SENSUS FIDEI OF OLD BAUNGON AND GROWTH IN MISSION

By: Fr. Sirenio T. Jaranilla, O.Carm.

 

ANIMISM THE OLD WAY OF HIGAONONS

Majority of the old residents of Baungon, Bukidnon were Higaonon. Before 1950’s, animism (pag Diwata or Pamuhat) was the way of life in Baungon prior to the coming of the Christian missionaries. They ascribed everything that is going on around them to the spirits or diwata that surrounded the people. When a child drowns, they would say, he/she was pulled by the spirits of the water (wahig). Spirits lurked in the places not visited often by people: in the forests, in the rivers, in the deserted places, under the earth, in the farms, and what not. In fact, they say these spirits (diwata) did not want to be disturbed that is why they inflict misery to those who will disturb them. When children got sick, the elders usually would appease the Diwata or the Spirits by offering a ritual, usually they would slaughter chicken or if the ailment is so great, it would require butchering a pig.

THE DREAM OF APO SIMBO

Before the arrival of the Jesuits, Apo Amay Simbo (CEPRIANO I/Cipriano Lilangan) built a Chapel in Mando. It was said that in a dream, Apo Amay Simbo saw a lady emerged out of the river (Mando). This lady identified herself as Fatima which instructed Apo Amay Simbo to construct a Chapel and to prepare his family to receive baptism from the Catholic missionaries that would come. To this date, the first Chapel of Baungon in Mando, Baungon, Bukidnon is under the patronage of Our Lady of Fatima.


CHRISTIANIZATION BY THE JESUITS

The first missionaries to arrive in Baungon were the Jesuits (Society of Jesus). They helped a lot in the formation of the different Barrios and Barangays. 


They would travel to these Barrios riding on the back of horses and by these means converted the locals to Christianity. Much has been done by the Jesuits for it was through their efforts that the formation of barrios and the Christianization of Baungon came about. They should be mentioned along with the history of Baungon. The Jesuits who had been assigned to the parish were:

  •   1958-1965 Fr Gregory Horgan. San Isidro Labrador Parish of Baungon was established in 1953 according to the Jesuit historical data. However, “the baptismal and marriage registry books started only in December 21, 1958 bearing the signature of Fr. Gregory Horgan SJ, the first parish priest. The first Jesuit missionaries had Christianized the native population as early as 1926. The first lumad to be converted to the faith and consequently baptized with his family was Datu Cipriano Lilangan.”[1]

Fr. Gregory G. Horgan was born on October 9, 1913 in New York, United States and entered the Society of Jesus on August 14, 1934. He was ordained on March 24, 1946 and died on June 4, 1987. Fr. Greg first arrived in Philippines as a student in 1940. For a short period, he served as professor of Ethics and Sociology at San Jose Seminary in Quezon City. From there, he was transferred to Naga. Then the war broke out. “On December 14, 1940, the Imperial Japanese Army's 16th Division "Kimura Detachment" entered Naga. Then, on the 15th, this spearhead walked directly through the gates of the Ateneo de Naga during its turnover ceremony, postponing it indefinitely. The campus' Jesuits were then subsequently incarcerated by the Japanese, then intending to encamp their regional garrison at this institution. Many of the facilities of the campus were requisitioned by the garrison, notably with the Jesuit House becoming the garrisons' officer quarters. According to a recount by Scholastic McSorley where the eight American Jesuits, himself, Francis Burns, Joseph Bittner, Mat Reilly, and Scholastics Ed Sullivan, Albert Grau, John Nicholson, and Gregory Horgan were interned at the Naga Provincial Jail. From the ALATCO bus where they were transported, Atenean students were reportedly waving at them while the Japanese guards at the back held their rifles against the religious. They were permitted to individually carry a single briefcase containing all their personal belongings before being confined in the city jail. Manila-based Jesuits who heard their arrest grew adamant of their release, with the Superior of the Jesuits sending Fr. Horacio de la Costa and Guzman Rivas and a Japanese priest to interpose their release. On March 7, 1941, these Jesuits were released to the Bishop's residency.”[2]

