Today, the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Environmental Concerns (CACEC), together with its collaborators, conducted a Technical Training for the Laudate Deum Pocket Forest at Saint John Hall, Brothers of Saint John, Banawa Hills, Cebu City.
Present at the gathering were Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy, Fr. Jonas Yap (CACEC Chairman), and representatives from the project’s five pilot sites: Pope John XXIII Seminary, San Carlos Seminary College, Seminario Mayor de San Carlos, the Spiritual Pastoral Formation Year at the Archbishop’s Residence, and Virgen de los Remedios Parish in Calamba-Labangon.
The Laudate Deum Pocket Forest is an enhanced Miyawaki-inspired parish movement. Envisioned as an archdiocese-wide initiative, the program seeks to establish pocket forests and ecological stewardship sites across all 178 parishes of the Archdiocese of Cebu.
While allowing for site-specific adaptations, every pocket forest will uphold the core principle of restoring ecosystems through the planting of native and endemic tree species.
Beyond reforestation, the initiative integrates ecological education, biodiversity restoration, food security, climate resilience, parish participation, spiritual formation, and responsible stewardship of creation.
The project reflects one of the key priorities of the Archdiocese as it journeys toward its centennial celebration in 2034 and beyond, affirming that environmental stewardship stands alongside its other pastoral thrusts in building a more sustainable and hope-filled future.
Drawing inspiration from the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), Archbishop Abet highlighted how the natural world reflects the life of the Church.
He explained that when trees are planted closely together, their roots intertwine, enabling them to withstand storms, protect one another, and grow more rapidly as they reach for the light.
In the same way, he said, Christians are called to walk together, supporting one another as they journey toward the true Light—Jesus Christ.
“Kon duol kaayo sila [ang mga kahoy] sa usa’g usa, they cover each other and they will grow faster kay mag-ilog sila sa adlaw. Kita pod, maglumba pod ta paingon sa langit. Pero dili ta mag-ilog nga mag-shinagitay; we support each other aron mas paspas ang atong pagsaka because of our situation. Our need for the light, the powerful light of Jesus,” Archbishop Abet shared.
A series of technical trainings, consultations, and preparatory activities is now underway as the Archdiocese gears up for the project’s grand launch during the Season of Creation in September 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Laudate Deum Pocket Forest takes root across the Archdiocese of Cebu.