Light and shadow of the Filipino in diaspora

CEBU CITY, Jan. 29, 2015 – The Filipino may be a victim of poverty, the reason why he/she is migrating to another country for livelihood, but he/she also becomes an evangelizer, transmitting joy and faith.

In a press conference of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu City last Jan. 29, 2016, Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, Head of the Communication Department of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress said, “How we wish our Filipinos would be here, that jobs would be created, that there is no parental absenteeism, we know the reality.”

Filipinos are found all over the world, in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, but according to the Bishop, in the midst of suffering, their faith sustains them.

“I would look at them given their experience from God’s vision, they are missionaries,” said Bishop Mylo.

Lay sharer in the IEC, Marianne Servaas (seated second from left), noted that in the West, “We have become less human; a lot has to do with joy in life itself.  Filipinos have incredible sense of joy rooted in humility.  Even when things are hard, joy carries us through.”

Marianne also noted that Filipinos can bring change and inspiration to all peoples of the world.

“Filipinos can bring change.  For many Filipinos working in the hospital, you bring joy,” said Marianne.

Bishop Mylo reported in repatriation centers where abused domestic Filipino helpers receive counselling, there are volunteers who help them.

“Those who celebrate mass go there to reach out to them, counsel them, and try to help them in their own little way.  You see mission; you see love,” said the bishop. (Reported by Fr. Lito Jopson, CBCP ECSC, TV Maria)