Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presented to the faithful a comprehensive account of the Archdiocese’s progress and future direction during the 2026 State of the Archdiocese Address (SOTAA), held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in celebration of the 92nd anniversary of Cebu’s elevation as a Metropolitan Archdiocese.
In his address, Archbishop Abet highlighted the milestones achieved over the past year while outlining a strategic vision that will guide the Archdiocese in its journey toward the centennial in 2034.
Central to his message was a call to co-responsibility, emphasizing that the mission of the Church is shared by all — clergy, religious, and laity alike — each playing a vital role in building a vibrant and responsive faith community.
On the Journey towards 2034
The Archdiocese of Cebu has embarked on a nine-year journey toward the Centennial of its elevation as an Archdiocese in 2034.
Archbishop Abet explained that for the year 2026, the local Church will focus on being a “Listening Church,” with the goal of hearing both the voice of God and the cries of the people.
To lead this synodal transformation, he announces the establishment of the Coordinating Council for Synodal Transformation (C-COST). This council is tasked with renewing parish structures such as the Parish Pastoral Council, Basic Ecclesial Communities, and the participation of Lay Organizations, Ministries, Associations and Services (LOMAS).
The Cebu Clergy
At the beginning of Archbishop Abet’s episcopate, one of his very first actions was the reappointment of the priests serving at the different offices in the Archdiocesan Curia and the appointment of his consultative bodies: the Board of Consultors, the Episcopal Vicars, the Vicars Forane, the Personnel Board, the Human Resource Board, and the Finance Board.
To strengthen the continued formation, bond, and support for the clergies, a monthly recollection was held regularly; helping them to pause and reflect on their priestly ministry. With this is the clergy fellowship to strengthen the fraternal bond among clergy.
Fostering healthcare support for the clergy, the Archdiocese of Cebu entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Clinica Prime Inc. to provide healthcare services among our priests.
Responding to the rising concerns surrounding mental health among the clergy, the Archdiocese has also launched an Accompaniment Program. Under this initiative, priests across various age groups are encouraged to designate two of their peers as priest-companions—fostering a culture of support, accountability, and fraternal care within the presbyterate.
“These are priests who have the heart and capacity to reach out, to listen, and to simply be present for their brother priests—especially in moments of struggle and need,” said Archbishop Abet.
On Vocations
In January 2026, Archbishop Abet appointed Fr. Charles Louis Jayme as the Vicar for Religious Men and Women to serve as a vital link for pastoral planning and centenary preparations.
Currently, 225 seminarians are enrolled across the 4 Archdiocesan seminaries, where formation programs have been modernized to ensure a high-quality training for future shepherds.
Parallel to these efforts, the Office for Vocation Promotion has strengthened its initiatives through partnerships with educational institutions and the Commission on Youth. This synodal approach focuses on the belief that vocations do not grow in isolation, but are nurtured within a community that journeys and prays together.
The Liturgical Life of the Archdiocese
The Commission on Worship continues to guide and enrich the liturgical life of the local church with its ongoing liturgical formation for wedding coordinators and lay liturgical ministers across the Archdiocese.
Currently, the Commission on Worship, together with the Inter-Regional Commission on Cebuano on the Liturgy, are working on the Cebuano translation on the Missale Romanum (Roman Missal) to help the people connect with the liturgy more deeply in their own language.
Enriching the Liturgical programs of the Archdiocese, the commission has looked forward to organizing Archdiocesan liturgical programs in partnership with Paul VI Institute of Liturgy in Malaybalay.
The Archbishop also emphasized the revival of simple, meaningful prayers — the Angelus at 12 noon and at 6 in the evening, and prayers for the faithful departed at 8 at night.
The parishes are also encouraged to ring their church bells at these times, a gentle invitation for all to pause, pray and remember God in the midst of daily life.
“All these efforts remind us that the liturgy is not just something we do—it is where we encounter God most profoundly as a community of faith.” said Archbishop Abet.
On Catholic Education
The mission of Catholic schools within the Archdiocese continues to evolve with a stronger emphasis on shared responsibility and professional growth.
Archbishop Abet highlighted the increasing involvement of the laity, especially through the appointment of lay principals. Alongside this management shift, administrators and faculty members undergo specialized formation to ensure they remain responsive to the needs of the modern academic environment.
