The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Stella Maris Philippines recognized migrant workers and seafarers in solidarity with the upcoming commemoration of the International Day of Family Remittance.
CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People vice chair Bishop Ruperto Santos lauded the role of those belonging to the sector for their economic contribution beyond supporting their families.
“This International Day of Family Remittance is very praiseworthy celebration and grateful recognition of immense, valuable and essential contributions of migrant workers and seafarers all over the world,” he said in a message sent to Church-run Radio Veritas on Tuesday.
Santos, who is also the outgoing bishop of Balanga, Bataan added that the service and sacrifice of the 200 million migrant workers who send money to their families have helped in uplifting the lives of their over 800 million family members.
Santos, who is also Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris Philippines, also urged fellow priests to offer mass for migrant seafarers and workers in commemoration of the International Day of Family Remittance for the betterment of their welfare and families.
The International Day of Family Remittance is celebrated on June 16.
“Let us show our appreciation and gratitude to migrant workers and seafarers by promoting their rights, preserving their dignity and to protect them against injustices and exploitation,” Santos said.
According to the United Nations (UN) and International Labor Organization (ILO) data, of the over 200 million migrants in 2019, 169 million are migrant workers.
The UN also recorded remittances of migrants to their families in their home country reached USD630 billion in 2022.
Meanwhile, data from the Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Statistics Authority show that there were 1.8 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in 2022.
In the same year, total OFW remittances reached USD36.1 billion.
Remittances of overseas Filipinos have been the top dollar earner for the Philippines. (PNA)
