His Holiness Pope Francis appointed a bishop to the Diocese of Ilagan in northern Philippines. His Grace Bishop David William Valencia Antonio, the Auxiliary of Segovia is the new Bishop of Ilagan. However, he will continue as Apostolic Administrator of San Jose in Mindoro, a task he was entrusted with in March 2018. The See of Ilagan has been vacant since 25 February 2017, when His Excellency Bishop Joseph Amangi Ncua OFM stepped down on health grounds.
His Grace Bishop Antonio was born in Nagtupacan, Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur, on 29 December 1963. He attended philosophy courses at the “San Pablo seminary” in Baguio City, and theology courses at the ” Immaculate Conception School of Theology” in Vigan City. He then completed higher studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington (USA), obtaining a doctorate in theology. On June 15, 2011, he was appointed Auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia and titular Bishop of Basti. He was consecrated bishop on August 26, 2011.
On March 22, 2018, His Grace Bishop David was also appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Vicariate of San José in Mindoro after His Excellency Bishop Antonio Palang stepped down.
