Cebu Archdiocese’s split proposal awaits Vatican approval

CEBU, Philippines —  Archbishop Alberto Uy has confirmed that the proposal to divide the Archdiocese of Cebu, dubbed “Sugbuswak,” has already been submitted to Rome and is now awaiting action from the Vatican, while consultations continue at the local level.

In a recent press conference, Uy said the initiative to create a new ecclesiastical jurisdiction has long been under study and is currently pending feedback from the Holy See.

“The proposal has already been submitted to Rome. What remains is the response from Rome regarding the proposal,” Uy said, adding that follow-ups are part of his continuing responsibility.

He noted that discussions with church leaders, including priests and local stakeholders, have revealed mixed views on the proposal, with some expressing support while others remain cautious or opposed.

That is the reality—we have different views. Some are in favor, some are not,” he said.

Uy acknowledged that the Archdiocese of Cebu has grown significantly and is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, noting that a division could help improve governance and pastoral care.

“Personally, I feel that the archdiocese has become very big. It has become more challenging to manage,” he said, adding that a smaller jurisdiction could allow for more effective administration.

He also said the proposal to create a separate ecclesiastical structure—often referred to as a suffragan or new diocese—has been viewed by some clergy as a practical step to improve coordination and pastoral services.

Uy said consultations with church leaders, including priests and advisers, remain ongoing, and that he has raised the matter with representatives of the Vatican.

He confirmed that he had previously discussed the proposal with the Papal Nuncio, even prior to his appointment as Archbishop of Cebu, to seek guidance on facilitating the process.

“We have already talked about this with the Papal Nuncio. Even before I became archbishop, we already discussed it,” he said.

He added that the process remains ongoing and subject to Vatican evaluation, emphasizing that any final decision will ultimately come from Rome.

The proposed “Sugbuswak”—a combination of “Sugbu” (Cebu) and “buswak,” referring to a blossoming—symbolizes the archdiocese’s readiness to grow.

If approved, the Archdiocese of Cebu, the largest in the country, will be divided into three jurisdictions---the Mother Church, one diocese in the northern part, and another in the southern part of Cebu. (CEBU NEWS)