The Jesuits established Ateneo de Naga in 1940 upon the invitation of Archbishop Pedro P. Santos of the Diocese of Caceres. Working with Fr. John F. Hurley, S.J., the Superior of the Philippine Jesuits at that time, he sought a Jesuit-run school for boys in his diocese, leading to the foundation of Ateneo de Naga. The first Jesuits who came to Bicol with Fr. Francis Burns, S.J, as the school’s founding director, were Fr. Bernard Lochbölher and some Jesuit Scholastics which included Seminarian Gregory Horgan. In 1941, Frs. Matthew Reilly and Joseph Bittner with Scholastics Francis Lucas, John Nicholson, and Edward Sullivan joined the Jesuit community in Naga. (Editors’ Note: Illustrating the apostolate connection of Ateneo de Naga with the Jesuit Bukidnon Mission. After the war, Fr. Gregory Horgan, S.J. and Fr. Joseph Bittner, S.J. would later become pioneering parish priests of the mission stations in Baungon and Dangcagan, Bukidnon. Fr. Gregory Horgan subsequently served as the first director of Pangantucan Community High School, from 1968 to 1975. Earlier, Fr. Joseph Bittner established the Santo Niño High School of Dangcagan in 1958. Fr. Godofredo Alingal, S.J., who became the first Filipino principal to serve Ateneo de Naga, was a parish priest in Talakag, Bukidnon. Later he returned to mission work as the parish priest of Kibawe where he lost his life in service to the farmers and workers.)[3] It was Fr. Horgan who initiated the formation of new catechists in Baungon to guide the people. The catechists (Petronila Lilangan Jaranilla, Benilda Aquino, Leonisa Roa, Valeriana Cagmat, Nida Tagocon Jaranilla, Teonila Lilo, Azucena Lilo, Evina Bacarro, Gloria Olango, Stella Linaac, Yolanda Ravello, Natividad Lilangan, Inday Molinas, Illuminada Ranara Aluba, Georgia Abragan, Nora Palma, Dulcenia Rapirap) would accompany him to the barrios. Fr. Greg also welcomed working students sent to Ateneo de Cagayan (Bernard Rapirap, Agustin Lilangan, Romy Acosta, Inocence Rapirap - Trade School) and young sacristans (Rogato Rapirap who would be supported in his studies by Illuminado Dael - Illuminado came to Baungon as an Agriculturist, Jacob Rapirap, Wildon Jaranilla, Henry Abratigin, Licenio Beja, Greg Aquino) and to assist in the parish also were the sacristan leaders in the persons of Sofronio Manaba, Artemio Estoque, Nardo Pangan and later on since he was in need of someone to manage the horses (Native Horses named Norton, Redmond, Dodo and Badlis) used in going to the barrios, he let David Jaranilla do the job. 
Based in Baungon, Fr. Horgan established also the Chapels and Christianized many barrios of Misamis Oriental like Tignapoloan, Opol Villages - (Malanang, Nangcaon, Tagsulip, Cauyonan, Limatukon), Taglimao, Tumpagon, Balongkot, Pigsag-an, Tuburan, Pagalungan, Tagpangi, Bisigan, Mambuaya, Bayanga, and Dansolihon. All these villages were only accessible by horse in those times.

(Fr. Greg Horgan with David Jaranilla's children: Asuncion, Daniel, Sirenio-The Author)

  • 1965-1966 Fr Thomas Connolly. Fr. Connolly served Bicol and was a later an addition to Ateneo de Naga. For a year when the Jesuits were looking for a replacement of Fr. Gregory Horgan, he was called to serve Baungon Parish as an administrator while visiting Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier University). He was a priest with imposing presence because of his body built and strong gaze which many parishioners found threatening. But he continued visiting the barrio chapels of Baungon and Misamis Oriental started by Fr. Horgan. 

