DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Abel Cahiles Apigo of Mati as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Davao, succeeding Archbishop Romulo Valles, whose resignation was accepted by the Vatican on November 9, 2026.
The appointment marks a new chapter for the Archdiocese of Davao, as Apigo prepares to lead one of the major Catholic archdioceses in Mindanao. He previously served as Bishop of Mati in Davao Oriental since 2018.
Archbishop Valles, who turned 75 in July 2026, submitted his resignation upon reaching the mandatory retirement age for Catholic bishops. He had led the Archdiocese of Davao for approximately 14 years.
The Vatican announced the acceptance of Valles’ resignation and the appointment of Apigo as his successor on the same day.
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Abel Cahiles Apigo was born on May 21, 1968, in Calinan, Davao City, Philippines. He is a Filipino Catholic prelate who has served the Church in various pastoral, academic, and leadership positions.
Before becoming a bishop, Apigo studied philosophy and theology at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao (SFX-REMASE) in Davao City.
He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Davao on April 18, 1994. His early ministry included serving as a parochial vicar at San Pedro Cathedral from 1994 to 1996.
In 1997, he pursued further studies in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University, where he earned a licentiate in Church History in 2000.
From Seminary Rector to Bishop of Mati
After returning to the Philippines, Apigo took on several academic and administrative responsibilities at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary.
His positions included professor, coordinator for academic affairs, vice rector, and dean. In 2006, he became rector of the seminary, a position he held until 2018.
He also served as Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Davao from 2014 to 2018.
On February 10, 2018, Pope Francis appointed Apigo as the second Bishop of Mati. He received episcopal ordination on April 24, 2018, at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City and was formally installed the following day at San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral in Mati, Davao Oriental.
During his leadership in Mati, Apigo focused on pastoral renewal, strengthening the participation of lay leaders, and encouraging greater involvement among young Catholics.
His ministry also included initiatives addressing poverty, education, and the concerns and rights of indigenous communities in Mindanao.
Romulo Valles Steps Down After 14 Years
Archbishop Romulo Valles is leaving the leadership of the Archdiocese of Davao after approximately 14 years of service.
Born on July 10, 1951, Valles previously served as Bishop of Kidapawan from 1997 to 2006 before being appointed Archbishop of Zamboanga.
He later became Archbishop of Davao in 2012. He also served as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) from December 2017 to November 2021.
In April 2026, Valles celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
His resignation was accepted by Pope Leo XIV on November 9, 2026, coinciding with the appointment of Apigo as the new Archbishop of Davao.
When Will Abel Apigo Be Installed as Archbishop of Davao?
As of November 11, 2026, no official date has been announced for the installation of Bishop Abel Apigo as the fifth Metropolitan Archbishop of Davao.
The installation ceremony will formally mark the beginning of his leadership of the archdiocese.
Catholics in Davao and across Mindanao are expected to follow the transition as Apigo prepares to assume his new responsibilities.
His appointment brings his decades of experience in priestly ministry, seminary leadership, and episcopal service to the Archdiocese of Davao.