28 November 2025, Quezon City. The Action for Nurturing Children and Environment (ANCE), a Cebu City-based non-governmental organization dedicated to children’s development and the integrity of creation, and the EcoWaste Coalition, a Quezon City-based environmental network for a zero-waste and toxics-free society, have aligned themselves with the timely call of the leader of the Archdiocese of Cebu for a simple and meaningful celebration of Christmas.
On November 24, Archbishop Alberto Uy issued a pastoral appeal “inviting all of us to celebrate Christmas in 2025 with greater simplicity, deeper compassion, and more intentional solidarity with the poor.” His appeal came on the heels of the string of disasters that ravaged communities with deadly quakes and floods, destroyed homes and churches, and harmed people’s livelihoods.
“As a community-based NGO here in Cebu, we are fully aware of the challenges facing millions of our kauban following the heartbreaking calamities,” said Rhoy L. Dizon, Executive Director of ANCE, a member of the EcoWaste Coalition. “We therefore support the very timely appeal for solidarity by Archbishop Uy and similarly encourage everyone to let the simplicity of Christmas bring cheer and hope to the disaster survivors.”
“Archbishop Uy’s pastoral appeal is most urgent as the survivors make every effort to rise from the tragic disasters,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “Through a simple Christmas, we defy the consumerism that has overshadowed the true meaning of the Redeemer’s birth in the manger, while enabling us to help the survivors and lessen the generation of trash during the festive season.”
The EcoWaste Coalition last November 12 also called “for a kinder no-frills observance of Christmas and the New Year” amid the spate of disaster. “The money saved for reusing past decorations, for repurposing used materials to add holiday cheer, for holding simple and eco-friendly parties, and for not spending on dangerous and polluting firecrackers and fireworks can be used to bring a smile to the needy during this season of giving,” the group said.
“Christmas is not about extravagance. It is not about noise, fireworks, or lavish food,” the archbishop said. In response to the disasters that affected millions in Cebu province and other areas, he asked the parishes, religious communities, institutions and families to:
- Avoid extravagant decorations and celebrations.
- Avoid fireworks, loud noises, and unnecessary expenses.
- Keep your Christmas party or gathering modest. Keep the food simple and avoid wastefulness.
- Set aside extravagant shopping.
- Celebrate with gratitude, prayer, and togetherness.
“Let our homes shine not with lights but with love. Let our parishes be filled not with noise but with prayer. Let our celebrations focus not on abundance but on presence-God’s presence and each other’s presence,” he said.
“May our simple celebration this year bring deep joy to our homes, healing to our land, and true honor to the newborn King,” Archbishop Uy concluded.
Reference:
https://thearchdioceseofcebu.com/a-pastoral-appeal-from-the-archbishop-of-cebu-for-the-season-of-advent-and-christmas/
https://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com/2025/11/ecowaste-coalition-pitches-for-no.html