Church teams with gov’t agencies to support OFWs, families

The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People signed agreements with three government agencies to strengthen support for overseas Filipino workers, seafarers, and migrant families. The Commission on Filipinos Overseas, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration signed the agreements during the 40th National Migrants’ Sunday celebration on September 27 at Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City.

The partnerships aim to assist workers abroad and their families, specifically addressing the mental health of children experiencing prolonged separation from their parents. Father Ricky Gente, the commission's executive secretary, stated that the projects will focus on these children's needs.

To help families maintain relationships during long periods of separation, the commission is encouraging parishes to include the spouses of migrant workers in local activities. The migrant ministry has currently reached nearly 70% of parishes in Luzon and is working to expand into other pastoral communities.