The Archdiocese of Cebu welcomed the arrival of Cebu Archbishop-designate Alberto (Abet) Uy and his delegation to Cebu, two days to his canonical installation on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Outgoing Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes, vicar general, and Msgr. Jan Thomas Limchua, counselor of the Apostolic Nunciature to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with local church and civic leaders, welcomed Uy’s delegation, comprising religious and lay people, in Cebu City on September 28, 2025.
In a post on The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu, it was learned that Uy was offered an array of Cebuano delicacies and products, serenaded with the Archbishop’s Hymn by the Jubilee 2025 Grand Choir, and witnessed a traditional Sinulog presentation by the San Diego Dance Company upon his arrival.
A motorcade followed immediately, which took him to the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod.
Upon arriving at the Shrine, he was welcomed with a Sugat Kabanhawan presentation. He celebrated Vespers with the faithful and made his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity before outgoing Cebu Archbishop Palma.
“After making his oath, outgoing Cebu Archbishop Palma and Cebu Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran unveiled Cebu Archbishop-designate Uy's new Coat of Arms,” the post added.
“What a welcome! My heart is really overflowing with joy and gratitude,” Uy said in a post.
“When I arrived this afternoon [September 28, 2025] and saw so many people waiting at the pier, I was deeply moved. Even more when I witnessed the Cebuanos lining the streets with such warmth and joy in their smiles and waves. I asked myself: “Who am I to deserve such an extraordinary welcome?” Uy said further.
“But then it struck me—it’s not really me that you are welcoming, but Christ. We bishops and priests must never forget that. Otherwise, we might end up like the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem. The donkey thought the people were cheering for him, not realizing that it was really Jesus who was the reason for their joy. In the same way, we are just servants—only donkeys —carrying Christ to His people. It is Christ whom we honor today. It is Christ who brings us together in love and joy,” Uy emphasized.
Symbolizing his commitment to environmental stewardship, Uy led a tree-planting activity within the Archbishop’s Residence Compound along D. Jakosalem Street, Barangay Zapatera, Cebu City.
GMA News Online cited a report of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News that Uy’s appointment came after Palma’s retirement, who celebrated his 75th birthday on March 19, 2025.
The GMA News Online report, dated July 16, 2025, added that bishops are mandated to submit their resignation upon reaching 75 years old, and that Uy will serve as the fifth archbishop of Cebu, as appointed by Pope Leo XIV."
Cebu has more than 170 parishes.
The 58-year-old prelate was born in Ubay, Bohol and was ordained priest for the Diocese of Talibon in 1993.
Uy studied philosophy at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Tagbilaran City.
He also learned theology and obtained his master's in pastoral care at the St. John Mary Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City.
Uy earned a doctorate in sacred theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
He also holds a licentiate in sacred theology from the Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City.
In 2016, Pope Francis appointed Uy as Tagbilaran bishop.
(Courtesy: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu, GMA Integrated News)
