Philippines: Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera Assumes Presidency of CBCP

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa stepped into the presidency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on December 1, a transition that signals not just a change in leadership but a quiet passing of responsibility within the country’s moral and spiritual life. 

He succeeds Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, who completed two four-year terms marked by steady guidance and a clear public voice.

Garcera, elected during the CBCP’s 130th plenary assembly in July earlier this year, now takes on the task of leading the conference, overseeing its work, and serving as its chief spokesperson. 

As president, he will head the CBCP Permanent Council, which attends to day-to-day concerns and sees to the implementation of decisions agreed upon by the plenary assembly. 

He also represents the Philippine Catholic Church in national and international gatherings, including meetings with the Vatican and other bishops’ conferences.

This new role is not unfamiliar terrain for Garcera. His long involvement with the CBCP began early in his ministry, serving first as assistant secretary general and later as executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Mission. 

Appointed bishop of Daet in 2007, he went on to chair the Episcopal Commission on Mission and the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, roles that shaped his pastoral sensibilities and widened his view of the Church’s needs.

His election as president also continues a thread of continental service; he previously chaired the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences’ Office on Laity and Family and served as director of the Synodal Leadership for Asian Bishops Seminar. 

Before stepping into this new role, he represented Southeast Luzon on the CBCP Permanent Council.

In a video message released after his election on July 5, Garcera spoke with disarming honesty: “I hope you will pray for me, because the cross that was placed on me is very heavy.” 

It was a glimpse of the humility with which he approaches leadership, aware of its weight, yet willing to carry it.

Garcera, who has served as archbishop of Lipa since 2017, will now work closely with Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga, the new CBCP vice president. 

Along with them, the ten regional representatives of the CBCP Permanent Council have officially begun their term.

Their term runs from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2027, two years in which Garcera will guide the conference through challenges both pastoral and public, seen and unseen.

Beginning his new responsibility, Garcera turned to the faithful for prayers.

“Please pray for the CBCP and your servant, so that we can serve well,” he said.