Uy holds Misa de Gallo in quake-hit Tabogon

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy, together with the clergy of the Archdiocese of Cebu, presided over the first day of Misa de Gallo at the makeshift structure of San Isidro Labrador Parish in Tabogon, Cebu, on Monday, December 16, bringing hope and solidarity to a community still recovering from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30, 2025.

The dawn Mass was held within the parish compound after the main church sustained severe structural damage during the earthquake.

Despite the destruction, parishioners gathered before daybreak to mark the opening of Misa de Gallo, a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition consisting of nine dawn Masses leading up to Christmas Eve.

This year, Archbishop Uy chose to celebrate the early days of Misa de Gallo in communities hardest hit by the earthquake, underscoring the Church’s commitment to accompany those enduring loss, trauma, and the long road to rebuilding.

In his homily, the Archbishop reminded the faithful that God looks beyond outward actions and sees what is held in the heart, urging them to offer every deed as an act of love and sacrifice.

“Ang tanan natong buhaton, diha sa simbahan, diha sa katilingban, kinahanglan ubanan gyod nato og sakripisyo ug gugma. Without sacrifice, one cannot fully love and worship the Lord,” he said.

Beyond prayer, the celebration was marked by concrete acts of compassion. Through Cebu Caritas Inc., Archbishop Uy distributed 10 electric bikes to selected parish beneficiaries, providing mobility and a renewed source of livelihood for families affected by the disaster.

In a message posted on his official Facebook page, Maymay sa Magbalantay, Archbishop Uy described the occasion as deeply meaningful.

“A truly historic and grace-filled day for Tabogon. I will always carry in my heart the memory that my first Misa de Gallo as Archbishop of Cebu was celebrated in this beloved town. Though the church building was badly damaged, the faith of the people remained strong and unshaken. Being with the community, many of whom still carry deep wounds and trauma from the powerful and destructive earthquake, was both humbling and deeply moving. Standing together in prayer at dawn was a powerful sign of a Church that walks with her people, united in faith, hope, and the healing love of God. My heartfelt gratitude to Padre Marlito Binondo and to all the parishioners,” he said.

Following the Mass, Archbishop Uy also led the planting of guyabano trees within the parish grounds, symbolizing healing, renewal, and hope for the community.

The Archbishop is scheduled to preside over the second day of Misa de Gallo on December 17 at St. Peter Parish in Bantayan, Cebu, continuing his pastoral visits to areas affected by the earthquake.

Cebu City

The first dawn of Cebu City’s Misa de Gallo unfolded yesterday in an atmosphere of calm and devotion, with Mayor Nestor Archival assuring the public that no untoward incidents were recorded.

Misa de Gallo, also known as Simbang Gabi, is one of the Philippines’ most enduring religious traditions. Dating back to the Spanish colonial period, the nine consecutive dawn Masses symbolize anticipation for the birth of Christ and are often attended by families together.

In Cebu, the devotion is not only a spiritual practice but also a cultural event, with parishes filling up before sunrise and vendors offering traditional delicacies outside church grounds.

Given the sheer scale of attendance, security and crowd management remain a priority for city authorities.

This year’s peaceful opening day reflects both the devotion of the faithful and the coordinated efforts of police, barangay responders, and local officials to safeguard one of the country’s most beloved Christmas observances.

Archival credited the smooth start to the preparations of the Cebu City Police Office and barangay disaster responders, who were stationed in parishes and communities to ensure order and safety.

“Rest assured nga ato gyung atiman ang tanang mga tawo sa Misa de Gallo,” the mayor said, emphasizing that security forces and barangay responders were ready to act should issues arise.

He urged parishioners to immediately report any concerns through emergency hotlines, including 0922 8235807, so police can respond without delay.

The mayor himself made rounds, dropping by Talamban Church to observe the first day of Misa de Gallo. He admitted he did not stay for the entire Mass, explaining, “Nagtuyok tuyok ko,” as he checked on preparations and security measures in different parishes.

Beyond the dawn Masses, Archival also addressed another seasonal concern: firecrackers.

He said the city government is finalizing an executive order to regulate designated firecracker zones and will issue the directive soon to provide clear guidance for vendors and residents. — (FREEMAN)