  • 1966-1974 Fr Edward Van Groenendael. The Frenchman, Fr. Dael as he was popularly known by the people became the parish priest after Fr. Connolly. In his memoirs, he wrote: “In 1961, I was asked: Would I replace Fr. Thomas H. Connolly at Imbatug? (Fr. Gregory Horgan had started the parish at Imbatug, and then had been replaced by Fr. Connolly who was now asking to leave that parish.) I grabbed the job and was there by the end of June 1966. When Fr. Greg Horgan came back from a rest and a medical check-up in the States, he was reassigned to the parish and school of Pangantucan that had been started by Fr. Frank Webster. It was a policy introduced by Fr. Shea and by the Provincial Fr. Horacio de la Costa to send out missionaries for a sabbatical rest and on their return to give them new parish assignments. At Imbatug, Fr. Horgan had acquired 5 cows and three horses (Native Horses named Norton, Redmond, Dodo and later on her offspring Badlis), and these animals had been entrusted to the care of a 20-year old young man, David Jaranilla. Those were used as pack animals in the periodic visits that the parish priest had to make to the barrios, of which Imbatug parish had 30, some of them quite distant. On these visits the priest would be accompanied by a caravan of about a dozen people that included the catechists, the choir, and the drivers.
    During the month of November, for instance, we had the longest trips for Fiestas in the Iponan Valley southwest of the Lumbia airstrip of Cagayan de Oro. We would start at dawn the day before the Fiesta at Taglimao, and then proceed to each of the five villages along the river or nearby. It would take a week or more to make the round trip to these five barrios and back to Imbatug. So it happened that, crossing on foot a creek on slippery stones, I fell down and broke my right wrist. We managed to reach the Phillips Memorial Hospital five days after the accident. I am right-handed but, since my right arm remained in a plaster-cast for two months till after the New Year 1968, I learned to shave quite well and sign papers with the left hand. During my incapacity the “alagad” or church caretakers and catechists were taking care of prayer meetings. The head catechist and coordinator was Mrs. Nida Jaranilla y Tagocon, wife of David Jaranilla who took care of our pack animals. They had their own piggery and some chickens and for a while we planted tomatoes and peanuts. Most of the crops went to feed their growing family. By the time I left the parish in 1974, passing it on to Fr. Jose Dacanay, they had already 4 children. In 1967, we had started a group of cursillistas (who had made the 3-day cursillo retreat) and later in 1970-72 a unit of the Federation of Free Farmers(FFF). But when Martial Law was declared (22 September 1972) these groups of church workers were dissolved or groud to a halt. A climate of fear and social struggle prevailed. We had from the start a good number of volunteer catechists who had been recruited and formed by Fr. Greg Horgan. Our regular meetings, five or six times a year, were often coordinated by Mrs. Nida Tagocon Jaranilla. Sometimes, we invited the late Miss Nimfa Borja. She was well-known and able catechist at Cagayan de Oro. Around November 1972, I invited Fr. Honesto C. Pacana to handle a particularly delicate meeting. Shortly, after 11 o’clock the acting chief of police sent a policeman to order us to stop the meeting at once. “Not permitted under Martial Law.” I went to the municipal hall to see the chief of police and explain: “We have only one more topic on our agenda after lunch, then we will celebrate Mass and disperse. Is that kind of meeting also forbidden under Martial Law?” “Yesterday,” he answered, “we received a circular letter, endorsed by the Governor, reminding us that meetings of any kind are not permitted under Martial Law, unless there is a written permit obtained from the Constabulary Provincial Commander and/or the Governor’s office. Stop your meeting.” At noon, I informed Fr. Pacana about it. Like me, he was upset. The catechists were even more upset. We compromised and our meeting ended at 3 pm after celebrating Mass.”[4] (Fr. Edward was later on transferred to Impasug-ong after his stay in Baungon.)


  • 1974-75 Fr Jose Dacanay. Fr. Joe Dacanay was from Shanghai, China and was born on June 21, 1925 to Feliciano Dacanay and Jovita Arcega. Coming from a moneyed family, he chose to get on board the USS General Meigs in 1946 crossing the Pacific from Shanghai, China to San Francisco, California, and went on to traverse a religious path. At the Sacred Heart Novitiate, Dacanay underwent a four-year formation program from 1946 to 1950. After Los Gatos, from 1953 to 1956, Dacanay took his regency at Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro and Ateneo de Naga in Naga City, two years for each school, where he taught Latin, Physics, and Religion. He then took his priesthood vows on June 20, 1959, at the Fordham University Chapel in Bronx, New York, and his final vows at the Ateneo de Davao University Chapel in Davao City on August 15, 1964. From 1961 to 2004, Fr Jose Dacanay SJ was assigned in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga del Sur, and Bukidnon (Kalilangan, Baungon, Talakag).[5] 

