Billy Balaoy Castro was born in Hucab, Klangan, Ifugao and lives in Lamut, Ifugao. He is a seminarian and theology student at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology in Pantay Daya, Vigan City.

Description and symbolism:

The celeste field evokes the vastness of the sky and the depth of the sea, immeasurable, faithful, and serene. It symbolizes the way Mary has enfolded the Armiger’s vocation in her mantle.

The fleur de lis represents the Armiger’s deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Conception. It stands as a sign of his desire to imitate Mary’s purity of her heart and holiness of her soul.

The fortress alludes to the Armiger’s name. The name Billy is a diminutive or shortened form of William, which traces its roots to the Old German “wilhelm,” meaning “helmet” or “protection.” The surname Castro comes from the Latin “castrum,” meaning “fortress.”

The baya’ung is an Ifugao blanket used by men of all ages regardless of social status during social events requiring the use of traditional attire. In this design, the hinulgi is used. The hinulgi is a complex of diamonds, X’s and V’s. It is said that when an Ifugao dies and journeys to the afterlife, they need to bring with them a gamong blanket as a present to their ancestors.

The paschal lamb symbolizes the centrality of priestly ministry. Jesus, the Lamb of God, captures the heart of Christ’s identity, his mission, and our participation in it, his self-offering in the liturgy. The Lamb bleeding into the chalice embodies the Eucharist, the sacrament of the Holy Sacrifice of Christ.

The motto is taken from Ephesians 3:17 and reflects the Armiger’s wholehearted commitment to Christ the Good Shepherd, the very source of love and Love Himself.

Blazon: Shield: Celeste a baya’ung fesswise enhanced Proper, in chief a tower between two fleur de lis, in base the Paschal Lamb passant reguardant Argent nimbed Or, supporting with its dexter shoulder a banner Argent charged with a cross, from its wounded side blood Gules flowing to a chalice Or.

Motto: In caritate radicati et fundati (“Rooted and grounded in love”).

Assumed/granting authority: Assumed, May 5, 2025. Registered, Philippine Armorial, June 30, 2025.

Image and information submitted by the Armiger.