“Hundreds of thousands of Filipino workers in the Middle East are in danger of losing their jobs. A widespread retrenchment will definitely adversely affect their dependents here,” said Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, CBCP-ECMI chairman.
He urged government to prepare immediately a contingency plan for such an eventuality.
“Our government should coordinate with the host countries where Filipinos are employed to obtain accurate data on the conditions of OFWs and also on an orderly exit for them including separation/ termination benefits,” Santos said.
On the part of the church commission, the prelate said they will intensify pastoral programs for OFWs by reaching out to them through chaplains and to their families through the parishes.
“These will include seminars and counseling on how to handle and deal with the situation and providing moral and spiritual support,” the bishop said.
He considered the problem not only for OFWs and their families but of the entire country.
“We pray that such a dire situation will not happen. We pray for all OFWs and their families for their safety, security and well-being and entrust them to Jesus, our Divine Mercy,” Santos said.
