Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed his intent to bolster the Philippines' cooperation with the Holy See in advancing migrant rights through a comprehensive framework on global migration. Marcos emphasized the importance of implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), the first intergovernmental agreement, which is a comprehensive, human-rights-based framework for international migration.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Philippines' diplomatic relations with the Holy See at the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, City of Manila, Marcos recognized the Holy See's crucial role as one of the Philippines' steadfast partners in building 'more just, humane, and inclusive communities.' Marcos stated, 'In a world that has become increasingly volatile, uncertain, and complex, the Philippines cannot face today's challenges alone.' He further added that the Philippines looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the Holy See on the implementation of the GCM to protect the rights of migrants.
Marcos said the Philippines draws guidance from Rerum Novarum, a landmark encyclical in Catholic social teaching on human labor, in its efforts to uphold human dignity and advance the rights of workers and marginalized sectors. He also acknowledged the hardships endured by the diaspora, including seafarers, in their pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families. He highlighted the vital role Filipinos play in advancing the Church's universal mission, as many serve overseas as missionaries and pastoral workers.
The Philippines has been a staunch advocate of the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of migrants, through the implementation of the GCM since its adoption by the UN General Assembly in December 2018. According to a report from the United Nations Network on Migration, a new Chapter on international migration and development was added to the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022. Based on the GCM, the new Chapter was developed through an inclusive, whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach to ensure the safety and protection of both Filipino migrants overseas and foreign nationals in the Philippines as they contribute to sustainable development.
Marcos hoped that the Philippines and the Holy See would continue working together to address local and global challenges. He expressed appreciation for the Vatican's support for the Philippines' peacebuilding initiatives and its encouragement for interfaith dialogue to foster unity among Filipino communities. He stressed that the Catholic Church has helped shape Philippine national identity, culture, and values, while its schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions have nurtured civic engagement, spiritual sustenance, and social solidarity.
Marcos stated, 'It has been a partner in our nation-building efforts, offering guidance and hope during pivotal moments in our country's history. For many of us, the Catholic faith lies at the center of our very identity.' At the heart of the relationship with the Holy See is a shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and social justice, championing dialogue over division, reconciliation over conflict, and service over self-interest.
