On Thursday, May 3, 2024, Daet’s Bishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon was formally installed as the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres through a solemn installation and canonical possession ceremony held at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of St. John the Evangelist.

Bishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon was appointed the Fifth Archbishop of Caceres by Pope Francis on February 22, 2024, succeeding Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona who previously served as Archbishop of Caceres for 12 years prior. With Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon’s installation, the Daet Diocese entered a state of “sede vacante,’ a status given to a diocese when its bishop seat becomes vacant which lasts until a new one is appointed. At 53 years old, Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon became the youngest among the 16 active archbishops in the Philippines today.

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On the 1st of May, 2024, the Most Reverend Rex Andrew C. Alarcon D.D., embarked on a symbolic journey of entrustment to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. His arrival received warm welcome from a multitude of devout Catholics from diverse backgrounds. Upon the motorcade’s arrival along Naga City’s main roads, Archbishop Alarcon paid his respects to the venerated image of the Patroness of Bicol at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The entrustment ceremony powerfully demonstrated his unwavering dedication and firm faith in serving the Caceres community with humility.

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On May 2, 2024, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Charles John Brown D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, presided over the Installation Rite of the new Archbishop of Caceres, Rex Andrew C. Alarcon at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. Following the reading of the apostolic letter from Pope Francis appointing Archbishop Alarcon, His Excellency Most Reverend Charles John Brown D.D., presented Archbishop Alarcon with the crosier, the shepherd’s staff, symbolizing his pastoral authority, and led him to his cathedral, the episcopal chair.

A testimonial luncheon was then held at the Auditorium and Covered Courts of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary after the Solemn Installation. Embracing his new role with humility, grace, and unwavering devotion, Archbishop Alarcon pledged to serve the faithful of Caceres with faith as his guiding light.