  • 1975-1977 Fr Teodoro Urrutia (Birth: 20 Nov 1913 – Death: 26 Aug 2004).  Fr. Teodoro Urrutia, SJ was born on November 20, 1913 in Nanclaves de Gamboa, Spain. Perhaps because of the influence of the Jesuit education he obtained from St. Francis Xavier at Sanguesa, in Navarre, Spain. Fr. Urrutia entered the Society of Jesus on June 7, 1934. We can say that he was truly a son of Saint Francis Xavier. He pronounced his first vows two years later and after years of studies and formation was ordained to the priesthood on July 30, 1948. The following year he made his tertianship and then pronounced his final vows on February 2, 1951. As his first assignment, he taught Religion, Math and Literature at the Escuela Profesional Cristo Rey in Burgos, Spain. Later, he was made principal of that school. In 1962, his dream of being sent to the missions was realized when he was allowed to go to the Philippines. In this country which would become the dominant passion of his Jesuit life, Fr. Urrutia was first assigned to the island of Olutanga in Zamboanga del Sur. There he would be involved in running the Loyola High School in Subanipa while at the same time acting as assistant parish priest of the town. In 1970, Parokya San Miguel was established as a parish and Fr. Teodoro Urrutia, SJ became its first parish priest. It is one of the three parishes located in the island of Olutanga, Diocese of Ipil. After more than ten years on the island, his missionary zeal would bring him to Bukidnon as where he would serve as assistant parish priest to the different towns of the province, he would stay longer in Baungon, Bukidnon (1975-77) where he became the voice of the poor against the powerful. (The author as a teenager witnessed his unwavering stance against injustice. To organize the people, he opted for Cursillo Seminars so the parishioners can develop their faith and at the same time know of their Rights. At one time, he learned that a local politician, who owned a pasture of cattle underpaid his tenants. One tenant who got unpaid resorted in butchering one of the cattle to feed his family. He was imprisoned and tortured. When the priest learned of these, he stormed the politician’s house and together with the parishioner barricaded the main entrance of the house to demand justice for the suffering tenants from the politician. Fr. Urrutia was almost killed as the politician’s son got a rifle to shoot him. But Don Teodoro would not be budged. He knew he was on the side of truth. Only when, the daughter, who was an Atenean student in Xavier University of Cagayan de Oro intervened did the dialogue took place. This bought a moment of peace but Don Teodoro would never back down when preaching about truth and justice.) In 1977, he was sent back to his beloved Olutanga island. His apostolic work would take its toll on his health and so in 1988, he was transferred to the Loyola House of Studies in Manila. Despite his health condition however. he would still engage in active ministry, doing pastoral work in the Quezon Institute and then chaplaincy work for the Sisters of Mary’s Boystown and Girlstown in Silang, Cavite and Sta. Mesa, Manila. In 2003, his health condition worsened and on August 26, 2004, Fr. Teodoro Urrutia, SJ, finally joined his Creator whom he had faithfully served with his outstanding dedication to the missionary work of the Society of Jesus. Hasta Luego, Don Teodoro![6] Until we meet again, Padre Teodoro! 

(Fr. Urrutia as Chaplain to Boys Town in Silang, Cavite)

  • 1977-1980 Fr Joseph Bittner. In 1952, Fr. Joe Bittner, SJ arrived in Bukidnon from Pennsylvania, USA. “He was first assigned in Dangcagan, Bukidnon. The local inhabitants of Dangcagan who had already increased in number helped the missionary build a convent. In 1953, the building of the church started. After finishing the framework, photos were taken and sent to USA for funding. Generous donors responded and sent funding for the completion of the church. The people of Dangcagan were grateful the construction of their church was made possible through the efforts and sacrifices of Fr. Bittner. In 1958, he also founded the Santo Niño High School. He stayed on in Dangcagan until 1966.”[7] It can be recalled that Fr. Joseph Bittner came to serve Bukidnon with Fr. Gregory Horgan, a colleague from his days in Ateneo de Naga. This is the reason that during his stay in Loyola House in Cagayan de Oro, (after Dangcagan) he was asked to help in Imbatug, Baungon, Bukidnon. Since he found it difficult to communicate with the locals so he started procuring medicines that greatly helped the people. Many came to him asking for medicines.  

  • 1980-85 Fr Romeo Serrato. Fr. Romy Serrato, SJ was a Jesuit priest affiliated with the roster of faculty in Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZu) and the Jesuit community in Zamboanga. He was a metallurgical engineer from Lahug, Cebu before joining the Jesuits. It was during his stay in the Loyola House of Cagayan de Oro that he was requested by Jesuit superiors to serve as parish priest in Baungon. Fr. Serrato was observed by the parishioners with obsessive compulsions of organization and cleanliness. This helped him as an organizer but often a hindrance to his pastoral ministry as people thought he wanted to be pleased and waited upon. These compulsions worsened his tardiness in his schedules. He would however not back down from any assignments given to him. 

  • 1985-86 Fr Salvador Wee. Fr. Buddy Wee, SJ, is a Jesuit priest primarily associated with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) and Xavier University (XU) in the Philippines. He held various roles within the Jesuit community and the universities, including serving as a university archivist. It was during his assignment in Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro, as researcher and archivist that he was requested to take care of San Isidro Labrador Parish in Baungon. Fr. Wee has contributed to the historical documentation of Zamboanga City, notably through his work "El Zamboanga de Antes" (Zamboanga in Yesteryears). He also contributed to the records used in the history of Ateneo de Zamboanga. (Note: The Superior Fr. Joseph Raviolo would often assist with the Masses in Baungon during the time of Fr. Wee but he would always go back to Loyola House in Cagayan de Oro in the evening being the charge of the Jesuit House.)


