Bishop Abet Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, which will host the 130th Annual Retreat and Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), expressed optimism that the event will help promote Bohol’s faith tourism.

Uy, during a press conference, said over 80 bishops from across the country who will join the retreat will be able to witness the centuries-old churches that dot the island province.

The retreat and plenary assembly will be held in the province for the first time in 130 years since its inception.

“There will be a very big impact kay ma promot g’yud nato ang atoang lugar sa whole country because the bishops are representatives from all churches, from 75 dioceses all over the country, and prelatures and apostolic vicariates,” Uy said.

“Inig kita nila diri, makasinati sila, pag uli nila I’m sure they will talk about our churches unya ang maka dungog madasig og samot na mo ari diri,” he added.

Uy believes that Bohol’s known tourist spots are among the factors that prompted the CBCP to choose the province as the venue for the weeklong event which will be held from June 30 to July 7, 2025.

“Known man g’yud ang Bohol for its deep faith and devotion to Christ, and I believe and I would like to think that is one motivating factor. And the other thing is the tourism factor, we are also known to have these beautiful places to see,” Uy said.

The annual retreat for the bishops will be held at the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City from June 30 to July 4, while the Plenary Assembly will take place at Bugnaw Si-e Resort in Anda from July 5 to 7.

Among the expected attendees are Cardinal Jose Advincula, the 33rd archbishop of Manila, and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, the bishop of Caloocan and the president of the CBCP.

Archbishop Charles John Brown, the apostolic nuncio to the Philippines of the Holy See, will also join the plenary assembly. (A. Doydora)