CTK PAM Delivers Seminar for OFWs and Their Family

by Loung Cuartero

THE Public Affairs Ministry conducted a seminar for OFWs and their family members residing in Barangay Libis. This is in line with the Diocese of Cubao Priority Agenda on integrating families in the life of the church (DCPA N. 1), where “parishes have concrete pastoral programs to journey with couples and families!

The seminar, entitled “Keeping the Flames Alive Over the Miles,” aims to help the OFW and the family they left behind, cope with changes brought about by the departure of the OFW.

The presentations were delivered in an interactive manner where participants were asked to share their own experience with the group. Discussions started with the challenges faced by OFW and their families: emotional costs (marital conflicts, child behavioral problems, breakdown in family togetherness) versus the opportunity costs provided by working overseas (higher pay, seeing another country).

Topics on ways of strengthening the husband-and-wife relationship despite the distance, (decision-making, communications, celebrations, handling discipline), as well . tips on practical matters such as financial planning (budgeting, handling emergencies, handling loan requuets) were presented during the seminar.

The seminar was capped with a sharing of the actual experience by an OFW who is due to leave again for another contract.

The seminar ended with a touching dosing prayer by one of the participants. The group was advised that they were like the “seeds” that have been planted and they were encouraged to to recruit participants for the next session. They should also expect to be invited to a follow-up gathering (Kamustahan) for more extensive sharing and support.

The presentations for the seminar were delivered by the CTK PAM Core Group consisting of Vivian Cu, Isabel Recto, Beth Monedero, Frandel Recto, and Mon and Loung Cuartero.