Parish’ OFW Ministry continues to inspire

The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are glorified as the modern heroes because of the sacrifices they have to make for their families. They are the unsung heroes of our country because of their great contribution to our economy. But working abroad is no paradise for them because this would mean separation of the OFWs from their loved ones especially their children.

In 2011, in an effort to address the plight of OFWs, the Archdiocese of Davao called for the creation of an OFW Ministry in respective parishes. In response to this call, the first Core Group of OFW Ministry was formed in the same year (2011) headed by Fr. Mario Masangkay, CSsr. It is the mission of the ministry to provide pastoral care and evangelical empowerment for OFWs and their families.

As of 2016, 114 OFW Families are actively involved in the Ministry with Engr. Rio Fernandez as their OFW Coordinator. The Ministry is currently under the pastoral care of the OMPH Fourth Year theology Seminarians.

At present, for five years now the Ministry provides programs and services such as House Visitation, Spiritual advice, Counseling, Cathechism, Legal Advice, Financial Literacy, OWWA, POEA Orientation, Income Generating Projects, Medical Assistance, Educational Seminars (Human Rights, Human Trafficking, VAWC, National Situation, etc.), Links and Partners i.e (PhiliSmile Wimier Foundation, Ateneo Migration Center, Migrante – Davao). (Adora Fernandez | OMPH contributor)