Filipino workers gather during weekends in Saudi Arabia. (ucanews.com file photo)
The Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People of the Philippine bishops called for the protection of women and children during the observance of National Migrants Sunday on March 5.
Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the church body, said the observance of Migrants Sunday is "an invitation for parishes to do our part to accompany those who are vulnerable and voiceless."
The prelate said the church is always praying for the safety of overseas Filipino workers to "keep them away from troubles and harm."
In his message, Bishop Santos expressed gratitude to migrant workers "for showing to the world the true face of Filipinos by being God fearing, hardworking and very patient."
"They are our new missionaries of faith to the world," he said.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority there were more Filipino women than men working abroad as of 2015.
In 2015, an average of 6,092 Filipinos per day left the Philippines to work overseas, according to data provided by Migrante.