Odchimar Assumes CBCP Presidency

MANILA, Dec. 1, 2009- Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar formally assumed the presidency of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) today.

The 69-year old, who was elected last July by an overwhelming majority of bishops from 86 dioceses, will serve a two-year term. He is the 18th head of bishops' collegial body.

Prior to his election, Odchimar was the vice-president of the CBCP. He succeeds Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo who served for two terms.

Pressing issues

Odchimar vowed to be more responsive to "urgent" issues affecting the church and the country.

He said he will continue the projects of his predecessor.

He was ordained priest on Dec. 19, 1964 and spent most of priesthood ministry in the Archdiocese of Manila.

He took his Philosophy at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Palo, Leyte and Theology at the San Carlos Seminary in Makati City.

The CBCP head pursued further studies at the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Canon Law, magna cum laude (1982) and Doctorate in Canon Law, magna cum laude (1983).

Odchimar also completed masteral studies in Business Administration at the De la Salle University in Manila.

He was ordained bishop on Nov. 27, 2001 and appointed Bishop of Tandag on that same year.

Permanent council

Along with Odchimar, also assuming their posts are the members of the CBCP Permanent Council who were elected during the bishops' plenary assembly last July.

The Council is chaired "ex officio" by the CBCP President. His members include Palo, Leyte Archbishop Jose Palma, elected CBCP vice president.

Regional representatives are Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena, San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David, Taytay Bishop Edgardo Juanich and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes for Luzon; Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso and Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza for the Visayas; and Pagadian Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar and Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles for Mindanao.

Members of the CBCP are assembled as a "plenary assembly" twice a year. When the plenary assembly is not in session, it is the Permanent Council that acts for the entire organization.

One major function of the council is to prepare joint statements or pastoral letter of the hierarchy on matters decided by the plenary assembly provided that copies are sent to other members for comments before they are officially released.

Bp. Odchimar, for the meantime, will be working first on the transfer of leadership as he has to evaluate matters in CBCP commissions. (Roy Lagarde)