By Helen Castaño | 02:14 PM October 27, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bishop Crispin “Bai” Varquez was formally installed as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran during a ceremony at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine here on Tuesday morning, Oct. 27.
The installation Mass was presided over by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula Jr., with Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy and other bishops concelebrating.
In his homily, Advincula highlighted the importance of humility and simplicity in fulfilling a bishop’s mission, emphasizing the need to remain devoted to Christ in serving the Church and its people.
In his message, Varquez said he envisioned a Church that welcomes everyone, regardless of their circumstances in life.
He also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the Church’s finances and material resources.
Varquez called on the faithful to protect Bohol’s natural environment while embracing progress without sacrificing the province’s values, culture and identity.
“To the Diocese of Tagbilaran, my diocese of origin. Please allow me to journey with you. Allow me to walk with you. And most of all, allow me to love you,” he said.
A native of Sevilla, Bohol, Varquez was born on Dec. 5, 1960, and began his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Tagbilaran, where he was ordained on April 14, 1989. He later took on key roles in the diocese, including serving as a seminary formator and vicar general.
In August 2007, Pope Benedict XVI named him bishop of Borongan in Eastern Samar. He received episcopal ordination on Oct. 18, 2007, and was formally installed in Borongan on Nov. 8 that year. After nearly 19 years of shepherding the Eastern Samar diocese, Varquez has returned to Bohol to lead the diocese where his vocation began.
