International migration is a phenomenon that our country has embraced. With 10% of our population in the migrants sector, that is, roughly 8,700,000, their problems, issues and concerns can no longer be set aside. The well-being of the families they left behind, specially the children, is a major area that needs to be taken cared of. With one or both parents absent, they need as much guidance as they can, not just from their immediate or extended families but from the different sectors of society that they are a part of.

In answer to the call of the migrants sector, LACMMI conducted a formation program for its coordinators to better equip them in their mission to the OFWs and the families they left behind. 28 parishes and 13 Catholic schools participated in the four-Saturday program that tackled topics like the Teachings of the Church on Migration and Counseling Migrants which were facilitated by Fr. Jojo Gonda. Edmund Ruga of CBCP-ECMI discussed the History of the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Human Rights of Migrants and the programs of ECMI. Polly Maranan of Visayan Forum-Batangas talked about Human Trafficking as an Issue of Migration while Noel de Guzman of Pioneer Life talked about Financial Fitness Program. Sonia Milan-Crisostomo of LACMMI shared on the topic of The Laity in the Ministry to the Migrants. An afternoon with the government sector, represented by Sheryl Briton-Caya of OWWA Region IV and Meynard Melo from the provincial government, gave the coordinators an insight on the programs of the government for the migrants.

At the end of the program, all the coordinators who attended were one in saying that they now have a better understanding of what LACMMI is all about and what it aims to accomplish. They feel more confident in attending to the needs of the migrants and are more committed to the realization of its mission.