TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (March 27, 2025) — His Excellency, Most Rev. Roberto “Bobet” C. Mallari, D.D., was officially installed yesterday as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac after 17 months of “sede vacante” following the passing of the late Bishop +Most Rev. Enrique V. Macaraeg, D.D., in October 2023 due to cardiac arrest.
The canonical installation, held at the San Sebastian Cathedral here, was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown. The celebration was graced by His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, Jr., D.D., Archbishop of Manila; His Eminence Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, Bishop of Kalookan and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; and several bishops from across the country. Also in attendance were clergy from the Archdiocese of San Fernando, the Diocese of San Jose, and the Diocese of Tarlac.
Bishop Bobet, a native of Masantol, Pampanga, was ordained as a priest under the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga, in November 1982 and became its auxiliary bishop in 2006. On December 29, 2024, Pope Francis appointed him as the new bishop of Tarlac after 12 years of leading the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija. His installation coincided with his 67th birthday and the 19th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.
Government officials, led by Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, Vice Governor Casada David, Congressman Christian Yap, and Tarlac City Mayor Cristy Angeles, along with several mayors and officials from the province, participated in the event. Parish pastoral council presidents and lay leaders were likewise present to welcome their new bishop.
In his homily, Bishop Bobet expressed his gratitude to those who prayed for him and the Diocese of Tarlac during its vacancy period. He described his new role as both a gift and a challenge, emphasizing that it marks a new beginning for the diocese. He called on the faithful, including priests, religious, laypeople, especially the youth, and those in politics, to embrace the call to service with sincerity and dedication. He also urged everyone to continue praying for him so that he may faithfully shepherd the flock entrusted to his care.
As the new Bishop of Tarlac, Bishop Mallari will lead a diocese comprising 105 priests, 72 parishes, and over 1.2 million Catholics. Meanwhile, the Diocese of San Jose remains “sede vacante.”
