CBCP, CFC signs agreement to help OFWs

The Catholic Bishops of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding between the Couples for Christ (CFC) to promote and protect of Overseas Filipino Workers especially the undocumented and the trafficked.

In a press release by CFC, about 10% of the Philippine population, or 10 Million Filipinos, have left the country to look for better paying jobs abroad.

The MOU was signed due to the lack of availability of priests and chaplains in Muslim dominated countries especially in the Middle East who will cater the needs of the Filipino Migrants.

“We need collaborators and cooperators. We partnered with the CFC to support us especially that they are also in the different countries,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos, ECMI Chairman during the Mindanao Migrants Convention at the Ateneo de Davao University.

The convention aimed to provide an avenue for discussing reated practices, experiences, and directions of the key stakeholders; seek ways to facilitate and sustain Migrants Program activities in Mindanao; bring more awareness about the issues concerning the migrant Filipinos and their families; and establish a Mindanao-based network of stakeholders active in migrants advocacy.

The event also hosted a program for family reintegration as national advocacy by the CFC and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Santos also emphasized the rampancy of abuse and exploitation among OFWs, both land-based and sea-based.

“We have to protect them, especially those who have been victims of human trafficking. Usually women end up in prostitution and men in slavery,” he said.

Meanwhile, on family reintegration, Santos emphasized the guidance of directions especially among the children left behind.

“We have to make sure that they are in the right track even with their parents being far. We tell them that the Church is a mother,” he said. (Julianne A. Suarez)