Parish Priest of St. Peter Martyr of Verona Parish, Hermosa, Bataan
From his childhood years as a choir member and altar server to more than three decades of dedicated priestly ministry, Rev. Fr. Ernesto “Fr. Ernie” Baluyot De Leon lived in faithful service to God and His people. A devoted parish shepherd and advocate of evangelization and catechesis, he passed away on June 13, 2026, leaving a lasting legacy of pastoral compassion, Church leadership, and commitment to the communities entrusted to his care.
Early Roots in Faith and Service
Long before he entered the seminary, Ernesto Baluyot De Leon had already found a home within the Church. As a child, he eagerly participated in parish activities, sang in the church choir, and served at the altar.
Through these simple acts of service, he became familiar with the prayer, worship, and community life of the Church. He joined the faithful in proclaiming hymns of praise, including the familiar words, “Hosanna to the Son of David.”
Born on April 30, 1967, Ernesto was the son of Dionisio Trinidad De Leon and Julita Paguio Baluyot. Raised in a large family, he grew up surrounded by faith, family life, and a spirit of service.
These early influences helped shape the compassionate priest whom many people would later know affectionately as Fr. Ernie. His active participation in parish life gradually developed into a deeper desire to dedicate himself completely to God and His people.
Formation for the Priesthood
Fr. Ernie began his seminary formation at San Carlos Seminary. He later pursued and completed his studies in Philosophy at Ateneo de Manila University before returning to San Carlos Seminary for his theological formation.
His years in the seminary gave him the intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral preparation necessary for ordained ministry. Through prayer, study, discipline, and community life, his desire to serve God matured into a firm commitment to the priesthood.
On December 4, 1993, Ernesto Baluyot De Leon received the Sacrament of Holy Orders. His ordination marked the beginning of more than three decades of faithful service to the Church and the people of the Diocese of Balanga.
Serving the Parish Communities of Bataan
Throughout his priestly ministry, Fr. Ernie served in several parish communities across Bataan. His assignments included parishes dedicated to St. Peter Martyr of Verona, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Roch, St. Raymond, Nuestra Señora del Pilar, and St. Catherine of Alexandria.
In every community entrusted to him, he proclaimed the Gospel, celebrated the sacraments, and accompanied the faithful through moments of joy, uncertainty, suffering, and hope.
He used his gifts and pastoral experience to deepen the faith of parishioners, strengthen parish organizations, and encourage greater participation in the life and mission of the Church. He also supported the improvement and restoration of churches and sacred spaces so that they could remain fitting places of prayer and worship.
A Shepherd Committed to Evangelization
Fr. Ernie’s ministry was not limited to parish administration or the physical development of church buildings. At the heart of his priesthood was a sincere desire to help people encounter Christ and grow in their Catholic faith.
Through preaching, pastoral guidance, formation activities, and personal example, he encouraged the faithful to participate more deeply in the sacramental and communal life of the Church.
His pastoral ministry reflected Christ’s compassion and concern for all, particularly those seeking spiritual guidance, consolation, and a stronger relationship with God.
Like the first disciples called by Christ, Fr. Ernie understood his priesthood as a mission to cast the nets of faith—to reach out to people, gather communities, and lead them toward the loving embrace of the Church.
Leadership in Evangelization and Catechesis
Fr. Ernie also contributed to the broader mission of evangelization and catechesis in the Philippines. He served as Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Evangelization and Catechesis of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
Through this national ministry, he assisted in advancing programs that supported Catholic faith formation, strengthened catechetical work, and encouraged greater collaboration among dioceses, clergy, religious communities, catechists, and lay pastoral workers.
He carried this responsibility until November 2025. His service allowed the experience and pastoral commitment formed within the Diocese of Balanga to contribute to the wider mission of the Philippine Church.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines later remembered him as a former catechetical official following his passing.
A Loving Son, Brother, and Uncle
Despite the many responsibilities of priestly ministry, Fr. Ernie remained closely connected to his family. He was remembered as a loving and attentive son, brother, and uncle who showed genuine concern for his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
The care he extended to his family reflected the same compassion that characterized his ministry among parishioners. His priesthood did not remove him from the bonds of family life; instead, it deepened his appreciation for the love, sacrifices, and relationships that had helped shape his vocation.
Final Pastoral Assignment
Fr. Ernie’s final pastoral assignment was as Parish Priest of St. Peter Martyr of Verona Parish in Hermosa, Bataan.
There, he continued the mission he had embraced at the beginning of his priesthood: celebrating the sacraments, proclaiming the Gospel, strengthening parish life, and accompanying the faithful entrusted to his care.
The image of casting one’s nets holds special meaning in remembering his ministry. Like a faithful fisherman called by Christ, Fr. Ernie continued to cast the nets of faith—reaching out to people, gathering the community, and leading others toward a deeper relationship with God.
Called Home to the Lord
On June 13, 2026, Rev. Fr. Ernesto Baluyot De Leon passed away at the age of 59. The Diocese of Balanga announced his passing with sorrow and Christian hope in the Resurrection.
His death brought profound sorrow to his family, brother priests, parishioners, catechists, friends, and the communities he had served throughout his priesthood.
Although his earthly ministry has ended, the seeds of faith he planted continue to grow. The parish communities he helped strengthen, the people he accompanied, the catechetical work he supported, and the family he loved remain living witnesses to the generosity of his priestly vocation.
Fr. Ernie remained faithful to the mission he accepted at his ordination. Through every parish, every ministry, and every life entrusted to his care, he continued to cast his nets for Christ until the Lord called His faithful servant home.
His life reminds the faithful that the legacy of a priest is measured not only by the years he served but also by the faith he nurtured, the people he accompanied, and the love with which he fulfilled his vocation.
May Rev. Fr. Ernesto “Fr. Ernie” Baluyot De Leon rest in the peace and eternal embrace of God.
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