Pope Francis has named Father Valentin Cabbigat Dimoc, 46, as apostolic vicar of Bontoc-Lagawe, Philippines.
Valentin Cabbigat Dimoc was born in Lagawe, Philippines, in 1969 and was ordained a priest in 1998.
Following his studies in philosophy and theology, he obtained a Master of Arts in development management from the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City. He has served as rector of the Holy Rosary Mission, Kayan; the Holy Family Mission, Hapao; the St. Mary Magdalene Mission, Lagawe; and the Good Shepherd Mission, Hapid; and as director of the Kataguan Centre, Lagawe. He is currently director of the Centre for Social Action and Development of the apostolic vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe.
The Vicariate Apostolic of Bontoc-Lagawe was erected in 1992. It has a population of some 360,500, with around 215,000 Catholics. They are served by just 30 priests and a dozen religious.