POSTCRIPT TO MISSIONARY DEVELOPMENTS OF BAUNGON

But we need to take note that before the parish was even founded, the parish of Talakag helped in the missions. Fr. Jaime Neri, Fr. Efecio Dolalas, Fr. Martinez and Fr. Cicero Cebrero were invited to help in the sacramental work of Imbatug. Imbatug was made a Parish on May 15, 1959 however its declared foundation was November 17, 1958. 

After the Jesuits, 12 filipino secular priests served the parish namely: 

  •   1986-89 Fr Gonzalo Pimentel. After the Jesuits, San Isidro Labrador Parish of Baungon was turned over to Diocese of Malaybalay. Since, manpower was wanting during that time, the Diocese requested the help of Fr. Gonzalo Pimentel, a member of Diocesan Clergy of Cagayan de Oro to administer the parish for three years. It was during the assignment of Fr. Pimentel with the help of Sr. Romualda Jatico under the Congregation of Sisters of Social Action (SSA) that BALSA sa Kalinaw ni Kristo Cooperative was organized to help the poor parishioners of Baungon. The cooperative was successful at its inception but when the members’ debts started growing, the cooperative was in peril. The sustainability of the cooperative came crashing down when some members decided to separate from the main cooperative of BALSA when the Diocese of Malaybalay took over the Parish.  These members continued to affiliate with the cooperative under the leadership of Sr. Romualda Jatico, SSA in Cagayan de Oro City. 

  •   1989-92 Fr Danilo Paciente. The first Diocesan Priest of Baungon from the Diocese of Malaybalay was Fr. Dani. He strived to bring the voice of his parishioners and the people to the influencers of the Province of Bukidnon. He served as Diocesan Social Action Director in 2011-2012 where he propagated leadership seminars, Christian community building, skills training for households to augment their livelihood. While serving as Parish Priest of Baungon, he was chosen also as member of the Board of Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative (BUSECO) based in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. 


  •   1992-95 Fr Rodulfo Porras. After the-era of Jesuit priests, the parish of San Isidro Cathedral, Malaybalay (in Malaybalay City) was handed over to diocesan priests — and the first diocesan priest assigned was Fr. Rodulfo Porras, starting in 1976. In the period of 1990’s, Fr Porras served as member of the Clergy Board of Consultors in the Diocese of Malaybalay. It was during these period that he was requested by the Bishop to take care of Baungon Parish. In the later part of his ministry, he stayed longer as Chaplain of St. Joseph Southern Bukidnon Hospital in Maramag, Bukidnon. 

  •   1995-2000 Fr Flordelito Nazareno. Fr. Erap Nazareno was ordained on April 28, 1992. The coming of Fr. Erap in Baungon awakened the various parish lay ministries like that of the Alagad (Lay Ministers), Catechists, the Youth and he solidified the Parish Council of Baungon, Bukidnon. It was during his term as parish priest that the author was ordained in his hometown in Imbatug, Baungon, Bukidnon. Fr. Erap mobilized all the Chapels to assist in the ordination. It became the most successful ordination that took place in Baungon. 

  •   2000-2001 Fr Cosme Damian Almedilla (Now Local Ordinary of Diocese of Butuan as Bishop Cosme Almedilla, DD). Cosme Damian R. Almedilla was born on September 27, 1959, in the town of San Miguel, Bohol to Vitaliano Lasco Almedilla and Susana Racines. When he came of age, he took Seminary entrance exam in Tagbilaran, he passed but poverty hindered him to enter the formation there. Ming then decided to work in a piece of land they owned in Dangcagan, Bukidnon. It was while working in Dangcagan that he befriended the parish priest there who recommended him to try Malaybalay Seminary which during those times, were partly supported by the Jesuits. In Malaybalay, Bukidnon, he passed the Seminary exams for the second time, and he completed his tertiary education in the St. John XXIII College Seminary.  Soon, the Seminary fathers discovered his dedication and intelligence that led him upon graduation to be recommended to San Jose Major Seminary in Quezon City. Ming was ordained to the priesthood on August 4, 1987. After his ordination, Fr. Ming was a known teacher and guide. He served as the spiritual director of Pope John XXII College Seminary in Bukidnon. From 2000 to 2001, he was assigned Parish Priest of Imbatug, Baungon, Bukidnon. Baungon was a new experience for him. When he first arrived, he saw on the convent garage door the words written: “Kung walay Pari dinhi, adtoa lang si David Jaranilla.” (If there is no priest here, proceed to the house of David Jaranilla.  The note was posted by the Jesuit Fathers when they were assigned in Baungon. David Jaranilla being the author’s father served for a long time as Sacristan Mayor and Driver to the Priests assigned in Baungon.) Fr. Almedilla had many questions to Mr. Jaranilla regarding the mission of Baungon. Fr. Ming learned of the history of Baungon through his conversations with Mr. Jaranilla and the parishioners of Baungon.  Since 2015, after his stay in Baungon, Fr. Almedilla went back to serve the Diocese of Bohol and was known for promoting the Basic Ecclesial Community movement. He served as an assistant pastoral director of the Talibon diocese. Prior to his appointment as Bishop, he has also been serving the Holy Child Parish in Ubay, Bohol. He also served as director of the Holy Child Academy in Bohol, and chaplain of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City. Pope Francis made him bishop of the Diocese of Butuan since March 25, 2019. 

