MANILA, Nov. 28 -- 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 intention...