History of Tagakpan Parish

The story of the parish began in 1995 when Catholic people of Tagakpan led by Mr. Enong Pilapil organized themselves to put up a chapel in honor of San Francisco de Asis. It was located in Purok Curvada near the reservoir lot of Tagakpan Elementary School. The chapel was under the auspices of the Sacred Heart Parish in Calinan. Eucharistic celebrations were presided by Calinan priests, especially during fiesta. The said chapel was later entrusted to the Immaculate Conception Parish in Mintal.

At the beginning, the Catholic people of Tagakpan was headed by a Canadian priest, Fr. Joseph Dopphoey, who was fascinated by the cooperation and unity shown by the early residents of Tagakpan. Until they decided to acquire a lot where a church and a school could be erected in the future.

Upon knowing the plan, a Bagobo tribal leader, Mr. Ungol Umanan, became interested in the development of the place. He generously offered his two-hectare land. Hence, the acquisition of the land made the residents happy and grateful. The happiness became a great joy when the land was granted to be donated fully by the City Government of Davao years later.

Through the initiative of the Canadian priest, and the generosity of Mr. Umanan, the chapel was relocated in 1968, from its former site to the present one. Rev. Fr. Joseph Dopphoey already had the vision that sooner or later, the chapel of San Francisco will become a parish. Therefore, he told the people that whenever it would be realized, the parish church should be named in honor of “San Francisco de Asis.”

As years go by, the population of Tagakpan increased. Thereby, making the need to create a new parish. Finally, after a thorough deliberation with the higher authorities, San Francisco de Asis Parish was established on April 30, 2000. Four months after, in August 30, 2000, it was formally installed as one of the parishes of the Archdiocese of Davao with Fr. Leo Gonzales, OSJ as its first parish priest.

On April 28, 2013, the parish was dedicated by Archbishop Romulo Valles.

At present, San Francisco de Asis Parish is managed by the Oblates of Saint Joseph. It has 28 GKKs from Zones 1 to 5. The current parish priest is Fr. Peter Fancubila, OSJ, assisted by Fr. Jolito Marterior, OSJ.

San Francisco de Asis Parish continuously teaches people to be enthusiastic in the service and to be united in God’s loving embrace.

Originally Written by: Mrs. Rizamarie Daya
Revised and Edited by: Jeffren P. Miguel

Oblates of Saint Joseph

Parish Priests
San Francisco de Asis Parish, Tagakpan
2000 – present

Fr. Leo Gonzales, OSJ (May 2000 – June 2006)

Fr. Concord G. Bagaoisan, OSJ (June 2006 – April 2007)

Fr. Carlito S. Argente, OSJ (April 2007 – May 2010)

Fr. Pedro C. Calvo, Jr, OSJ (May 2010 – June 2013)

Fr. Ariel T. Celeste, OSJ (June 2013 – June 2016)

Fr. Peter F. Fancubila, OSJ (June 2016 – present)