English: “SERVUS TUUS SUM”

The Bishop’s Pastoral Motto is inspire by Luke 17:10; by Jesus’ Words in Luke 22:26, Matthew 20:28, and John 13:14; and by the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Luke 1:38: “I am the handmaid of the Lord.”

PER SALTIRE OR “X” DIVISION The “X” division of the shield represents the Cross of St. Andrew, the namesake of the Bishop.

THREE FISHES The ancient Trinitarian Symbol of three represents the Diocese of Daet and the town of Daet, his birthplace. The Cathedral of Daet is dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity.

WAVES The waves in blue color represents Caramoan, the provenance of his family both father and mother side.

OUR LADY OF PEÑAFRANCIA, WITH A ROSARY, AND THE LETTER “M” The Bishop attributes his vocation to his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia. Upon closer look, the icon includes a rosary, symbolizing the Lady of the Holy Rosary, the patroness Holy Rosary Minor Seminary. The letter “M” symbolizes St. John Paul II, to whom the Bishop has a Special Devotion.

“YOUTHFUL” SUN The sun represents St. Thomas Aquinas, the Patron of Educators, to whom the Bishop also has devotion since his seminary days. The sun sports a youthful face, as the Bishop was Elected and Ordained on the Year of the Youth,

LAMB OF GOD WITH PASTORAL STAFF This represents Jesus, the Savior – the suffering-servant. The Pastoral staff represents the office of the bishop, a call and ministry of service and shepherding, rather than honor.

SACRED SCRIPTURES The Sacred Scriptures represent St. John the Evangelist: the patron of the Naga Cathedral; and of the Naga Parochial School, where the Bishop served as Director prior to his elevation as Bishop.

COLORS

Red symbolizes the martyrdom of St. Andrew, St. John the Baptist and Jesus – the Lamb of God. Red is also the color of the Diocese of Daet, and the Naga Parochial School. Green represents St. Joseph, on whose feast, the Bishop was Ordained.