Bishop of Balanga (Bataan) was named as his successor. Msgr. Cruz has been the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan since 1991 when he was appointed as its prelate in 15 July 1991. He was installed on 24 August 1991. Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz, DD succeeded Msgr. Federico G. Limon upon the retirement of the latter. He has served the Archdiocese for almost two decades with integrity, pastoral charity and commitment to social justice.
According to the CBCPNews online, Archbishop Cruz said “the first thought that came to my mind upon knowing of the change of my ecclesiastical status is to thank the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.”
“The reason is it’s her birthday anniversary today,” he said.
In the same report, he was quoted to have said that "he is most grateful to the clergy, the religious and the laity in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, “for being very patient with me and understanding.”
He said the clergy, religious and laity “were able to bear with me for about two decades and that is to their credit.”
