By Fr.Cresencio Suarin

I am Fr. Cresencio Suarin, from the Diocese of Pagadian, Philippines. I have been a volunteer with the Columban Fathers her in Lahore, Pakistan.

Domestic Violence

Here in Pakistan, the plight of the Filipino migrant workers especially the domestic helpers who are often victims of extreme exploitation is quite discouraging. Some of them do not receive their salaries for one year or more. Others are victims of rape and other physical harassment. There are also cases of imprisonment resulting from illegal activities. Frequently they are not allowed to practice their religion. Other Filipino guest workers marry Pakistanis hoping that their social conditions would improve. Unfortunately, many of them are still victims of domestic violence despite the fact that they even became Muslims.

Good Employers

On the other hand, we have to acknowledge that there are some exceptionally good employers in Pakistan. Some of the Pinoy employees receive hefty salaries, precious jewelry, clothes, better working conditions and other benefits. There are even domestic helpers who are enjoying vacations in other countries with the family of their employers.

Organizing Filipino Communities

Recently some professional Filipino migrant workers came and and helped the domestic helpers. These professional groups are conducting medical outreach to selected poor villages once a month. Together with them we organized the Filipino community in Lahore. We were able to publish monthly newsletters. We hold weekly prayer meetings, social gatherings. We offer scholarship grants to poor but deserving high school students. We have also put up a standing fund to assist Filipino migrant workers who are in real financial stress.

Their Plight

The end of the plight of the Filipino migrants workers is still far from sight but through the support systems like these, we hope that these migrant workers will be helped along their way to the end of the long tunnel