New Bishop of Tagum Named

DAVAO CITY—The new bishop of the Diocese of Tagum has been named.

During the birthday celebration of Bishop Emeritus Wilfredo Manlapaz, April 7, Fr. Medel Aseo has been announced as new bishop-elect of Tagum.

Bishop-elect Aseo will succeed Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz who has reached the mandatory age of retirement of 75 two years ago. Bishop Manlapaz will be the apostolic administrator of Tagum until the ordination and apostolic succession of Bishop-elect Aseo.

Aseo has been on a mission at St. Mary Parish in the Diocese of Greensburg, Pennsylvania since 2017 and will be back to Tagum in preparation for his ordination whose date is yet to be announced.

Bishop Manlapaz served the Diocese of Tagum for 32 years and will be succeeded by Aseo as fourth Bishop of Tagum. Bishop Manlapaz made the announcement himself during his 77th birthday celebration which was attended by the Clergy of Tagum.

Born in Maniki in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, the new bishop-elect has been assigned in different parishes and also once served as staff in the priest assist program in Tagaytay. He is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood April 7, 1979.

He also had his further studies at the Loyola School of Theology.

Past bishops of Tagum include Bp. Joseph William Reagan, Bp. Pedro Dean and Bp. Manlapaz.