A new seed for ecological renewal has been planted in the Archdiocese of Cebu as the first parish-based Laudate Deum Pocket Forest was officially launched today at the Virgen de los Remedios Parish in Calamba–Labangon, Cebu City.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto S. Uy led the launch, joined by parish priest Fr. Peter Monteron, CACEC Director and Parochial Vicar Fr. Jonas Yap, members of the Laudate Deum Pocket Forest Core Group and its collaborators, local government leaders, and parishioners.

The initiative is an archdiocese-wide, Miyawaki-inspired ecological project that seeks to establish native and endemic pocket forests across all 178 parishes of the Archdiocese of Cebu. It forms part of the Archdiocese’s continuing commitment to care for creation, promote environmental stewardship, and restore local ecosystems as it journeys toward its centennial celebration in 2034.

In his brief address, Archbishop Abet encouraged the faithful to plant trees as a way of paying forward the gift of creation to future generations, following the example of those who planted trees before them.

He underscored the vital role of trees in addressing rising temperatures, reminding the community that without trees, the world would become increasingly hotter and more difficult to live in.

The Archbishop also expressed appreciation for the project’s use of native tree species, highlighting their importance in sustaining the environment and restoring local ecosystems.

“Gamay ang atong buhaton dinhi, pero kung ang tibuok Cebu atong pun-on sa mga gagmay’ng pocket forest, pagkanindot kaayo,” Archbishop Abet said, encouraging the faithful to replicate pocket forests across the island.

Tomorrow, September 5 at 4:00 PM, Archbishop Abet will preside over the Votive Mass for the Care of Creation at the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod.