Brief History
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines (EDSP) was formally established in 1972 with the Rt. Rev. Constancio C. Manguramas as First Diocesan Bishop. The Most Rev. Richard A. Abellon, Sr. took over momentarily as bishop-in-charge when the Rt. Rev. Constancio B. Manguramas resigned in July 27, 1986. Rev. Narciso V. Ticobay, Second Executive Secretary of the National Office was chosen Second Diocesan Bishop. The Third Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. James B. Manguramas succeeded Bishop Ticobay when the latter assumed the Primacy of the ECP in 1993. The current and Fourth Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Danilo LC Bustamante succeeded Bishop James B. Manguramas when the latter retired in 2003. Bishop Bustamante was installed on October 28, 2003. EDSP was part of the one Bishop of the Missionary District of the Philippine Islands (BMDPI as the ECP was officially known then) prior to its creation as a diocese. Its jurisdiction covers the whole island of Mindanao and the Visayas.
The Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of St. Peter & St. Paul is the Cathedral of EDSP. It is located on Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights, 9600 Cotobato City, Maguindanao.
The Diocesan Office
The Diocesan Office of EDSP is located on Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights, Cotobato City, Maguindanao with Tel. Nos. (064) 4212960
Vision
By the year 2007, we envision the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Philippines as a transformed, dynamic and nurturing church with empowered leaders and committed members doing aggressive evangelism, maximizing the stewardship of human and material resources, practicing ecumenical and inter-faith networking and promoting God’s Kingdom of love, justice and peace.
Of the Seal of the Diocese
The seal is vesica art with the miter in the upper half representing Episcopal Authority. The inverted Triangle in the lower half pictures the economic vision of the Diocese: nature’s wealth shared by the majority, and the poor reduced to the minimum. The Vinta, which represents the Muslim culture, bearing the initials of the Diocese, symbolizes the Diocese sailing amid political, economic, and cultural diversities.
The nipa hut with coconut palm at the back and the rice field in the foreground tell of the typical home and environment of Diocesan constituents. The mountain, sea, lake, and banana plants reveal the economic wealth of the land and the vast coverage of the diocese. The palm branches on the sides of the triangle represent victory.
Diocesan Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Ernie Martin Moral
Address
186 Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights, 9600 Cotobato City, Philippines
P.O. Box 113, Cotobato City, Philippines
Tel. (064) 4212960; Fax (064) 4211703
E-Mail: edsp-ecp@yahoo.com
For live streaming services and inspiring stories, check out EDSP’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Episcopal-Diocese-of-Southern-Philippines-105886614099634/
Episcopal Church in the Philippines 