MORE NEWS, NUEVA VIZCAYA

Cagayan Valley bishop marks b’day sans GMA
By Joan Capuna

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Cagayan Valley’s most outspoken, and probably most influential Catholic cleric marked his 69th birthday March 16 but without the usual fanfare befitting a presidential visit.

Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena, a ranking official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, celebrated his birthday, which coincided with Palm Sunday, in the simplest manner, a stark contrast from previous years when national government officials, political leaders and other influential individuals visited him.

This was the first time in 12 years that President Arroyo skipped the bishop’s birthday, which she had graced since she was elected senator.

However, the President would reportedly made up for her absence by visiting the province tomorrow upon the invitation of Villena, perceived to be one of the Catholic bishops close to her.

The President is expected to grace a Church-led humanitarian mission here dedicated to Villena as part of his birthday celebration.

According to the Philippine Information Agency here, the President, during her one-day visit, will also inspect the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bagabag airport and drop by the mountain town of Kayapa, the region’s vegetable bowl.

A former co-chairman of the CBCP, Villena was appointed by Mrs. Arroyo as chairman of the Regional Development Council for Cagayan Valley.