Uy seen to bring new style of leadership

Local

AS THE Archdiocese of Cebu prepares for the installation of Archbishop-designate Alberto “Abet” Uy on Sept. 30, church officials said they are also preparing to embrace a different style of leadership — one that is expected to be more socially vocal.

Installation committee chairman Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes said that Uy’s leadership will not be identical to that of outgoing Archbishop Jose Palma, who was widely regarded as a unifying figure.

“I think this could be the bag-ong face of the archbishop. While atoang archbisop sauna centered all the time, he is known to be a unifier, so this time the new archbisop, siguro we will navigate along that line,” Fuentes told MyTV Cebu.

Fuentes’ remark comes as Uy has become increasingly visible on public issues. On September 21, Uy joined thousands of participants in Tagbilaran City for a rally against corruption coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law.

True to his character, Uy has requested a simple installation — with no tarpaulins, no banners, and no lavish vehicle processions. Preparations are centered instead on outreach activities and environmental advocacy.

Uy, who hails from Ubay, Bohol, was appointed by Pope Francis on July 16. He is set to become Cebu’s 25th bishop and fifth metropolitan archbishop, leading more than 4.7 million Catholics across over 170 parishes.

Previously, Uy spoke out strongly against online gambling, calling it “evil” and describing it as a moral and spiritual crisis that cannot be solved through regulation alone.

He warned that the industry preys on the vulnerable, tears apart families, and robs people of dignity, time, and peace.

Uy urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and lawmakers to impose a total and permanent ban on online gambling, and encouraged the public to reject it in their homes, assist those struggling with addiction, and organize community prayer campaigns and awareness efforts.

The official installation will take place on September 30 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, with a Mass expected to gather hundreds of priests, bishops, and church leaders, including three Filipino cardinals.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown will preside over the rites, while Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will deliver the homily.

In the days leading up to the ceremony, Uy will be formally welcomed by Cebu’s civic leaders, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, and will visit parishes, marginalized communities, and local workers as part of his first engagements as archbishop.(MyTVCebu)