Zamboanga: Newly ordained Bishop Glenn Corsiga, D.D., of the Diocese of Ipil, highlighted the need for collaboration among different religions and the government to achieve peace and reconciliation in conflict areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Corsiga, 60, recently ordained as the new bishop of Ipil, will be formally installed by the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Charles Brown, D.D., on August 14. In an interview, Corsiga expressed his readiness to address peace and reconciliation in conflict areas, emphasizing that he cannot do it alone.
Corsiga noted the positive relationship between the Church and the government. “One thing I am glad about is that the Church and the government have a very good relationship at the moment,” said the Pamplona, Negros Oriental native. He also expressed his eagerness to establish a relationship with other religions in Zamboanga-Sibugay, particularly the Muslim community.
He hopes to reestablish a group of religious leaders to foster better relations, dialogue, and understanding among communities. “There has been a bishop and ulama kind of movement but it’s not working actively, so I wish to reestablish that because I need to coexist with them and to work with them in the service of the people,” he stated.
Corsiga has received two key assignments from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) during a plenary assembly in Bohol. He will serve as the representative of the Western Mindanao Area in the Permanent Council and as the archdiocesan coordinator, alongside a layperson, in the implementation of synodality.
He expressed gratitude to Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes, who played a vital role in his priestly ministry. Under Bishop Cortes’ prelature, Corsiga served in various positions, including diocesan vicar general.
Corsiga was the last appointee of Pope Francis in the Philippines on April 14, before the Pontiff passed away seven days later. He was ordained on December 14, 1993, in the Diocese of Dumaguete and served as the parish priest of St. Augustine of Hippo Parish in Bacong, Negros Oriental until his appointment as bishop of Ipil.
