By Lanie Pitao-Tupaz

Naval, Biliran (18 October) -- Having served the people of Naval as parish priest for quite a long time, the vicar-general of the Diocese of Naval, retired Rev. Msgr. Silas Florencio wished Bishop Filomeno Bactol more best years for the people in the diocese of Naval.

In an interview with PIA staff during the dinner served served at the Naval Institute of Technology here in Naval, Biliran, for the 25th anniversary of episcopal ordination of Bishop Bactol, Msgr. Silas appreciated him for being first to convoke the first synod and the first to launch the Basic Ecclesiastic Community (BEC) in the diocese.

The BEC which tries to eradicate drug addiction, fraternity hazings, prostitution, abortion, family squabbles, and other undesirable vices has already reached the remotest barangays whose participation includes the youth in the entire diocese of Naval.

Shortly after his installation as bishop of Naval, Bishop Bactol founded the Cathedral School of La Naval, the only catholic school in the province of Biliran , under the management of the Religious Sisters of Mercy.

The school first admitted high school students and later on expanded its admission to elementary pupils. The elementary department of the Cathedral School of La Naval is now on its fourth year of operation with the primary aim of instilling religious and moral values among the youth who are the future leaders of tomorrow.

For Msgr. Bactol’s eight years as bishop of Palo and 17 years as bishop of the diocese of Naval, the entire diocese of Naval, together with the bishops, clergies, and nuns in Region 8 and those who came from as far as Sarawak, Indonesia, offer October 16 and 17 as an act of thanksgiving for his episcopal mission.