UCA News
Contribute

Bishops offer aid to returnees

Plan for counseling and advice to be given to workers coming back from Libya
Bishops offer aid to returnees
Fr. Edwin Corros answers questions during a press conference
Published: March 11, 2011 09:26 AM GMT
Updated: March 16, 2011 10:49 AM GMT

Filipino workers who fled political turmoil in Libya are to receive help through a so-called Post-Arrival Assistance Program, the head of the migrant’s commission of the bishops’ conference has said. In a press briefing to announce activities for National Migrants’ Sunday celebrations, Scalabrinian Father Edwin Corros said the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People will coordinate with various dioceses to implement the program. Counseling and advice will be given to the workers in dioceses with the help of Church people, local government authorities and volunteers. The immediate problem, however, is how to get in touch with all the workers. The government, through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has already given each repatriated worker 10,000 pesos (US$232) as part of a financial assistance program. The labor department’s National Re-integration Office is also offering skills training and counseling for them. The government move follows a call by Bishop Broderick Pabillo, executive director of the bishop’s social action secretariat, for measures to help overseas workers in emergencies like the one in Libya. Meanwhile, a migrants’ rights advocate is urging the government to be better prepared for possible new turmoil. Ellen Sana, executive director of the Center for Migrant Advocacy, said given the volatile history of the Middle East, the Philippine government should be preparing contingency plans for future problems. “The government must have a course of action to help its citizens when they need it,” Sana said. She said the response to the Libyan crisis demonstrated there is still much to be done regarding the coordination and implementation of repatriation. “It seems many workers felt no one [from the government] was in charge of the repatriation,” Sana said. Related reports Manila ‘not helping’ trapped workersFilipinos take refuge in Tripoli cathedralLeader urges review as Filipinos flee PM13608.1644

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia