Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo is the first cardinal from Mindanao and is known for his justice and peace efforts, especially in the area of Christian-Muslim relations in the Philippines.

Born on March 11, 1939, in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte province, Philippines, Quevedo spent his early years in the northern island of Luzon before his family moved to the Western Visayas region. As a young boy, he served Masses for the first Oblate missionaries in the Philippines, which inspired his vocation.

He carried out his classical studies at the Notre Dame High School in Marbel and studied philosophy in the minor seminary of San Jose, Quezon City.

Quevedo joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.) and pursued his religious formation in various locations. He completed his novitiate in Mission, Texas, in the mid-1950s and later obtained his bachelor’s degree in sacred theology and master’s degree in religious education from the Oblate College of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was ordained as an Oblate priest on June 5, 1964, in Washington D.C. at the age of 25. In 1973 he was chosen as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines”.

Following his ordination, Quevedo served for 12 years in the Archdiocese of Cotabato, primarily teaching at the university and working in formation at the diocesan seminary. His career in the Church hierarchy began when he was appointed Bishop of Kidapawan in 1980. In 1986, he became Archbishop of Nueva Segovia, and in 1998, Pope John Paul II named him Archbishop of Cotabato.

Throughout his ministry, Cardinal Quevedo has been a strong advocate for peace between Christians and Muslims in the Philippines, particularly in the conflict-ridden region of Mindanao. He has worked tirelessly to address the root causes of the Moro Muslim insurgency, emphasizing the need for justice and understanding between different religious communities. His efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and championing Muslim human rights have earned him respect from both Christian and Muslim leaders.

In February 2014, Pope Francis elevated Quevedo to the College of Cardinals, making him the first cardinal from Mindanao. As a cardinal, he has continued to focus on issues of poverty, social justice, and the development of basic ecclesial communities. Cardinal Quevedo’s life and work exemplify the Oblate mission of serving the poor and marginalized, and he remains an influential voice for peace and reconciliation in the Philippines.