The Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan announced on the morning of 21 Oct the death of the Warlito I. Cajandig, Bishop-Emeritus of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan (AVC), who “faithfully shepherded the local Church for 33 years (1989–2022).”
“After a debilitating stroke that resulted in a coma on September 1, 2018, he bravely endured a prolonged illness. He passed away peacefully at 7:18 a.m. on October 21, 2025, in Iloilo City, at the age of 81. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days,” the AVC said.
Bishop Cajandig retired on November 7, 2022.
Messages of gratitude and prayers flooded social media.
Among his advocacies were good governance, care for the environment, and lay empowerment. He was known for his simplicity and his preferential option for the poor. He was loved for his gentle and fatherly presence, kindness, generosity, and yet assertive stance on social issues.
Bishop Cajandig convened the multisectoral Provincial Care Forum, which facilitated meetings and dialogues to proactively address issues and conflicts.
“You were a caring Father to us, especially during the most difficult times of our Apostolic Vicariate. I will offer Mass for you and will always include you in my prayers,” said Fr. Gerry Causapin of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose in Occidental Mindoro.
The announcement of Bishop Cajandig’s passing was signed by his successor, Bishop Moises Cuevas, Apostolic Vicar of Calapan.
“We entrust Bishop Cajandig to the Merciful Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and implore the clergy and faithful of our vicariate to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.
May Bishop Cajandig’s witness of missionary love, humble service, and steadfast faith continue to inspire us toward a more faithful and vibrant synodal Church,” said Bishop Cuevas.
Bishop Cajandig was born on January 30 in Dumarao, Capiz. He was ordained a priest in 1970 and was among the pioneering clergy of the Diocese of Romblon when it was erected in 1974. He received his episcopal ordination on June 21, 1989, in the Diocese of Capiz, as Titular Bishop of Ausafa.
He was installed on June 23, 1989, as Vicar Apostolic of Calapan. He was the fifth bishop of Calapan and was appointed by Pope John Paul II.
“He championed the welfare of communities, upheld dignity and faith, and worked tirelessly for the spiritual and social good of Mindoreños… May his memory continue to inspire us in our shared mission, to protect our island, uplift our communities, and build governance rooted in respect and service,” said TAPAT MINDORO, a group advocating Transparency, Accountability, Participation, Advocacy, and Transformation.
Norman Novio, a former church worker and now municipal administrator in the local government of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, recalled his brief but meaningful conversation with Bishop Cajandig on September 17, 2009, about the need for the island of Mindoro to unite against mining. “I just hope and pray that this struggle is a result of our faith,” Novio quoted Bishop Cajandig as saying.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan Parochial Schools thanked Bishop Cajandig for his “guidance with wisdom, faith, and fatherly love” during his tenure as chair of their Board of Trustees from 1989 to 2022.
“May his enormous example of faith, kindness, and dedication to mission and service live on in us as we serve with the same humble and kind heart,” said St. Benedict Parish. Bishop Cajandig founded the parish in 1993 when it was still known as St. Benedict Chaplaincy.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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