  •   2001-2007 Fr Diomedes Brigole. Fr. Jojo Brigoli was born on September 8, 1959 to Andres Dutosme Brigole and Ines Arnado. He finished secondary studies in Nuestra Señora High School in Quezon and took Agricultural Engineering in Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon. When his family settled in Quezon, Bukidnon, he decided to enter the Saint John XXIII Seminary of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. On April 20, 1993, he was ordained priest in Quezon. When he was assigned on June 2001 until May 2007 in Imbatug, Baungon, Bukidnon, he oversaw the Church construction. He continued to strengthen the various parish ministries especially the school ministry. He was prolific in the development of catechists, the youth ministry, and the Alagad. With his leadership, he established a good relationship with the local government. Fr. Brigoli upon his transfer to Libona Parish succumbed to COVID pandemic.
 
  •   2007-2012 Fr Efren Estaniel. Fr. Epoy Estaniel continued the legacy started by the Diocesan clergy in Baungon.   He tried to integrate with the people and would bring the catechists, Alagad, choir during his barrio visits. He could be approached by the parishioners easily and he improved the sacramental ministry in San Isidro Labrador Parish, regularizing baptisms and weddings.

  •   2011-2012 Fr Oscar Gorgonio. Fr. Oscar Gorgonio is described by his parishioners as a very simple priest… humble person but intelligent person. His sister, Elizabeth Lim, attested to this fact: “He is our big brother in the family. I grew up witnessing him as an ideal brother to us his siblings, and a thoughtful and loving son to our parents. He is down to earth in dealing with people and you can count on him. Simplicity and humility is natural in his person even when we were still small children.”[8] When he served Baungon, he would go on public transport, but often went on foot from the barrios to the parish. With sack of offering over his head and mass kit as his backpack, he would walk for miles. 


  •    2012-2017 Fr Charlo Maglunsod. He is known as Fr. Charlo but his family would call him Fr. Karlo. He was a good teacher to the parishioners challenging the people to learn more about their faith. Since, he was frank in implementing the policies and regulations of the parish, he was misinterpreted to be a strict priest. His frankness came as a turn-off to parishioners who seldom visit the parochial office. 


  • 2017-2021 Fr Joel Batausa Tuquib. Fr. Tuquib was born on February 20, 1971 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. His father was Servando Genita Tuquib and his mother, Rosalina Batausa. He was ordained on October 21, 2002. Fr. Joel focused on the liturgical development and enhancement of various lay ministries in Baungon. The choir excelled during his time as he was also a good singer. He reminded the various ministries of the importance of regular meetings and for the choir, regular practice. The Catechists, Alagad, Parish Council had regularized their meetings and updatings through his inspiration. The youth were happy and very active during the time of Fr. Joel. On April 12, 2021, Fr. Joel Tuquib suddenly died due to a heart attack in Malaybalay, Bukidnon while playing basketball. He was 50 years old at that time. The entire parish of San Isidro Labrador mourned his passing. When he was brought by the hearse from Malaybalay, parishioners were seen lining the streets, crying and throwing flowers along his way. The people accompanied him until his burial in Malaybalay City. From April 2021 - May 2021 Fr Janrey Zabala served as Parish Administrator upon Fr. Tuquib's death. 

  • 2021-2022 Fr Neil Joy Molion. Fr. Molion continued the unfinished program of Fr. Joel. He pursued the Church construction and convent renovation. Fr. Molion was a Seminary Father and respected Formator. After his short stay in Baungon, he was called to serve as Seminary Rector in Saint John 24rd College Seminary, Pal-ing, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.


  • 2022-present Fr Richard Carreon. Fr. Babo was born on January 23, 1980 in Maramag, Bukidnon to Benjamin J. Carreon and Ana Eulogio. He pursued what was begun by his predecessors.  He finished the construction of the Parish Church. With his leadership the many Parish organizations were activated. The Parish Council went active again. The Catechists and Alagad were provided with proper formation. The youth is given attention and encouraged to participate in Diocesan Youth activities. Never before that Baungon experienced a proliferation of so many altar servers from different barrios. 

