Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa has announced plans to establish six new parishes in the archdiocese.

Garcera, in a recent circular, said the move is “in response to the pastoral needs of the growing population in the archdiocese”, which covers the whole province of Batangas.

The new parishes will be erected in Brgy. Laiya in San Juan town, in Brgy. Dacanlao in Calaca City, and in Brgy. Pinagbayanan in Taysan town.

The three others will be established in Brgy. Anilao in Mabini town, in Brgy. Manghinao in Bauan town, and in Brgy. Natunuan in San Jose town.

The archbishop instructed all parish priests, who until now have jurisdiction over the said villages, to begin the necessary preparations for the creation of the new parishes.

He said these may include education of the faithful through catechesis and evangelization sessions until a priest-in-charge is appointed.

First created as a diocese in 1910, it was elevated into its present status in 1972, or 50 years ago.

The archdiocese covers the suffragan provinces of Boac, Gumaca, Lucena, and the Prelature of Infanta.

To date, the archdiocese comprises 66 parishes and is divided into 14 vicariates.