BACOLOD City — Several major roads near the San Sebastian Cathedral will be temporarily closed on August 10 and 11 to accommodate activities for the reception and canonical installation of Most Rev. Louie P. Galbines as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod.
The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) issued a traffic advisory informing motorists and the public of the temporary road closures in connection with the two-day ecclesiastical event.
The first closure will be implemented today, August 10, from 3 to 6 p.m. for the solemn reception of Galbines.
The procession will start at the BCGC Replica along Gonzaga Street, pass through Gatuslao Street and proceed toward San Sebastian Cathedral along Rizal Street.
Gonzaga, Gatuslao and Rizal streets will be temporarily closed during the procession.
A second set of closures will be implemented on Tuesday, August 11, from 6 a.m. to noon for Galbines’ canonical installation.
The procession route will cover Gonzaga, Gatuslao, Galo, San Juan and Rizal streets, all of which will be affected by the temporary closures.
The BTTMD advised motorists to use alternative routes and expect traffic adjustments in areas surrounding the cathedral and procession routes.
The Diocese of Bacolod also encouraged attendees to arrive early to allow sufficient time for entry and seating. Attendees were advised to bring their ribbons for the ceremonies.
A drop-and-go system will be implemented near the venue. Vehicles will only be allowed to drop off passengers before proceeding immediately to designated parking areas.
Attendees from the central and southern vicariates may park at the Sacred Heart Seminary, while those from the northern and central vicariates are advised to use the parking area at the Redemptorist Church.
Galbines, 59, was appointed by Pope Leo XIV on May 14, 2026, as the new Bishop of Bacolod, succeeding Bishop Patricio A. Buzon, who retired at 76.
Born on Nov. 18, 1966, in Aliwanag, Sagay, Negros Occidental, Galbines completed his philosophical and theological studies at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bacolod on April 29, 1994. He later pursued advanced studies in Rome at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, where he earned a licentiate and doctorate in sacred theology.
Upon returning to the Philippines, Galbines served in several diocesan and church leadership positions, including rector of the Sacred Heart Seminary and vicar general of the Diocese of Bacolod.
In March 2018, Pope Francis appointed him bishop of the Diocese of Kabankalan. He received his episcopal ordination on May 28, 2018.
His return to Bacolod marks a new chapter for the diocese, where he previously served as a priest and held various leadership positions.
As the city prepares for the occasion, the BTTMD urged motorists to take note of the scheduled closures and allow additional travel time./PN