On November 17, 2025, Fr Babo spearheaded the 67th Foundation Anniversary of San Isidro Labrador Parish of Imbatug, Baungon, Bukidnon. It also marked the Third Dedication Anniversary of the Parish with Bishop Noel Pedregosa leading the Mass and Bishop Cosme Almedilla as Homilist, concelebrated by Fr. Flordelito Nazareno and Fr. Richard Carreon.

































From among the local residents, we have produced 3 women religious: Sr. Wilma Olango, MCJ; Sr. Ruth Linaac, RVM; Sr. Adrialen Vallecera, RVM and another three religious missionaries among the men; they are: Fr. Sirenio Tagocon Jaranilla, O.Carm (the author); Fr. Ransom Rapirap, OCD; and Fr. Rechie Catubo of the Military Diocese.[9]





BAUNGON ENCOUNTERS A SAINTLY BISHOP

Between the years 1958 to 1959, Archbishop Teofilo Camomot during his assignment in the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, Archbishop Camomot (a native of Cebu) did not only stay in Misamis Oriental. He was an itinerant Bishop who would visit adjacent mission stations to Misamis Oriental. Our place in Baungon was close to his heart. Baungon is a neighboring town to Cagayan de Oro.  Archbishop Camomot had a friend Jesuit whom he grew fond of in the person of Fr. Gregory Horgan, S.J.  Horgan was the parish priest of Baungon during these times when the mode of transportation to nearby villages is only through horse ride. 

(Bishop Teofilo Camomot visiting one barrio with David Jaranilla wearing hat)

The “sacristan mayor/carpenter/driver” during the time of Horgan was my father, David Nolasco Jaranilla, a young lad from Jaro, Ilo-ilo. The bishop visited Fr. Horgan often to give catechesis to people and to perform the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was during these visits that Archbishop Camomot was endeared to my maternal family as my grandfather, Antonio Tagocon, a landed settler who would often fetch the Bishop from Misamis Oriental with his wartime surplus jeep. 

The good Bishop would visit far flung villages with the help of my father, David Jaranilla, who became expert in horseback riding. They would go for week-long travels to these villages (Langaon, Tignapoloan, Pagalungan, Taglimao, etc. – places adjacent to Misamis Oriental) passing through forests, ravines and swimming through deep rivers just to reach – to baptize, to confirm people in far-flung areas.

At one time, I asked my father, “what kind of person is the Bishop?” Of which he would always say, “he was a very humble and simple man.  He could talk to people as equal. Usually, to a farmer he would meet on the road, he would simply ask: “Do you know where God is?” And if that person hesitated to answer, he unassumingly gave the simple reply: “God is in your heart.” Indeed, this statement of the Archbishop echoed the “puritas cordis” (purity of heart) of the Carmelite Spirituality.

BISHOP’S KINDNESS IN ACTION

As a Bishop, he was remarkably kind. After his Masses, he kept himself busy. He did not forget to visit the poor and he talked to them as a father giving each individual person a great importance. He shared food with the hungry.  He was so charitable and would gave all-out support to the people in their needs to the extent of denying himself much of his comfort. So extreme was his love for the poor!  At one time when Camomot was still assigned in Cebu, he visited Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.  The Cardinal noticed he was not wearing his bishop’s ring.  He queried what happened to the bishop’s ring?  With a smile, Camomot replied that he pawned it to give money and help to a poor parishioner.

At one time, a robber forcibly entered the Bishop’s house when everyone was aslept. When the robber entered the Bishop’s room, he accidentally made a noise that woke up the Bishop. In haste, the robber wanted to leap from the window. Immediately, the good Bishop stopped him saying, “please do not jump you will be hurt, better use the stairs.”

Parishioners due to poverty would often give donations-in-kind like rootcrops or poultry. An incident was told that some lads saw a rooster outside the kitchen of the Bishop’s convent.  Noticing this, they would “borrow” the rooster and went on to gamble with the rooster in a cock-fight. Later on, they would sell the rooster to the Bishop. The Bishop would buy it from them and would again tie it outside the kitchen area. This happened many times that one time, the kitchen help would tell the Bishop.  The rooster sold to you was stolen from our kitchen. But the Bishop would only answer: “I know, but they also needed some money so they can eat.”

