President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the Philippine government will work closely with the Holy See to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
In his remarks for the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Holy See Diplomatic relations, held at Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, President Marcos said the Philippines is mindful of the hardships endured by the diaspora, including the seafarers, in their pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.
“As such, the Philippines looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the Holy See on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration — the world’s first comprehensive intergovernmental plan to protect the rights of migrants,” said President Marcos.
“In a world that has become increasingly volatile, uncertain, and complex, the Philippines cannot face today’s challenges alone,” the President said.
“We rely on steadfast partners — like the Holy See — who share our commitment to building more just, humane, and inclusive communities,” President Marcos added.
According to a report from the United Nations Network on Migration, 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.
The UN Network on Migration said that, in 2021, a new Chapter on international migration and development was added to the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.
This new Chapter is primarily based on the GCM, developed through an inclusive, whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach, and aims to ensure the safety and protection of both Filipino migrants overseas and foreign nationals in the Philippines as they contribute to sustainable development.
This new Chapter plays a key part in the national development plan to ensure the National Implementation Plan of the GCM, the report said.