Two advocacy groups on Friday expressed support for Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy’s call for a simple and meaningful Christmas celebration amid the series of calamities that recently devastated communities across the country.

In a joint statement, the Action for Nurturing Children and Environment (ANCE) and the EcoWaste Coalition said the archbishop’s pastoral appeal is a timely reminder to promote compassion and solidarity with disaster-hit families.

Uy’s call came after destructive earthquakes and floods displaced thousands, damaged homes and churches, and disrupted livelihoods in Cebu province and other regions.

He urged the faithful to observe Christmas “with greater simplicity, deeper compassion, and more intentional solidarity with the poor.”

ANCE is a Cebu City-based non-governmental organization dedicated to children’s development and the integrity of creation, while the EcoWaste Coalition is a Quezon City-based environmental network for a zero-waste and toxics-free society.

“As a community-based NGO here in Cebu, we are fully aware of the challenges facing millions of our kauban (companions) following the heartbreaking calamities,” ANCE Executive Director Rhoy Dizon said.

“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.”

Echoing the call, EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero said embracing a modest celebration could help communities focus on genuine acts of kindness while reducing holiday waste.

“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,” she said.

Earlier, the EcoWaste Coalition also urged the public to observe “a kinder no-frills” Christmas and New Year by reusing old decorations, repurposing materials for holiday displays, choosing eco-friendly gatherings, and avoiding dangerous firecrackers.

Savings from these practices, the group said, may instead be used to assist those in need.

Uy emphasized that Christmas is not about “extravagance, noise, fireworks, or lavish food,” appealing to parishes, institutions, and families to avoid excessive decorations and unnecessary expenses, refrain from fireworks and loud celebrations, and keep gatherings simple and mindful of waste.

“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.

The archbishop expressed hope that a simpler observance this year would “bring deep joy to our homes, healing to our land, and true honor to the newborn King.” (PNA)