Father Jose Francisco Talaban, also known as Father Joefran, a parish priest at St. Anthony of Padua in Casiguran, Aurora, is Metro Infanta Foundation’s first recipient of the Bishop Julio X. Labayen Memorial Grant. The grant is named after the late Bishop Labayen in recognition of his dedication to supporting the poor, the voiceless, and those who advocate for their rights.
Father Joefran hails from Negros Occidental, the same region as his mentor, Bishop Labayen. Initially aspiring to become a Columban missionary upon completing his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, he was ultimately inspired by Bishop Labayen’s dedication to serving the poor. Consequently, Father Joefran decided to join the Prelature of Infanta. In 1999, he was ordained by Bishop Labayen and subsequently assigned to Casiguran.
Father Joefran has faced numerous challenges in his 22 years of work for the poor, including some life-threatening situations. Despite these obstacles, he remains committed to his mission. He states, “I will continue to serve the impoverished and advocate for the rights of those who are defenseless. I will represent the voiceless regardless of the difficulties involved. Even if everything is taken away from me, I will persist in upholding the principles of justice, hope, and compassion as outlined in the gospel. Working for those in poverty is a fundamental aspect of the mission.”.
