As known to parishioners, Father Rob was born in Antequera, Bohol, Philippines. He is the second of five children, having one brother and three sisters. Growing up in the Philippines, Father Rob completed high school and college philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. He studied theology at St. Francis Xavier Regional Seminary in Davao City, Bohol. Father Rob was ordained into the priesthood on April 7, 1976 in the Diocese of Marvel South Cotabato, Philippines. Father Rob served as a priest in different parishes within the Diocese for 18 years before coming to the United States. He completed sabbatical studies at Boston College in 1992. In 1994, he was accepted, and later, incardinated to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Prior to becoming pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church - Edgard in 2012, Father Rob completed assignments in the following parishes:
St. Angela Merici Parish - 1994 - Parochial Vicar
St. Agnes Parish - 1995 - 2002 - Parochial Vicar
St. Maria Goretti Parish, 2002-2012 - Parochial Vicar