The Catholic Church has provided another source of support for migrant workers and their families in Ilocos Sur, with a new Migrant Ministry there.

Nueva Segovia Social Action Commission under Fr. Rufo Abaya and Sr. Lillian Carranza initiated the organization of that will serve migrants and their families.

“It is the church’s desire to assure workers abroad the pastoral care they need and the chance to live a decent life; and every migrant, hospitality and care from the community where he finds himself," the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said on its news site (www.cbcpnews.com).

The local church and community were encouraged to do what they can to help uphold the dignity and rights of migrants and lead them to spread the teachings of God in their host countries.

Edmund Ruga of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant Peoples (ECMI) taught the participants efficient pastoral management of the parish migrants ministry.

Ruga gave pointers on the setting up and maintenance of an active migrant desk in their respective parishes.

“We would like to start this right," said Carranza, stressing adequate training to prepare the staff and equip them to help the migrants and their families cope and solve their problems. - GMANews.TV