CATARMAN, Northern Samar– In recognition of the remarkable contributions of the late Bishop Angel T. Hobayan, the first bishop of the Diocese of Catarman, the local government of Catarman has begun the process of renaming Sergio Osmeña Street to Bishop Anghel T. Hobayan Street/Avenue.
The request, made by the Diocese of Catarman through Vicar General Msgr. Gaspar Balerite, has been endorsed by Mayor Antet Rosales for deliberation at the Sangguniang Bayan.
The proposal aligns with the 50th founding anniversary of the Diocese and serves as a tribute to Bishop Hobayan on the second anniversary of his passing.
Osmeña Street holds great significance for the Catholic community, as it is home to the Catarman Cathedral where Bishop Hobayan is laid to rest, and the Diocesan Catholic Center (DCC), a place he helped establish and where he resided until his final days.
On Tuesday, March 25, Councilor Neil Hernandez led a joint meeting of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Ordinances and Legal Matters and the Committee on Tourism, Trade, and Commerce to discuss the proposed street renaming.
Among those who attended to share their insights were MLGOO Roel Ortiz, MPOSO Chief Atty. Harold Horcasitas, OIC Municipal Tourism Officer Randy Tobiaso, Acting SB Secretary Glenn Delorino, Ms. Mariel Ong-Lao of MPDC, and Ms. Karen Gajutos, Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat Office.
Beyond honoring Bishop Hobayan’s three decades of service (1975-2005), this initiative seeks to ensure that his legacy remains deeply ingrained in the community of Catarman.
(RACHEL ARNAIZ, MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF CATARMAN INFORMATION OFFICE)
