c/o Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia M.H. del Pilar St. cor A. Flores St., Ermita, 1000 Manila Telefax: 523-2754 Minister: Fr. Artemio P. Fabros

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VISION

Guided by the Gospel and inspired by the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II), the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI), of the CBCP, envisions a society in which no one is forced to migrate for whatever reason; we also envision the Church being a community of disciples and a church of the poor among migrants and their families.

MISSION

ECMI is the response of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines TO REACH OUT, PROVIDE AND COORDINATE PASTORAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES to the people-on-the move and their families in the Philippines, regardless of religion, race or ethnic background, so that spiritual and material welfare is served, thus rights are protected, their faith strengthened and in this way the Filipino migrants and people-on-the-move may give witness to Christ wherever they go.

EPISCOPAL COMMISSION FOR PASTORAL CARE OF MIGRANTS AND ITINERANT PEOPLE

HISTORY

The beginnings of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines may be traced back to 15 February 1945, when the Catholic Welfare Organization (CWO) was created.  It had then 17 members.

The beginnings of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) may be traced back to the year 1955, when the Episcopal Commission –Committee on Emigration reported to the CWO the situation of the Filipinos in USA, Hawaii and Guam and the corresponding actions taken by the Church.

In the early 60’s the body of Bishops established the Apostleship of the Sea to meet to the needs of the seafarers nationwide.

In January 1967, two Episcopal Commissions were created under the Article XXV of the CBCP Constitutions: Commission on Immigration and Tourism and Commission on the Apostolates of the Sea and Air.

In 1972, the Bishops merged two Commissions into one body called Episcopal Commission on Migration and Tourism (ECMT), in order to answer the growing spiritual, pastoral and social needs of migrants and their families.

In 1984 the actual office was opened and blessed by Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes D.D., then Chairman.  Since then ECMI has been headed by a Scalabrinian Missionary with the task of coordinating and promoting  ECMI’s apostolates and services to people on the move.

On February 21, 1988, CBCP issued the first ever: “Pastoral Letter of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on the occasion of National Migration Day.”

In the year 1995, First the 70^th Bishops’ Plenary Assembly proved the change of name of Episcopal Commission on Migration and Tourism (ECMT) to Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI).

Second, the 71^st Bishops’ Plenary Assembly issued a second pastoral letter called “Comfort My People, Comfort them” (Is 40, 1) – Pastoral Letter on Filipino  Migrant Workers.

Third, ECMI opened three Regional Migration Desks (RMD): RMD Luzon, RMD Visayas, RMD Mindanao t better cater to the needs of people on the move.

GOALS:

Section 23: Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People:

1. Shall coordinate and develop specific pastoral and social programs for and services to the people-on-the-move through its various apostolic structures and Regional Migration Desks (PCP II, Art. 23#1)
2. Shall prepare and conduct formation programs for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s) to make them more aware of their missionary role witnessing to the truths of the gospel in their employment and residence overseas.  (PCP II Art. 56 #1; 52 #3, 108, 437 / NPCCR, Pastoral Priorities #1 on Family and #9 Animation and Formation for Mission and Gentes)
3. Shall make the needed studies and/or research on the phenomenon of migration particularly for economic purposes.
4. Shall suggest ecclesiastical structures that will effectively coordinate and oversee the proper pastoral works representation before the Bishops and the competent Religious Superiors. (PCP II Art. 56 #3)
5. Shall prepare and provide well-formed and adequate number of Priests, Religious and lay personnel for ministry to people-on-the-move through proper representation before the Bishops and the competent Religious Superiors. (PCP II Art. 56 #2)
6. Shall protect and promote the fundamental dignity and human rights of migrants and itinerant people. (PCP II Art. 56 #1)
7. Shall explore the solidarity among Particular Churches for purpose of considering the spirit of collegial commitment and corresponsibility, the advisability of the exchange of Church personnel and experiences and the sharing of resources. (PCP II Art. 27)
8. Shall implement the norms and directives from the Apostolic See and the instructions given by the Conference.
9. Shall offer encouragement to the government and the private sector to continue striving for the economic development of the country, creating job opportunities at home thus providing practical  alternatives to economic migration. (PCP II 108)