Cabanatuan: The Dioceses of Cabanatuan, Tarlac, and Balanga in Central Luzon are set to welcome their new bishops. The canonical installations of Bishop Prudencio Andaya Jr. of Cabanatuan, Bishop-elect Rufino Sescon of Balanga, and Bishop Roberto Mallari of Tarlac are scheduled for February and March.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Diocese of Cabanatuan announced via social media that Andaya's installation as its sixth bishop will occur on February 3. Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News website reported that Sescon's installation as Balanga bishop is scheduled for March 1. In a separate announcement, the Diocese of Tarlac stated that Mallari will assume his role as the new bishop on March 27.

In December 2024, the Vatican released the appointments of these bishops. Prior to his new role, Andaya served as the shepherd of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk. Sescon is currently the rector of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Manila, known as Quiapo Church. Mallari, before his appointment, served as bishop of the Diocese of San Jose.

With the upcoming installations of these three bishops, there are only six vacant dioceses remaining in the Philippines. These include the Dioceses of Boac, Daet, Ipil, Pagadian, and San Jose, along with the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk.