Kalibo: Bishop Cyril Villareal of Kalibo called on his fellow bishops to remain accessible and engaged with their congregations, emphasizing the need for ordained ministers to bridge the gap with the faithful. "Our people look highly of us, ordained ministers, up to the point that we are so distant from them. They do not know who we are," Villareal stated during a Mass at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) retreat in Ozamiz City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Villareal expressed concern that many priests and bishops might have become detached due to their elevated status. He urged his fellow prelates to spend genuine and meaningful time with their communities, advocating for a "ministry of presence and journeying with the people." Villareal stressed the importance of giving the faithful full attention to make them feel valued and acknowledged.

Bishop Villareal shared that he practices this approach by interacting with his congregation beyond formal duties. "I make it a point not just to say Mass, but I take time to talk to them after the Mass and, if they prepared something, to eat with them," he noted. The CBCP, consisting of 83 active and 45 retired bishops and archbishops, gathered in Ozamiz City for their bi-annual retreat, which precedes the 132nd CBCP Plenary Assembly scheduled from July 8 to 10.