PHILIPPINES: A Filipino Catholic priest has recently earned Barcelona’s Premi Consell d’Immigració award for his service to migrants. Father Avelino Del Rosario Sapida was among 43 other nominees of different nationalities from different organizations. Sapida was chosen for being “a constant companion and defender of Filipinos, especially the poor,” and for his "efforts to unite migrants and uphold their rights.” Sapida is from the Diocese of Imus in Cavite and has long been serving as parish priest of San Agustin Church along Calle Hospital in Barcelona since 1986. His flock includes migrant Filipinos and seafarers. PR12839.1636
