Gerardo Alminaza (born August 14, 1959) is a Filipino bishop of the Roman Catholic Church who has been serving as the Bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos in the Philippines since 2013.
Early life and education
Alminaza was born as Gerardo Alimane Alminaza on August 14, 1959 (some sources also cite August 4, 1959) in San Jose, Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Philippines, to Felix A. Alminaza and Antonia G. Alimane. He studied philosophy at Sacred Heart Seminary in Bacolod and theology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, where he obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Theology. He pursued further studies at Fordham University in New York City and earned a Doctorate in Educational Management from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City.
Priesthood
Alminaza was ordained a priest on April 29, 1986, for the Diocese of Bacolod by Bishop Antonio Fortich. He served as Assistant Pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kabankalan, later becoming dean of studies, Spiritual Director, and eventually Rector of Sacred Heart Seminary in Bacolod City. He also held administrative roles including Chairman of the Diocesan Commission on Catechesis, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Bacolod, and Chairman of the Commission on Clergy.
Episcopal ministry
On May 29, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Alminaza as Auxiliary Bishop of Jaro and assigned him the Titular See of Maximiana in Byzacena. He was consecrated on August 4, 2008, by Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
On September 14, 2013, Pope Francis appointed Alminaza as Bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos, succeeding Jose Advincula. He was installed on November 18, 2013.
Within the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Alminaza has held several leadership roles, including Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Seminaries (2013–2019), Vice-Chairman of the Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace (2019–2021), and Regional Representative to the Permanent Council for Visayas West (2009–2011). He also serves as President of Caritas Philippines and Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice & Peace (ECSA-JP).
Alminaza is known for his advocacy on social justice, environmental stewardship, and support for marginalized communities.
