CEBU Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy believes the answer to Cebu City’s trash problem isn't found in new technology. Instead, the religious leader says the real solution starts with changing how people live their daily lives.
In a pastoral appeal posted on the Facebook page of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu on Monday, February 2, 2026, Uy addressed the city’s ongoing waste issues.
He said waste management is not just a government concern but a “lifestyle problem” that begins at home.
Uy expressed support for the Cebu City Government’s efforts to address the garbage problem. However, he stressed that lasting solutions depend on changing people’s daily habits rather than relying solely on machines and technology.
“The real solution to the garbage problem is not in machines. It is in changing habits,” Uy said.
He added that no amount of technology, equipment, landfill space or budget would be sufficient if wasteful practices continue.
Where the waste comes from
Uy said that most of the garbage found on streets originates from households. He cited improper waste segregation, excessive use of plastics and careless disposal as major contributors.
He reminded the public that waste does not simply disappear. Instead, it ends up in rivers, seas and dumpsites, eventually affecting communities.
For the archbishop, this is more than just a civic duty. Uy framed responsible garbage management as a moral and spiritual obligation, saying Christians are stewards, not owners, of creation.
He said irresponsible waste disposal reflects poor stewardship of the environment, which he described as a gift entrusted by God to the people of Cebu.
A call to action for families and schools
The prelate encouraged households to adopt simple, practical habits to help the environment. These include:
[]Segregating waste;
[]Reducing single-use plastics;
[]Reusing materials;
[]Composting biodegradable waste; and
[]Teaching children discipline in trash disposal.
Uy also called on parishes, schools, and religious communities to take the lead. He asked them to practice proper waste segregation, avoid plastic during parish events, and integrate environmental responsibility in religious instruction and classrooms.
A shared responsibility
The archbishop urged Cebuano Catholics not to wait for the government to solve the garbage problem, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility.
He concluded by expressing hope that future generations would inherit a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful Cebu.
“A cleaner Cebu will not come from machines, but from changed hearts and changed habits,” Uy said. / CDF