General Information



The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kaloocan (Lat: Dioecesis Caloocanus) is a Diocese of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. The Diocese was erected in 2003 from its ecclesiatical province, the Archdiocese of Manila. The diocese comprises the cities of Caloocan - South, Malabon, and Navotas. Its present Bishop is Most Rev. Deogracias Iñiguez Jr., who is at present the Parish Priest and Rector of San Roque Cathedral Parish. The present Vicar General is Rev. Msgr. Alex V. Amandy, HP, JCD, appointed in 2009 after the retirement of Rev. Msgr. Boanerges Lechuga, PC who served as first Vicar-General (2003-2009).

Geography
The diocese has a total land area of 55.12 square kilometers. It comprises the cities of Kalookan (south) and Malabon and the municipality of Navotas, Metro Manila.

Demography
There are no dominant ethnic groups in the diocese and people's main spoken and written languages are Filipino and English.

Statistics
There are about 1,221,412 people in the diocese, 89 percent of them, or 1,090,108 baptized Catholics the rest were members of other Christian denominations (as of December 2005). The average number of baptisms in a year between the years 2003-2005 was 680. There are 36 diocesan and religious priests serving 26 parishes.

The two prominent Christian religions in the diocese next to Catholicism is the Philippine Independent Church (IFI, Aglipayan) and Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ).

There are 37 full-time salaried church workers and all are at the diocesan level including bishop's office, chancery, and any full-time paid workers in certain ministries or special projects.

Political Structure
The two cities and one municipality are under the leadership of local mayors. All local governments have smaller political units called barangays headed by an elected captain and council.

Economy
Poverty incidence in the 3rd District of the National Capital Region (Valenzuela, Kaloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas) is 9 percent based on 2000 estimates of the National Statistical Coordination Board.

Telecommunications
Radio, cable and regular television networks are available throughout the area, including telephone and internet connection provided by Globe, Smart, Bayantel and Philippine Long Distance Telephone networks.

Transportation
Jeepneys, taxis, mini-buses, taxi cabs and tricycles bound for Kalookan City are available in many parts of Metro Manila, with fares based on distance traveled. Air-conditioned vans and similar public-utility vehicles charge fixed rates regardless of distance. The main road artery cutting through the metropolis is EDSA or Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. In general, buses take the main roads, and jeepneys, the secondary roads. Kalookan is the gateway to the north, via the North Luzon Expressway. The Light Rail Transit's northernmost terminal, Monumento station is at the center of Kaloocan's commercial district. It cuts through Quezon City and Manila, and ends in Baclaran, Para?aque City.

Education
In 2003, simple literacy rate for Metro Manila is 99 percent and functional literacy is at 94.6 percent according to the National Statistics Office, Demographic and Social Statistics Division.

Cultural Dimension
Native culture has generally been relegated to special commemorations. Music, song, dance and drama in the region are highly urbanized and westernized.

Other Helpful Information

Papal Awardees in the Diocese

Pro Ecclessia et Pontifice
Mrs. Realina S. Abesamis - San Roque Cathedral
Mrs. Monina R. Lucas - Immaculate Conception Parish
Sister Mary Grace Rivera, RGS - Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
Ms. Lourdes S. Tuazon - Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
Ms. Araceli T. Villanueva - Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Tugatog
Mr. Raoul A. Villanueva - Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Tugatog
Mr. Carlos E. Reyes - Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Tugatog
Mrs. Alice L. Kawachi - St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish
Engineer Sabino V. Lumain - St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish
Mrs. Zenaida R. Acolola - Sts. Peter and John Parish
Dr. Ester P. Gozon - Sts. Peter and John Parish
Mr. Uriel Meneses - Sts. Peter and John Parish
Mrs. Cecille Navarro - Sts. Peter and John Parish

Order of St. Sylvester
Alberto C. Garcia, Jr. - San Roque Cathedral
Mr. Virgilio G. Rafael - San Roque Cathedral

source and image courtesy of: ucanews
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