Migrants’ Sunday Celebration in the Diocese of Borongan
The message of Leo XIV for the celebration 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees is a continuous challenge for the Migrants and all those who are carrying out the pastoral service to the Migrants and their respective families: “It is an invitation to recognize the dignity of each child, even before considering the condition of being a “migrant,” and to safeguard his or her fundamental rights: the right to life, education and a standard of living that enables full physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development.” (Message Pope Leo XIV for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees – 11 August 2026)
Participants from Overseas Filipino Workers’ families (Bukluran ng Migranteng Pamilya) of the different parishes in Eastern Samar, Philippines gathered for the diocesan celebration of the 40th National Migrants’ Sunday with the theme “Even just one of these children.” The gathering coincided with the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees which is celebrated every last Sunday of September. A total of 214 participants attended the diocesan event in the new Priests’ Home, in Borongan City. The Office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) sponsored the lunch of the participants who attended the event.
Sr. Princess Aezel Platon welcomed the delegates and guests. Sharing from different persons followed: Ms. Gilda Rodeles, RSW from the Borongan City Social Welfare Development Office shared on the protection of children and youth from violence in a Philippine setting, Mr. Jerico Aclag, Family Welfare Officer of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 8 shared on the programs and services offered by OWWA to Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents. The sharing of Ms. Danica Paligutan, a registered social worker, and Engr. Patrick Pineda, a son of a seafarer touched the hearts of the participants and made the event more meaningful.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Most. Rev. Crispin Varquez, D.D., bishop-elect of the Diocese of Tagbilaran in Bohol with Rev. Fr. Dennis de Leon, director of the Commission on Migrants, as concelebrant. This is the last mass of Bishop with the Commission on Migrants family in the Diocese of Borongan where he served as bishop for 19 years as he will be solemnly installed as Bishop of Tagbilaran on October 27.
The event was organized by the Diocese of Borongan Commission on Migrants staff and core group with Sr. Princess Aezel as one of the staff of the diocesan commission. The commission is truly grateful for all the people who have helped and contributed to make this activity memorable and purposeful. We continue to entrust to the Lord the daily journey of all the migrants and refugees and their families.
Sr. Princess Aezel P. Platon, sjbp
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