By Helen Castaño | 03:15 PM October 28, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Newly installed Bishop Crispin “Bai” Varquez has called on the faithful, government leaders and other stakeholders to protect Bohol’s environment and cultural heritage while pursuing tourism and economic development.
“The true measure of progress is not simply the number of tourists who come here, nor merely the employment generated by tourism,” Varquez said during his installation Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
“Let Bohol welcome the world without losing our identity as Boholano people,” he added.
Varquez stressed that development should not come at the expense of the province’s natural resources, local communities and traditions.
“Let tourism respect our environment. Let economic growth protect the dignity of our workers and the local community,” he said.
His appeal underscored the importance of balancing tourism growth with environmental protection and the welfare of Boholanos, particularly communities whose livelihoods and cultural identity are closely linked to the province’s natural heritage.
The new bishop also called for unity among the Church, government and other sectors to strengthen the Church’s mission of evangelization and its service to the community.
“I want to journey with you. Allow me to walk with you. And most of all, allow me to love you,” Varquez said.
Varquez was appointed bishop of Borongan in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Leo XIV appointed him the eighth bishop of Tagbilaran on Sept. 10, ending a yearlong vacancy in the diocese.