“Even late at night, the Bishop could not be stopped in his visits to the sick parishioners who needed the sacraments. Together with his sacristan, he went to a barrio in one instance, where they had to pass by a river. The found out that the river was flooded due to incessant rain. He told his sacristan, “stay here and do not tell anyone what you are about to see.” He placed his pectoral cross in the waters and it floated. He then walked on top of the river toward the house of the sick person leaving the sacristan dumbfounded.”[10]

(Bishop Teofilo Camomot with Tagocon Family of Baungon)

A HUMBLE SERVANT OF THE LORD

As related, Archbishop Hayes held on to his office until his retirement in 1970.  Instead of being succeeded by Archbishop Teofilo Camomot, he was succeeded by Most Reverend Patrick Cronin, SSC. Many speculated that Bishop Hayes got his wish.  Archbishop Camomot never desired position nor favor he decided to return to Cebu due to his failing health. “Upon returning to the Archdiocese of Cebu in 1970, the 56-year-old Camomot was assigned as an auxiliary to the archbishop, His Eminence Julio Cardinal Rosales, and was appointed parish priest of the historic Santo Tomas de Villanueva church in El Pardo, Cebu City – the only bishop to assume this position at the parish. There he stayed for 6 years, until the chancery found it opportune that he served his hometown of Carcar once again. He returned to the parish of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in 1976. His priestly ministry had come full circle. It was there, among his family and friends, that he spent his twilight years.”[11]

Archbishop Teofilo B. Camomot met his tragic death while on his way to a Parish in a vehicular accident at Sitio Magtalisay, Sangat, San Fernando, Cebu on September 27, 1988 at around 2:00 in the afternoon.

Fr. Sean Coyle gave this account, “It was the feast of St Vincent de Paul. One of the guests was Archbishop Teofilo B. Camomot from Carcar, a town, now a city, a little over an hour's drive south of Cebu City. The Archbishop was from the town and had been auxiliary bishop of Jaro for some years before being appointed coadjutor Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro in northern Mindanao. He resigned from that position after twelve years and returned to Carcar where he lived for 18 years until his death in a car crash as he returned home after the lunch in the seminary.  Cardinal Vidal of Cebu had tried to persuade Archbishop Camomot to take a siesta but the latter insisted on going home, since he had a driver.”[12]

The archbishop was actually in a hurry to say Mass.  A remarkable tale was told that the parish who was waiting for the Mass did not know of the accident that transpired.  While the accident took place, the Archbishop “in spirit” arrived in their parish and celebrated the Mass. He went to the sacristy and never came out. Meanwhile, the tragic news arrived of the Archbishop’s demise. Those who attended the said Mass ran to check if the Archbishop was in the sacristy. Of course, he was not there! This gift of bilocation happened many times when he was alive, it was not surprising that it also transpired upon his death.

“The entire province mourned his passing. At his wake, people from all walks of life lined up patiently and reverently to pay their last respects.”[13] The young and old people of Mindanao and the Visayas who knew of the Archbishop’s piety, came and prayed before his grave in Carcar Chapel, under the care of the Daughters of Saint Teresa (DST).

 


[1]Web Address: https://jesuitbukidnonmission.org/bukidnon-parishes (accessed on 11/18/2025).

[2]Web Address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ateneo_de_Naga_University (accessed on 12/4/2025).

[3]Web Address: https://dateline-ibalon.com/2025/06/ateneo-de-naga-university-85-years-of-academic-excellence-in-bicol/ (accessed on 12/2/2025)

[4] Kinaadman, A Journal of the Southern Philippines. Volume XIII, Published 1991, pp. 112-114. 

[6]Web Address: https://www.facebook.com/fatheralmyhero (recorded on fb 8/26/2021)

[7]Web Address: https://jesuitbukidnonmission.org/bukidnon-parishes (accessed on 11/17/2025)

[9]Source of Historical Notes by Fr. Sirenio Jaranilla, O.Carm. Additional Historical Account by Datu Pantao [Feliciano Mayake] and Sonny Boy Salicobay. This historical narrative is focused on CEPRIANO LILANGAN I (Popularly, his name is spelled as Cipriano) Cipriano’s family tree being the FOUNDER of Imbatug and the Father of the First Mayor of Imbatug, Baungon, Bukidnon, PATRICIO L. LILANGAN. Published online in Baungon Wikipedia in 2005.

[10]Carmelite Adventures. Fr. Sirenio T. Jaranilla, Published 2010, p.67.

[11]God is in the Heart. Angela Blardony Ureta, a.O.Carm. Published 2013, p.48.

[12]Fr. Sean Coyle, “A Saint from Carcar, Cebu?”, http://bangortobobbio.blogspot.com/2011/01/saint-from-carcar-cebu.html (accessed February 1, 2022).  

[13]God is in the Heart. Angela Blardony Ureta, a.O.Carm. Published 2013, p.57.

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