Church authorities in Lapu-Lapu City have announced a significant redesign of the planned expansion for the Humay-Humay Catholic Cemetery, prioritizing the preservation of existing trees in a move that underscores their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Laudato Si Inspires Design Change
Following an ocular inspection conducted on October 31, 2025, the project architect was instructed to revise the blueprints. Fr. Benido Tumol, MSC, parish priest and rector of the Virgen de la Regla National Shrine, confirmed that the new design will strategically work around the trees.
"The architect has already revised the plan so that we can avoid our trees as much as possible, ensuring that none will be cut because of our Laudato Si environmental advocacy," Fr. Tumol stated. This encyclical by Pope Francis, whose title means "Praise be to You," serves as the foundational document for the church's environmental initiatives.
Balancing Needs for Space and Nature
The primary goal of the Humay-Humay Catholic Cemetery expansion is to address the growing need for interment spaces within Lapu-Lapu City. The cemetery, which is the final resting place for more than 12,000 individuals, has seven available sections identified for development.
The decision ensures that families can continue to lay their departed loved ones to rest locally while actively preserving the mature shade trees that grace the grounds in Barangay Gun-ob.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
The parish is currently awaiting the finalized architectural plan, which is a key requirement for the City Office of the Building Official. Once approved, construction is scheduled to commence in early January 2026.
The initial phase, known as Phase 1, is set to include the construction of approximately 1,000 niches and bone chambers, marking a substantial addition to the city's burial capacity. The inspection that prompted these eco-friendly changes was attended by parish priests, the project architect, and the in-house engineer, ensuring a collaborative approach to this community-focused project.
