CEBU CITY— Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed Most Rev. Alberto ‘Abet’ Uy, the newly appointed Archbishop of Cebu, with a gift in the form of an Executive Order (EO) No. 56 establishing the “Deum Si” Tree Parks across the province.
“The Province of Cebu commits to the establishment, maintenance, and stewardship of Laudate Deum Si’ Tree Parks (LSTPs) in every component city, municipality, and selected barangays as a central pillar of its environmental protection and climate resilience strategy,” the EO read.
Baricuatro announced it at the welcome dinner hosted by the Cebu Provincial Government at the Capitol Social Hall on September 29, with members of the Provincial Board, led by Vice Governor Glenn Soco.
Also present were retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr, Cebu City Vice Mayor Tommy Osmeña, Danao City Mayor Nito Durano, clergy of Tagbiliran, Bohol, family of Archbishop Uy, and Dame Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, among others joining Baricuatro in meeting Archbishop Uy.
The EO’s title, “Laudate Deum Si,” is inspired by Pope Francis’s 2023 apostolic exhortation on the climate crisis. Archbishop Uy, an environmental advocate who previously initiated similar parks in Bohol, had appealed to the governor to replicate the effort in Cebu before his reassignment.
The LSTP Program shall advance the province’s commitment to safeguard ecological balance, improve public health, promote education, create sustainable livelihoods, and foster interfaith and civic collaboration.
“These tree parks will not only be spaces of greenery but living sanctuaries of hope for generations to come,” Baricuatro said, quoting an earlier text message from Archbishop Uy.
Known for his simplicity, compassion, and love for the poor, Baricuatro welcomed Archbishop Uy with hopeful anticipation. His Excellency’s approach to shepherding the flock aligns with the governor’s people-centered governance, characterized by inclusivity, transparency, humility, and care.
“Cebu stands ready to walk with you. And I assure you that, despite the separation of church and state, the Cebu Provincial Government will continue to partner with the church in upholding the values that unite us: faith, integrity, compassion and service to the people,” the governor said.
Baricuatro also expressed her gratitude to former Archbishop Jose Palma for his dedicated spiritual guidance to the Cebuanos over the years.
