Cebu’s Catholic archbishop is urging government leaders to pursue long-term flood mitigation instead of temporary fixes, saying recent flooding exposed the urgent need for responsible environmental stewardship.
Archbishop Alberto Uy, in a pastoral appeal released over the weekend, called on public officials, developers, business owners and landowners to ensure that economic growth never comes at the expense of the environment or human life.
“I respectfully urge our government leaders to give priority to long-term flood mitigation rather than short-term solutions,” Uy said.
He urged authorities to protect watersheds, preserve forests, restore rivers, improve drainage systems and strictly enforce environmental laws, and he called for transparent implementation of flood-control projects.
“Public funds intended to protect lives must never be compromised by corruption or poor planning,” he said.
Uy also urged developers, business owners and landowners to pursue sustainable development by protecting natural waterways and green spaces and avoid unsafe construction.
“Development must always respect creation and protect human life. Sustainable development is not an obstacle to growth; it is the only path to lasting progress,” he said. “Progress that destroys creation is not genuine progress.”
He encouraged businesses to strengthen disaster resilience through environmentally responsible practices, including reducing plastic waste and supporting tree-planting and river rehabilitation efforts.
Uy also called on residents to do their part by disposing waste properly, conserving water and helping protect trees and rivers.
“The recent floods remind us that everything is connected,” he said. “When we care for creation, we protect human life. When we protect human life, we honor the Creator.”
He called on Cebuanos to work together so future generations inherit a province that is not only more prosperous, but also safer, greener and more compassionate.
