Dumaguete LGU confers citation on Bishop Cortes

DUMAGUETE CITY , Philippines— The city government has conferred a citation to Bishop Julito Cortes, the recently installed prelate of the Diocese of Dumaguete, in a ceremony Wednesday during the regular session of the City Council.

The City Council approved Resolution No.378, upon motion of Councilor JV Imbo, which was seconded by councilors Antonio Remollo, Lilani Ramon and Manuel Arbon, for the citation of Cortes. It was also signed by Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria and Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling.

The citation, read by Imbo, “expressed profound happiness and gratitude” and welcomed Cortes as the 4th bishop of the Diocese of Dumaguete, installed last December 5 at the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral in this city.

“To walk in the footsteps of Christ and faithfully live by the commandments of God entails extreme sacrifice and devotion,” the citation further read.

The Dumaguete LGU said it was “very grateful and overwhelmed with divine grace” Cortes assumed the duty as Bishop of Dumaguete.

Cortes, for his part, told the city officials: “Your welcome and support were tremendously overwhelming,” He also challenged them to exert extra effort in addressing the rising number of perceived extrajudicial killings in the city even as he also recognized the efforts of the city government and the police to address criminality.

The bishop said the community also has a role to play in maintaining peace and order in Dumaguete. He believed that the church and the government can work together for the common good. (FREEMAN)