Cebuanos urged: Create pocket forests

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy is urging Cebuanos to take an active role in environmental protection by establishing “Miyawaki Pocket Forests” in their own communities, describing the initiative as a simple but meaningful way to address ecological challenges.

In a message posted on his official Facebook page, Maymay sa Magbalantay, Uy encouraged residents to convert small spaces such as backyards, school grounds, and parish lots into densely planted areas of native trees and vegetation. He said these can grow into self-sustaining ecosystems within a few years.

A Miyawaki Pocket Forest, he explained, is designed to thrive in limited spaces and helps restore soil health, attract wildlife, and cool surrounding areas. The method uses dense planting of indigenous tree species to accelerate forest growth and create resilient green spaces.

“More than a project, it is a simple but powerful act of care for our common home,” Uy said, stressing the moral responsibility to protect the environment.

The archbishop said the initiative could have a significant impact if adopted widely, noting that even one pocket forest per community would contribute to broader ecological restoration efforts.

“Small spaces, when filled with life, can create a big impact,” he added, calling for unity and participation among Cebuanos in environmental action.

Uy also linked the initiative to the Catholic Church’s broader advocacy for environmental stewardship. He encouraged faith-based groups and civic organizations to take part in reforestation and urban greening efforts.

In a press conference held recently, the archbishop said the concept of pocket forests is based on ecological methods developed in Japan and should be expanded in the Philippines as part of efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.

He noted that similar initiatives have already been implemented in some provinces but stressed the need to further expand them, especially in urban areas like Cebu.

“Every community should have a pocket forest,” he said.

Uy also called for greater environmental awareness and more sustainable daily practices. He urged the public to reduce plastic waste, avoid excessive use of single-use materials, and limit fireworks during celebrations due to their impact on air quality and wildlife.

He said collective discipline and cooperation are essential in addressing environmental concerns and promoting long-term ecological balance.

Uy’s appeal forms part of a broader call for stronger environmental consciousness and community participation in ecological protection efforts across Cebu. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/MRM

“In many ways, Cebu becomes the victim of policies decided in Metro Manila,” she said.

The senator encouraged Cebuanos to take a more active role not only in local political affairs but also in national economic matters, stressing that regional voices should be better represented in policy debates.

Marcos described Cebuanos as “practical, business-minded, and hard-working”--traits that make the province a key contributor to national development and economic resilience.

She also cautioned against what she described as an excessive focus on political issues in the capital, arguing that it detracts from more pressing economic concerns affecting the country.

“This over-emphasis on politics in Metro Manila is not helping the Philippines,” she said, calling for a more balanced national conversation that prioritizes economic stability and inclusive development across regions. (CEBU NEWS)