whatever He tells you” (Jn. 2:5).

The color BLUE of this field is a reminder to the Bishop of the constant faithfulness that is demanded of him. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is ever faithful to us. The Blessed Mother, her Immaculate Heart, is always there for us, and ever faithful Mother.

Lower Part:

The FISH is the ancient symbol used by the early Christians to manifest their faith in Jesus Christ. This image of the fish is also the prominent symbol on the tabernacle in the chapel of the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao; the place where he was formed to become a good shepherd of God’s flock. This is also the vineyard where he had spent most his priestly ministry as a seminary formator for twenty-two years. This symbol, found at the seminary’s tabernacle, will forever be a reminder to him that as a Bishop, together with his priests, he will accompany God’s people in their journey to God.

The color Red of this field reminds the Bishop of the constant sacrifice demanded of him as he shepherds his people.

Motto:

In this journey of leading God’s people, the Bishop will always remember in humility his chosen Episcopal Motto, “FORTITUDO MEA DOMINUS!” — The Lord is my Strength! (Ex. 15:2).