New bishop draws mission from fields to pulpit

December 22, 2025 – 1:22 PM

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Farmers in northern Nueva Ecija, especially small and marginal ones, have found a new advocate in Bishop-elect Samuel Agcaracar.

The son of a farming family, Agcaracar said his background shaped his pastoral vision, deepening his concern for one of the country’s most marginalized sectors.

The project promotes ecotourism, eco-spirituality and sustainable organic farming, and, he said, allowed him to reconnect with his roots.

“It helped me reconnect with my passion for farming and my advocacy to empower our farmers,” he said.

Despite their vital role in food production, Agcaracar noted that farmers in the Philippines are still widely regarded as among the poorest of the poor.

“They are among those in the margins of society,” he said. “[There is really a need to uphold] the dignity of farmers.”

Agcaracar, a Divine Word missionary priest, said his years in formation work also shaped his emphasis on a missionary and participatory Church, inspired by the vision of the late Pope Francis.

“As a formator, I have always talked about a missionary Church, and I will go there with the heart of a missionary,” he said. “I hope this can help me integrate into the pastoral programs and plans of our diocese.”

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appointed

Agcaracar as bishop of San Jose, a diocese that has been without a bishop since the transfer of Bishop Roberto Mallari to Tarlac.

Nueva Ecija, in central Luzon, is one of the country’s major rice-producing regions.

Asked about his reaction upon learning of his episcopal appointment, he admitted to mixed emotions.

“There was fear and sadness,” he said, citing the weight of responsibility and his reluctance to leave projects entrusted to him. “But at a deeper level, I was also overwhelmed by grace. It was a moment of blessing.”

Agcaracar will be ordained bishop on Jan. 17, 2026, at the Holy Spirit Chapel of the Divine Seminary in Tagaytay, where he served as rector.

The Diocese of San Jose has yet to formally announce the date of his installation.

As he prepares to assume leadership of the diocese, Agcaracar offered a simple message to the faithful.

“My wish and my prayer is that they accept me as I am,” he said. “I go there with an open heart — to listen, to journey with them and to accompany them as Church.”