The Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Environmental Concerns (CACEC) has invited the faithful to take part in the Walk for Creation and Closing of the Season of Creation 2026 on October 4, an event that also commemorates the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi, the Church’s Patron of Ecology.
The celebration will formally conclude this year’s observance of the Season of Creation, bringing together the Church, government agencies, environmental organizations, civic groups, and the wider community in a shared commitment to care for God’s creation.
Participants are requested to assemble at the corner of Osmeña Boulevard and Urgello Street at 2:00 p.m. before the start of the Walk for Creation. The procession will culminate in a Holy Mass at 4:00 p.m. at Fuente Osmeña Circle, followed by the Blessing of Pets, a fitting tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, whose love for all of creation continues to inspire Christians around the world.
To facilitate the procession, participants will be organized into four divisions representing different sectors of society.
Division 1 – Walk for Creation will gather religious congregations, Catholic schools, parishes, commissions, mandated organizations, and faith-based movements, including Saint Theresa’s College – Community Involvement Program, Couples for Christ (CFC), Bukas Loob sa Diyos, the Parish of San Vicente Ferrer in Sambag I and II, and the Parish of Virgen de los Remedios in Labangon.
Division 2 – Walk for the Protection of Creation will bring together private organizations, companies, environmental advocates, and civic groups led by Pagtambayayong Foundation, Inc. (PFI) in collaboration with NATAD VNTAE, Kaabag sa Sugbo, CIRCULA, Agre Solutions Corp., Eco Waste, RCE, CIRCA, Kalunasan Eco Park, Oikos Orchard and Farm, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Metropolitan Cebu Water District, the Cebu City Eco Station and Mangrove Plantation Office, STK Ta Bai – Capitol, and various partner NGOs, CSOs, POs, academic institutions, and private organizations.
Division 3 – The Government Sector will be composed of government agencies, local government units, departments, and public offices, including the Cebu City Government, the Office of the Cebu City Mayor, the Office of the Cebu City Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environment, the Cebu City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP), the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), and the barangays of Buhisan, Calamba, Labangon, and Luz.
Division 4 – The General Public welcomes individuals, families, and communities who wish to express their support for the care, conservation, and protection of our common home.
CACEC also encouraged participants to observe environmentally responsible practices throughout the event by avoiding single-use plastics, bringing reusable tumblers, helping keep the gathering eco-friendly, and preparing for the weather by bringing umbrellas or raincoats.
Held annually, the Season of Creation invites Christians to deepen their appreciation of God’s gift of creation and renew their commitment to environmental stewardship. This year’s celebration takes on added significance as the Church honors the enduring witness of St. Francis of Assisi, whose life of simplicity and reverence for all creatures continues to inspire the faithful to become responsible stewards of our common home.