Walking with the Flock: Archbishop-designate Abet’s first steps in Cebu

Bishop Alberto S. Uy, the Archbishop-designate of Cebu, Philippines, would have preferred a simple and quiet welcome. Yet the enthusiasm of the faithful turned his arrival into a grand celebration on September 28, complete with cultural presentations and wide media coverage.

Fondly known as “Abet” from his years of ministry in the Diocese of Tagbilaran, Archbishop Uy carries with him a reputation for being close to his people and warmly regarded as their shepherd. 

After celebrating early morning Mass on September 29 for the household staff and seminarians, Bishop Abet led a tree-planting activity in the garden of the Bishop’s residence, signifying his commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Then he led a feeding program in the “Abtanan sa Kalooy” (Refuge of Mercy) in the nearby Mabolo parish. The facility extends free meals to poor children and care for some elderly. In his message, Bishop Abet exhorted the faithful to take part in charitable causes like feeding the poor, saying that faith without action is meaningless and useless. 

Still overwhelmed by the animated welcome activities that met him during his arrival, he said that it rained when he left the Diocese of Tagbilaran, as if in agreement with his sadness at having to leave the diocese after serving it for more than a decade. But fair weather and the warm welcome continued the following day, courtesy of street children who greeted him with songs and dances. 

Bishop Abet said he delights in the company of children because they are always excited to see him. He asked them to address him as “Papa Bishop.” After distributing packed meals, he toured the facility with Fr. Pat Ornopia, Abtanan sa Kalooy executive director. Speaking to RVA, Fr. Ornopia said he was overwhelmed by the presence of the Archbishop-designate. 

“Nalipay gyud ko nga naa diay space ang Abtanan sa Kalooy kang Bishop Abet” (I’m very happy that Bishop Abet has a space for Abtanan sa Kalooy). 

Asked if he submitted a laundry list of what the center needs to improve the service, Fr. Ornopia laughed and said he was so happy with the presence of Bishop Abet that he forgot everything else. 

Capping Bishop Abet’s morning activities was a visit to the Basilica del Santo Niño to pray and venerate the image of the Santo Niño de Cebu. Then he walked toward the landmark Magellan’s Cross and proceeded to the Cebu City Hall, where he was given another rousing welcome by Cebu City officials and employees.

During the lunch reception hosted by the local government led by Mayor Nestor Archival, Bishop Uy didn’t mince words in condemning the ghost flood control projects and vowed to unite with Cebuanos in fighting corruption. “Dinhi sa Cebu, kauban ko ninyo sa pagdumili sa ghost projects (Here in Cebu, I join you in rejecting ghost projects),” Bishop Abet said, adding that government leaders should instead focus on “godly projects” that uplift the poor, protect the environment, and bring genuine progress and lasting peace. “Projects that at the end of the day can make God smile,” Uy emphasized. 

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival told RVA that the advocacy of Bishop Uy on environmental stewardship aligns with the major objectives of his administration in the long term. He said that their common advocacy provides direction toward 2035, when they hope to achieve a “smart, sustainable and inclusive Cebu City.”