Abel Apigo

Abel Cahiles Apigo (born May 21, 1968) is a Filipino bishop of the Roman Catholic Church who currently serves as the Bishop of Mati in Davao Oriental, Philippines since 2018.^[1][2]

The Most Reverend Abel C. Apigo D.D.
Bishop of Mati
Province	Davao
See	Mati
Appointed	February 10, 2018
Installed	April 25, 2018
Predecessor	Patricio Hacbang Alo
Orders
Ordination	April 18, 1994
Consecration	April 24, 2018 by Archbishop Romulo Valles
Personal details
Born	Abel Cahiles Apigo (1968-05-21) May 21, 1968 (age 57) Calinan, Davao City, Philippines
Nationality	Filipino
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Motto	"Fortitudo Mea Dominus"
Coat of arms

Styles of Abel C. Apigo
Reference style	His Excellency The Most Reverend
Spoken style	Your Excellency
Religious style	Bishop

Early life and education

Apigo was born in Calinan, Davao City, Philippines, on May 21, 1968.^[1][3] He pursued his philosophical and theological studies at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary in Davao City.^[1][4]

Priesthood

Apigo was ordained a priest on April 18, 1994, for the Archdiocese of Davao.^[2][4] 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, he was appointed pastoral director, a role he held until 1997, focusing on strengthening parish communities. After completing further studies, he served as a professor at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary from 2000 to 2001 and was later designated as coordinator for academic affairs from 2001 to 2002. His leadership in seminary formation continued as he took on the role of vice-rector and dean from 2002 to 2006. He then became the rector of the seminary, leading its formation programs from 2006 to 2018.^[1][3]

Episcopal ministry

On February 10, 2018, Pope Francis appointed Apigo as the Bishop of the Diocese of Mati.^[1] 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 the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral in Mati, Davao Oriental.^[2][4]

Since his appointment, Bishop Apigo has focused on the pastoral renewal of the diocese, advocating for the formation of lay leaders and increased youth involvement in the Church.^[5] 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.^[5]