Earlier today, formators from various districts of the Archdiocese convened at the IC3 Convention Center for Part 1 of formation training on the implementation of 2026 pastoral thrust, the “Listening Church,” a key step in the local Church’s preparation for the 2034 centenary of Cebu’s elevation as an Archdiocese.

In his message, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy called on participants to take concrete action in caring for creation, encouraging communities to establish Miyawaki Pocket Forests as a simple yet meaningful response to pressing environmental concerns.

Drawing a compelling parallel, the Archbishop likened the initiative to the Church’s synodal journey. Just as a Miyawaki Forest thrives when native trees are planted closely together, growing faster and stronger as one, so too does the Archdiocese flourish when its people walk together, each offering their unique contribution, no matter how small, toward a shared mission.

“Ang kahoy nga mag-inusara humok tumbahon. Pero kon gapundok ang kahoy, mo-survive siya. [Sama ra na nato, kon magkahiusa ta,] di ta basta-basta matumba bisan pa sa kalisod sa kinabuhi … Ang synodal journey di mahimo kon obispo ra, pari ra, o layko ra. Kitang tanan. Let us involve each other in this journey together,” said Archbishop Abet.