To ensure long-term sustainability and integrity, a unified accounting system will be implemented across all Archdiocesan schools starting in School Year 2026-2027. This initiative, as noted by Archbishop Abet, aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and better stewardship of resources across all Catholic educational institutions.
On Evangelization, Catechesis, and Ecclesiastical Communities
The Archdiocese continues to intensify its efforts to bring the Word of God not only to the peripheries but also online.
The Commission on Bible Apostolate recently intensified its formation initiatives while expanding its missionary reach to upland communities, including Rosario in Aloguinsan. At the same time, it has brought the St. Jerome Biblical Center into the digital sphere, making Scripture reflections and studies more accessible to a broader online audience.
Archbishop Abet also highlights the growth of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Apostolate. Recently, it had 23 completers for the Basic Course on Catechism and successfully formed over 200 young catechists.
Archbishop Abet envisions for Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) becoming an essential part of every parish as the Archdiocese journeys toward its centenary in 2034, empowering the laity to take on leadership roles in the Church.
On Laity, Family and Life, and the Youth
The heart of the Church’s mission lies in the active participation of its people.
In Archbishop Abet’s address, he highlights the establishment of clearer structures for Lay Organizations, Movements, Associations, and Services (LOMAS), ensuring each group has a spiritual guidance and a representative voice within the Parish Pastoral Council to strengthen co-responsibility.
He also underscores the Archdiocese’s commitment to the “domestic church” through a modernized Pre-Cana program and compassionate listening spaces for families and individuals in need of guidance. From celebrating faithful couples to regularizing unions through Mass Weddings, the focus remains on building strong faith-filled homes.
For the Youth, he notes that while worship and leadership are thriving, the mission is now shifting toward expanded social action and mental health advocacy. Through the “Amuma” programs, the youth are encouraged to lead the charge in community and environmental care, ensuring they remain active partners in the Church’s transformative work.
On Care for Creation
Known as a steadfast advocate for nature, Archbishop Abet highlights the recent “Walk for Creation” and the growing movement of Eco-Disciples organized by the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Environmental Concerns (CACEC).
The CACEC also launches the “5 Pieces Daily Habits” for waste management in urban areas.
A major highlight of the roadmap is the establishment of pocket forests. Every parish, religious organization, and community is encouraged to create and nurture these green spaces.
Through expanded training and local partnerships, the Archdiocese is ensuring that ecological commitment becomes a sustained, visible part of community life.
Cebu Caritas
The social action arm of the Archdiocese has been at the forefront of our response to recent crises, embodying the Church’s mission of compassion and service.
Following the 2025 Cebu Earthquake and devastation of Typhoon Tino, Cebu Caritas coordinated closely with Archbishop Abet to launch the Adopt-a-Parish and Hatag Paglaum initiatives. These efforts raised over PHP 41 Million to assist tens of thousands of families, eventually expanding into sustainable livelihood support through the provision of e-bikes and motorized bancas.
Cebu Caritas also extended its mission and services to the grieving families of the Binaliw tragedy in January 2026, offering both financial aid and psychological support.
Beyond emergency response, the focus remains on strengthening regular programs in healthcare and education while empowering Parish Caritas networks.
Moving forward, Cebu Caritas will intensify its rehabilitation efforts, expand livelihood and formation programs, and further empower parish-based structures—so that the Church may continue to serve the poor and vulnerable more effectively.
On Migrants and Itinerant People
Serving as a constant presence of accompaniment and mercy, the Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, alongside the Stella Maris networks, continues to respond to the urgent needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
Archbishop Abet highlights the ministry’s recent interventions, which include assisting a human trafficking victim in Myanmar, providing medical aid for a repatriated seaman, and offering financial support to those affected by natural disasters.
To further broaden this support system, efforts are underway to establish Migrants Ministry and Stella Maris family networks in every parish and school. This expansion aims to ensure that outreach and assistance for migrant workers and their loved ones are firmly rooted within local communities and educational institutions.
On Cultural Heritage
Preserving the spiritual and historical landmarks of the Archdiocese has become a priority following the September 30, 2025 earthquake.
Over the past 7 months, the Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church has led significant restoration efforts. Archbishop Abet oversees these critical operations, which include the retrieval of artifacts and coral stone debris in northern Cebu parishes.
The Commission is currently finalizing structural engineering plans for 24 churches, with rehabilitation set to roll out between late April and June 2026. In addition to these physical repairs, procedures are underway to petition several churches for National Cultural Treasure status. By working closely with national heritage agencies and the Adopt-a-Parish Program, the Church continues to safeguard its cultural assets for future generations.
