‘We are privileged to host the Papal Nuncio… Full support ti probisiya to welcome the ambassador of the Holy See’- Gov. Edduba on Kalinga’s preparation for diplomat’s historic visit

Tabuk City, Kalinga – As the province prepares to welcome the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, Governor James S. Edduba expressed pride and gratitude during the Management Committee meeting on March 9, 2026, held at the Conference Hall in Bulanao.

A Papal Nuncio is the official ambassador of the Holy See (Vatican) to a particular country. He represents the Vatican in diplomatic matters and also serves as a key liaison between the Vatican and the local Catholic Church.

Acknowledging the presence of the soon-to-be ordained bishop, Rev. Fr. Sean Meija, during the meeting, Gov. Edduba emphasized the importance of preparing the necessary arrangements for the nuncio’s arrival, particularly security protocols and transportation details.

According to Fr. Meija, Archbishop Brown is expected to arrive on June 1 at around 3:00 p.m. The visit forms part of his official state engagement in the province ahead of the episcopal ordination and installation of Fr. Meija as the third Apostolic Vicar of Tabuk on June 2.

“Before the ordination and installation of the new bishop, the Nuncio usually comes as a diplomat for a state visit, so please don’t be surprised if we involve the province in receiving the diplomat. I already called him, and he has already signaled that he will be coming on the first of June,” he said.

Edduba said that preparations will include coordinating the nuncio’s itinerary, transportation arrangements, and security measures in partnership with local authorities to ensure that proper diplomatic protocols are observed.

“We are privileged to have the Papal Nuncio in the province. Civil servant metlang isuna so with that ket, all the resources of the province—nu anya ti kasapulan ket mabalin nga ibirok tayo. Nu malpas dayta itinerary na ket we can now call the PD for security purposes. Ken nu anya metlang ti means of transport na tapnu ammo tayo dagiti mai-accord nga protocol kanyana. Kas kunak, in terms of resources, the province is open—full support kami,” Edduba said.

Plans also include hosting a formal reception program for the nuncio’s state visit, which is expected to gather provincial, city, and municipal stakeholders, as well as church leaders. Fr. Meija added that officials from the province of Apayao may also attend should they accept the invitation.

Edduba expressed optimism that the visit will not only mark an important milestone for the local Church but also serve as a significant event for the province as it hosts the diplomatic representative of the Vatican.