When Archbishop-designate Alberto Sy Uy assumes leadership of the country’s largest archdiocese on September 30, Cebu’s streets will bear little resemblance to the grand welcomes of the past.
No tarpaulins will hang, no banners will be raised. The 25th bishop and fifth metropolitan archbishop of Cebu has asked that his installation rites remain simple.
At a press conference on September 25, installation committee chair Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes said the decision reflects Uy’s own personality. Welcome committee head Msgr. Marnell Mejia noted that the prelate avoids fanfare.
“Ang amoa makita siya sa mga taw, he is squeamish about mga bongga nga butang,” Mejia said, underscoring Uy’s discomfort with extravagance.
Even a suggestion to use a pope-mobile–style vehicle was scrapped in favor of a modest ride.
Preparations are focused on order and participation rather than spectacle. Mejia said 500 volunteer marshals—including 250 from Couples for Christ—will help manage the large crowds expected at the rites.
Fr. Mhar Balili, secretary general of the installation committee, stressed that the celebration will highlight Uy’s advocacies instead of visual trappings.
These include environmental efforts such as tree-planting and discouraging the use of tarpaulins.
The program also features outreach: Uy will visit the Abtanan sa Kalouy, share meals with persons deprived of liberty, and meet with fisherfolk and vendors.
He also plans consultations with priests from various districts during his first months in office.
The official welcome will stretch over three days. On September 28, Uy arrives from Tagbilaran at Cebu Pier 1, where he will be received by outgoing Archbishop Jose Palma, who earlier that day will celebrate his final Mass as Cebu archbishop.
From the pier, a motorcade will bring Uy to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Pedro Calungsod to make his solemn profession of faith and take the oath of fidelity.
On September 29, Cebu’s civic leaders, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, will formally welcome him.
The central event follows on September 30 with the 9 a.m. installation Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Mass is expected to draw one of the largest gatherings of church leaders in recent years, with 820 priests, 52 bishops and archbishops, and three Filipino cardinals.
Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown will preside, while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will deliver the homily.
Uy, a native of Ubay, Bohol, was appointed to Cebu by Pope Francis on July 16, 2025, after nine years as Bishop of Tagbilaran.
He is known for his firm stance against corruption and his environmental advocacy, leading initiatives such as the “One Believer, One Tree” program and the “Hipos Tarp Operation,” a post-election campaign tarpaulin cleanup.
Cebu Business News
Leave a Reply