Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy announced that he will deliver the State of the Archdiocese Address (Sotaa) on a regular basis, ensuring transparency and accountability within the local church. The announcement was made during a press conference on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, just hours before he presented his first Sotaa at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Background and Consultation
Archbishop Uy, who was installed as the Cebu Archbishop on September 30, 2025, has been serving the local church for approximately seven months. Since his installation, he has conducted extensive consultations across the archdiocese to understand the needs and concerns of the clergy and faithful. These consultations have been instrumental in shaping his long-term plans for the archdiocese.
During a consultation with the clergy, a priest expressed concern that previous initiatives often faded away over time. The priest said, “In our experience, there were good intentions, but as the years passed, they just disappeared.” This feedback prompted Archbishop Uy to commit to an annual report to ensure that plans are not forgotten and are consistently followed through.
Purpose of the Address
The Sotaa serves as a platform for the archbishop to inform the public about the current state of the archdiocese, covering topics such as the condition of the clergy, religious persons, faithful, parishes, missions, challenges, and hopes for the future. Archbishop Uy emphasized that the address is not meant to be a political spectacle but a pastoral report from a shepherd to his flock.
“Do not expect a bombastic address because I am a shepherd of the flock, not a political figure,” he reminded the public.
Key Topics Covered
During his first address, Archbishop Uy discussed several key areas, including:
- Vocation efforts and the state of the Cebu clergy
- Liturgical programs and missions within Catholic schools
- Evangelization and catechesis initiatives
- Active participation of the laity, family life, and youth
- Promotion of environmental care and the “adopt-a-parish” program
- “Hatag Paglaum” initiatives for parishes affected by earthquakes
- Preservation of cultural heritage and interreligious dialogue
- Safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults
Archbishop Uy reiterated that the annual Sotaa is a commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, ensuring that the archdiocese remains responsive to the needs of its community.