On Prison Apostolate
Restoring dignity to those deprived of liberty remains a vital mission, extending far beyond the prison bars. Archbishop Abet highlighted the apostolate’s focus on aftercare programs and ongoing formation, helping former Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) find hope and a fresh start.
From legal assistance to livelihood training and job opportunities, the goal is to make successful reintegration into society a reality. The ministry also journeys with the families of the PDLs through regular visitation and evangelization, acknowledging the shared burden they carry.
By continuously evaluating and improving these programs through research, the Church ensures that its service to the marginalized remains both compassionate and effective.
On Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue
Unity in the Archdiocese is growing not by force, but by friendship. Archbishop Abet emphasizes that the journey toward unity is not about uniformity but about a shared commitment to Christ.
The Archdiocese, through the Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue, continues to deepen its collaboration with various Christian denominations and faith communities across Cebu.
This growing spirit of unity is seen in the extension of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity into a nine-day observance, with more churches opening their doors to host these encounters. It was most powerfully expressed during the Joint Easter Vigil held last April 2025 at the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod, where diverse communities gathered as one to commemorate the 1,700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
As the Archdiocese prepares for National Ecumenical Gatherings this coming June 2026, it remains dedicated to building a future rooted in mutual respect and lasting peace.
On Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults
Since 2021, the Ministry for Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults has made steady progress, establishing a full operational office and forming 126 Child Rights Advocates.
Archbishop Abet highlights that these efforts include holding Archdiocesan Children’s Congresses to ensure young people have a voice and a space to be heard.
Through ongoing formation for seminarians and clergy, as well as the publication of clear safeguarding policies, the Church is taking concrete steps toward a formal Code of Conduct. This ensures that accountability and proper boundaries remain at the heart of our mission to keep the Church a safe home for everyone.
On Social Communications
The Archdiocese of Cebu continues to strengthen its mission of evangelization by embracing the evolving landscape of social communication, recognizing media as a vital space for proclaiming the Gospel and fostering communion.
Archbishop Abet highlights the growing impact of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communication, noting expanded initiatives such as the Mass Media Awards and the Social Communications Congress at the metropolitan level.
He also underscored the development of the Cebu Archdiocesan Digital Communications Ministry (CADComM) Mission Hub as a center for formation and creativity, which aims to provide a space and opportunity for church communicators to be equipped with professional knowledge and skills to spread the Gospel in the digital sphere.
In the future, the Mission Hub shall be transformed into a formal training institute. He also looks forward to establishing the Metropolitan Council for Social Communication, which shall guide parishes and dioceses in developing more advanced, strategic, and mission-oriented digital content.
On Economic Affairs
In his report on the temporal goods of the Church, Archbishop Abet highlights the significant improvements in the financial and organizational performance of the Archdiocese. All obligations for the priests’ health and hospitalization program were fully settled by the end of 2025, with a healthy reserve fund already established for 2026.
This financial stability is further supported by an ongoing inventory of church properties and a remarkable 90 percent success rate in parish remittances and rental collections. To ensure long-term sustainability, Archbishop Abet notes the formation of a Finance Committee and an Investment Management Team tasked with exploring responsible, church-related opportunities for underperforming assets.
Beyond the numbers, he emphasizes that the true strength of the Archdiocese lies in the inspiring generosity of the faithful. For him, every contribution represents a heart that trusts in the mission, affirming that the people’s unwavering support is the Church’s greatest treasure.
The Archdiocese’s Ongoing Priority Programs
The Archdiocese of Cebu continues to advance a set of priority programs aimed at strengthening clergy care, promoting accountability, and ensuring sustainable and mission-driven pastoral governance across all levels of the local Church.
Archbishop Abet outlined key initiatives, including the push for comprehensive development plans in every parish and the establishment of a unified financial system.
Alongside these are efforts to expand financial capacity for free hospitalization of clergy and organize a Human Resource Board to safeguard the welfare, formation, and professional environment of lay Church workers.
In Conclusion
As the Archdiocese continues its path toward this historic milestone, the faithful are invited to embrace a renewed sense of unity and purpose. With hearts lifted in prayer, the Church in Cebu looks ahead with hope, seeking the grace to remain steadfast in the Gospel and ever attentive to the needs of others.
Watch the live coverage of the State of the Archdiocese Address here.