David William Antonio Takes Helm as Nueva Segovia Archbishop with Reform Vision

The Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in the Philippines has entered a new chapter with the installation of its eighth archbishop, David William Antonio, who brings a vision centered on social commitment, environmental stewardship, and church synodality. The 62-year-old prelate assumed office on January 14, 2026, in a ceremony at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption in Santa Maria, drawing thousands of Catholic faithful and marking a significant moment for the ecclesiastical leadership in Ilocos Sur.

Historic Transition and Ceremonial Recognition

Pope Leo XIV appointed Antonio to lead Nueva Segovia following the resignation of his predecessor, Archbishop Marlo Peralta, who had overseen the archdiocese since 2014. The January ceremony witnessed unprecedented participation from the Church hierarchy, with 40 bishops and approximately 400 clergy members from across the country in attendance. The apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, Most Reverend Charles Brown, presided over the proceedings, while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle—whom Antonio credits as his “spiritual guide, mentor and role model”—delivered the homily. Cardinals Jose Advincula of Manila and Orlando Quevedo, archbishop emeritus of Cotabato, also offered messages of support.

The provincial government of Ilocos Sur recognized the historic weight of the installation by suspending classes and official work on the day of the ceremony, underscoring how the leadership transition for Nueva Segovia resonates at the regional level.

A Vision for Listening and Accompaniment

Antonio’s episcopal philosophy centers on synodality—what he describes as the Church’s fundamental way of life. In his remarks following the installation, he called for a “listening Church” where decisions emerge from “prayerful discernment” and authority functions as service rather than control. This marks a significant departure in how church leadership is conceptualized and exercised.

“If the Lord desires that his people will have life to the full, then the Church must not remain distant from these realities,” Antonio stated, emphasizing that the institution cannot isolate itself from contemporary social challenges. He stressed the importance of the Church “accompanying our people patiently” and responding “courageously and efficaciously” to urgent needs.

The new archbishop envisions a faith community that “walks with people” rather than merely performing actions on their behalf. Dialogue, he emphasized, must replace suspicion, and communion must supersede division—a shift that reflects broader movements within the global Catholic Church toward greater inclusion and responsiveness.

Concrete Social Commitments and Environmental Responsibility

A cornerstone of Antonio’s agenda involves translating spiritual principles into tangible social action. He underscored the Church’s “preferential love for the poor and vulnerable,” arguing that authentic evangelization cannot ignore hunger, injustice, and exclusion. This commitment extends to environmental stewardship, which he identifies as “a moral imperative” requiring collaboration with civil authorities and other institutional partners.

“We are well aware that the Church does not seek power, but she must always speak with moral clarity,” Antonio declared, positioning the archdiocese as an advocate for human dignity and defender of marginalized voices. This stance signals how Nueva Segovia’s leadership intends to engage civic and social issues in the years ahead.

Roots in Ilocos Sur, Formation Beyond

Antonio’s appointment carries particular significance for Ilocos Sur, as he is a native of Barangay Nagtupacan in Santo Domingo. His formative years included theological study at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology in Vigan City and philosophy training at San Pablo Seminary in Baguio. His advanced education took him to the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where he earned a doctorate in theology, graduating summa cum laude.

Before his appointment as Nueva Segovia’s archbishop, Antonio served as bishop of Ilagan in Isabela province beginning in 2019. His ecclesiastical career also included administrative roles in Occidental Mindanao and several positions within Nueva Segovia itself, including rector of its seminary and auxiliary bishop. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1988 by then-Archbishop Quevedo.

The archdiocese Antonio now leads encompasses Ilocos Sur and maintains ecclesiastical authority over the dioceses of Laoag, Bangued, and Baguio. His appointment represents both continuity with the Church’s institutional structures and a promise of renewed energy focused on social responsiveness and pastoral accompaniment.