Primerong Bikolanong Arzobispo, Libmaneño!

This Bicolano who is a Libmaneño is not only the first bicolano who became an archbishop. He is also the first archbishop of Nueva Segovia.

"The record shows that Santiago Sancho was baptized in Libmanan Parish Church in 1880...He came from the so called Visita de San Vicente, now barangay San Vicente. This old book of baptism is considered one of the few Catholic heritage of Libmanan that was kept and has survived for a century." (Fr. Chito Oriño, Libmanan Chancellor)

On the 23rd of May in the year 1880, Santiago Caragnan Sancho was born in Libmanan. His parents being Basilio Sancho and Adriana Caragnan. He was ordained a priest on the feastday of St. Francis of Assisi in October 4, 1903. At the very young age of 36, he was appointed as the second Bishop of Tuguegarao on February 5, 1917. He then was ordained its bishop on the feastday of the apostles Saints Peter and Paul in June 29, 1917. Before he reaches the age of 50, he was appointed bishop of Nueva Segovia in April 22, 1927. When Nueva Segovia was elevated into the rank of an archdiocese, Sancho became its first Archbishop. His appointment and the diocese' elevation was officially announced in June 29th, 1951.

In the Diocese of Libmanan (Elevated from being a Prelature into the rank of a Diocese on March 25, 2009) some volunteers will conduct a "FIRST LIBMANAN FUN WALK" to promote the hidden history which the town of Libmanan takes pride of: "THAT THE FIRST EVER BICOLANO WHO BECAME AN ARCHBISHOP IS A NATIVE OF LIBMANAN". This "fun walk" as organized will start in front of Plaza Rizal (front of the Municipal Hall) about 6:30 in the morning of the Solemnity of All Saints Day November 1, 2010 and will end at the Diocese of Libmanan Grounds where the launching and groundbreaking of a commemorative project will be held. Secondary objective of this event is to raise fund for the beautification of the surroundings of the Cathedral particularly the Patio and the Plaza fence. A dreamed "Patio de Sancho" is tagged as the fund raising proceeds.