The Scalabrinians are starting a new mission in the Philippines, in Davao. It's the third most populous city in the Philippines after Quezon City and Manila: it has over a million and a half inhabitants on one island, Mindanao, which has over 24 million. It is the first destination for many migrants, both from within the country and from abroad. The center offers economic opportunities, especially in agricultural development and tourism. It is an area of deep interreligious integration: Catholicism (57%) and Islam (23.4%) are the most practiced confessions. The work of the Scalabrinian Missionary Suites will focus on the support of migrants, also helping them with their training, education and access to health services. "The State of the Philippines has more than 100 million inhabitants of various ethnic groups - said the delegate superior for Asia, Mrs. Elizabeth Pedernal - Davao and its metropolitan area, which are located in the South, are a magnet for Chinese, Koreans, but also for many internal migrants who are looking for new opportunities. Our work is to welcome, protect, integrate and promote their life projects, according to Christian intentions and those of our Pontiff, Pope Francis". Among the problems most present in the Davao Region are those related to Filipino migrants who, due to the most diverse life stories, have returned home. They find it difficult to find a job and to reintegrate into society after a life spent in exile. Many of them, even the married ones, suffer from depression and other psychiatric disorders that are also caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. "It's essential to help them by integrating the family, supporting them so that none of their members can remain uninvolved," says the delegate for Asia from the Scalabrinian Suites.
Source: Scalabriniane