Pope Francis has appointed Claretian priest Rev. Fr. Elias Ayuban Jr. as the new bishop of the Diocese of Cubao, one of the youngest dioceses in the Philippines.
The Vatican made the announcement on Friday, confirming that Ayuban will succeed Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, whose resignation was accepted by the pope after he reached the mandatory retirement age of 75, in accordance with Canon Law.
In a video message, Ongtioco expressed his gratitude to the faithful of Cubao and urged them to warmly welcome their new bishop.
“I humbly ask all the faithful of our diocese to extend a warm and wholehearted welcome to our new bishop. Let us support him with our prayers and cooperation as he begins his pastoral ministry with us,” he said.
Ayuban, 56, has been serving as the provincial superior of the Claretian missionaries in the Philippine Province since 2019, overseeing missions in Vietnam, Myanmar, and Australia.
He has also held positions within the Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and since 2022, he has been the co-chairperson of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines.
A native of Parang, North Cotabato, Ayuban holds a doctorate in canon law and has taught at the Claretianum in Rome.
He becomes the second Filipino Claretian to be appointed bishop, following Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan.
The Diocese of Cubao, established by Pope John Paul II in 2003, was previously part of the Archdiocese of Manila.
Ongtioco, its first bishop, was installed on the day of its foundation and has led the diocese for 21 years. He also served as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Malolos after the passing of Bishop Jose Oliveros in 2018.
As he prepares to step down, Ongtioco expressed his heartfelt thanks to the people of Cubao. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.
It has been a blessing to journey with you as the first shepherd of this beloved diocese. Let us entrust everything to the providence and guidance of the Lord as we move forward with hope and joy.”