Abel Apigo

His Excellency, The Most Reverend Monsignor

Abel C. Apigo
Metropolitan Archbishop-designate of Davao
ProvinceDavao
SeeDavao
AppointedNovember 9, 2026
PredecessorRomulo Valles
Orders
OrdinationApril 18, 1994
by Antonio Mabutas
ConsecrationApril 24, 2018
by Romulo Valles
Personal details
BornAbel Cahiles Apigo
(1968-05-21) May 21, 1968 (age 58)
Calinan, Davao City, Philippines
DenominationRoman Catholic
MottoFortitudo Mea Dominus
(Latin for 'The Lord is my strength')
Coat of arms
Abel C. Apigo's coat of arms
Abel C. Apigo's coat of arms
Ordination history
History
Priestly ordination
Ordained byAntonio Mabutas
DateApril 18, 1994
Episcopal consecration
Principal consecratorRomulo Valles
Co-consecrators
DateApril 24, 2018
PlaceDavao Cathedral
Styles of
Abel C. Apigo
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Excellency
Religious styleBishop

Abel Cahiles Apigo (born May 21, 1968) is a Filipino prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Davao in November 2026, after serving as Bishop of Mati in Davao Oriental since 2018.

Early life and education

Apigo was born in Calinan, Davao City, Philippines, on May 21, 1968. He studied philosophy and theology at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary in Davao City.

Priesthood

Apigo was ordained a priest on April 18, 1994, for the Archdiocese of Davao. He began his ministry as a parochial vicar at San Pedro Cathedral from 1994 to 1996, assisting in pastoral care and liturgical functions. In 1996/97, he was pastoral director, focused on strengthening parish communities. Studying at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome from 1997 to 2000, he earned a licentiate in church history. He served as a professor at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary from 2000 to 2001 and then as coordinator for academic affairs from 2001 to 2002 and vice-rector and dean from 2002 to 2006. He was rector of the seminary from 2006 to 2018. He was also the archdiocese's episcopal vicar for clergy from 2014 to 2018.

Episcopal ministry

On February 10, 2018, Pope Francis appointed Apigo as the Bishop of the Diocese of Mati. His episcopal ordination took place on April 24, 2018, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Pedro in Davao City, and he was installed as the Bishop of Mati on April 25, 2018, at San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral in Mati, Davao Oriental.

In Mati Apigo focused on the pastoral renewal of the diocese, advocating for the formation of lay leaders and increased youth involvement in the Church. He has also been active in strengthening the social action programs of the diocese, particularly those addressing poverty, education, and indigenous peoples' rights in Mindanao.

On November 9, 2026. Pope Leo XIV appointed him to succeed retiring Archbishop Romulo Valles as Metropolitan Archbishop of Davao.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Resignations and Appointments, 10.02.2018" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. February 10, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "18th Boholano bishop named". Bohol Chronicle. February 19, 2018. Archived from the original on April 26, 2026. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Pope Francis appoints 2 new bishops in Mindanao". Inquirer.net. April 14, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
  4. 1 2 "New Bishop of Mati ordained". CBCP News. April 25, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
  5. 1 2 Lagarde, Roy (November 9, 2026). "Pope appoints Bishop Apigo as new Davao archbishop". CBCP News. Retrieved November 9, 2026.
  6. 1 2 "Diocese of Mati's 38th Founding Anniversary: Revitalizing the Faith Towards Maximum Evangelization". Davao Catholic Herald. February 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Resignations and Appointments, 09.11.2026" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. November 9, 2026. Retrieved November 9, 2026.