During a preliminary assembly on July 9, 2023, in
Kalibo,
Aklan, the
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines voted in favor of the proposal of Bishop
Cosme Almedilla of
Butuan for the separation from Butuan of a new diocese that will cover the
province of
Agusan del Sur, which is considered a “missionary frontier” with a third of its population being
indigenous peoples. The new diocese was carved out of the
Diocese of Butuan on October 15, 2024, becoming the Philippines' 87th diocese. Ruben Labajo, an auxiliary bishop from the
Archdiocese of Cebu, was appointed by
Pope Francis to be its first bishop. The
rite of canonical possession-
installation was solemnly held at
Saint Michael the Archangel Cathedral in
Prosperidad on January 28, 2025. == Ordinaries ==