For many in Cebu, Christmas this year will be, humbler, and focused on rebuilding lives rather than extravagant parties.
The September 30 6.9-magnitude earthquake, Typhoon Tino on November 4, and the recent Typhoon Verbena have prompted local governments to scale back traditional holiday festivities.
On Wednesday, November 26, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and the Municipality of Cordova announced they would cancel or downsize major Christmas events to prioritize disaster recovery and support for affected communities.
Cebu City will not hold its customary large-scale Christmas party.
Mayor Nestor Archival said the city must focus on rehabilitation following Typhoon Tino’s widespread damage.
Departments may still organize small, low-cost gatherings funded voluntarily by employees, while a modest annual bonus is being finalized to recognize city staff.
Lapu-Lapu City canceled its employee Christmas party, with Mayor Cindi King-Chan emphasizing solidarity with families still rebuilding after the earthquakes and typhoons.
She encouraged city employees to help affected communities and reflect on the deeper meaning of the season.
Cordova town also suspended its Inter-Barangay and Inter-School Christmas Village and Lighting competition, following directives from Malacañang and the Department of Budget and Management to redirect funds to disaster-hit communities.
Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan said the town will still install a giant Christmas tree as a symbol of hope, even as other festivities are scaled down.
Mandaue City will proceed with its annual Christmas lighting ceremony on November 28, but Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the event will be simple and low-cost due to the effects of Typhoon Tino and Tropical Depression Verbena.
The city will not hold a grand employee party, opting instead to distribute simple food treats to staff.
The scaled-back celebrations highlight a growing trend across Cebu of putting the needs of disaster-affected residents ahead of holiday extravagance.
Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy said a simpler Christmas can strengthen community solidarity and support healing.
Uy added that funds saved from reduced celebrations can assist poor families, elderly neighbors, children without food, and households still recovering from disasters.
He also encouraged participation in Misa de Gallo, family-centered activities, and acts of reconciliation and care for the sick or imprisoned.
The archbishop concluded that celebrating Christmas with simplicity, compassion, and unity can bring joy to homes, healing to communities, and honor to God, emphasizing faith, hope, and solidarity over extravagance.
