Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas
Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines -
Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care of Migrants
and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI)
Chairperson
Greetings of peace and good morning to all of you!
First of all, thank you for this opportunity to be part of this World Conference of OFWs 2004: Shaping the Future of Filipino Labor Migration.
It was just a few months ago that I was appointed as Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. Like many Filipinos, I have not been left untouched by the struggles, trials and triumphs of our kababayans in their search for a better life. Like many Filipinos, I have yet to understand the full ramifications of overseas migration on our society, institutions and people, and the need to respond to urgent problems generated by this phenomenon. I am particularly pleased that this conference has taken up the theme of “Shaping the Future of Filipino Labor Migration.” Indeed, we have to move beyond responding to urgent problems, and move more in the direction of shaping a perspective and plan of action that would ensure a safer and more humane environment for people on the move.
The Catholic Church has been a partner of many NGOs in advancing the rights of migrants and their families. While aware that ours is but a voice that struggles to be heard against more powerful voices that see migrants simply as workers, this gathering is an indication that this voice will not be stilled. The list of recommendations indicates that we have a long way to go in the areas of policy, legislation, monitoring and assessment of existing approaches, information-education-communication program, advocacy, lobbying, transnational solidarity, plus other areas and concerns that call for special programs. I take note of the fact that migrants are very much part of the picture – and this is how it should be. We work with them to promote and protect their dignity; as this conference notes, it is migrants’ empowerment that matters most.
We may have come from different places, different levels of engagement with migration issues, or different ideologies when we came to this conference. I hope that when we depart, we will bring home with us the vision of this conference. Happy International Migrants Day to one and all! |
