Tagum Diocese National Migrants Sunday Celebration 2022

The Diocese of Tagum celebrated the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees and the 36th National Migrants Sunday, last September 25, 2022. The event had a one-month preparation by the elected officers from among the Parish Coordinators of the Diocese of Tagum from the Parishes of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. Their efforts were morally and physically supported by the Migrants Diocesan Director and at the same time Pansh Priest of Inahan sa Kanunayng Panabang, Suaybaguio, Rev. Fr. Romeo I. Castillo and the Diocesan Migrant Coordinator, Sr. Noemie E. Digo, a Scalabrinian nun, from Bicol.

Fr. Bobby, Sr. Noemie and the officers did not meet just once to discuss and plan the forthcoming event, they met a few times and created various committees. From among the Parish Coordinators, specific responsibilities were assigned; such as sending invitations, choosing of venue, assigning of lectors and commentator and other ministers where a group of seminarians were requested to assist. The latter’s role was to decorate and prepare the QACS gym where the Mass was celebrated. They also served as choir and emcee during the program.

Came Sunday September 25, 2022 where organizers and families of OFWs arrived at QACS as early as 6:00 am. Most of them wore the white T-shirt with the migrant’s logo. Registered members and delegates numbered to be more than three hundred where husbands. wives, children and relatives of OFWs joined the event.

The 9:00am Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop of Tagum, Most Rev. Medil S. Aseo, D.D., with Rev. Fr. Romeo I. Castillo concelebrating. At 10:00 am, testimonies were shared by OFWs from Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and from an international student. Most sharings were about how they struggled physically, emotionally, and psychologically as well as the abuses and maltreatments they experienced from their employers

After the sharing. Ms. Lythelle D. Almonicar, TESDA Field Officer conveyed the benefits the government offers to uplift the lives of our OFW – to equip them with skills, to support them with livelihood programs as well as to extend educational assistance to their children. She expounded on this year’s theme, “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees”.

After the lecture an open forum was done for 30 minutes and then, lunch was served at 12:00 noon.

At 2:00 pm a motorcade of vehicles representing different parishes of the Diocese went through the main streets of Tagum. Seemingly, informing the community of the presence of a new church group that is concerned with the well-being of migrants and their families. (Josephina Maria Miranda)