Thousands of Filipinos living outside the Philippines are feeling the excitement and exhilaration of Pope Francis visiting the homeland. Several balikbayans flew back to the Philippines in time for the Pope’s visit to the Philippines to witness his arrival and join in prayers with him.
Not all of those who are desirous of seeing the Pope are able to travel to places where he is visiting. More so, what comes to mind are the several thousands of Filipinos who are willing but unable to travel because of the fact that they do not have the proper legal documents.
Families of Typhoon Haiyan
When Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in November 2013, there were thousands of immigrants Filipinos whose families were affected and lost their homes. The immigrant Filipinos got together through various organizations or individually in extending assistance to victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
Last year, there was news that several of the donated items never reached the intended victims neither were some cash donations accounted for by recipients. Whether or not there is truth in this matter, the immigrant Filipinos were concerned about the welfare of the victims who may either be their friends or relatives. News of continuing sufferings, unaccounted funds and corruption of public officials agitated many immigrant families who sacrificed being separated from their loved ones to assist the homeland economically and somehow, alleviate poverty. On top of this, the requested Temporary Protected Status for Filipinos was considered by the U.S. Department of State but was never granted to Philippine nationals.
With the effect of the calamity and “man-made disasters” of corruption, as immigrant Filipinos, we could not help but agonize about the misfortunes of friends and families in the homeland. Then came the People’s Pope visiting the Philippines, bringing the message of mercy and compassion. His priorities are the victims of the Typhoon Haiyan and the poor. He also recognizes the hardworking Filipinos abroad who are sacrificing separation from loved ones to give better future to their families. Pope Francis’ visit brings to us the pastoral message of love and mercy that God has never forgotten those that continue to suffer. As an immigrant, this brings to us a spiritual message of hope that despite the pain, we have a God that will give us the grace to withstand all the challenges. Chito Desuasido, a long time Filipino immigrant, now a U.S. citizen in the San Francisco bay area, feels that with Pope Francis’ visit, there will be “lasting impact, an anchor to look back to regain strength to fight evils of exploitation and corruption in the Philippines.”
The Pope’s visit to the Philippines extended the message not just to Filipinos in the Philippines but to all Filipinos abroad who are facing challenges that we can all come together with renewed hope and that we are not alone in our struggles. As we begin the New Year, let us remember that through our unity as kababayans and our faith we can work together to overcome our adversities.
((Atty. Lourdes Santos Tancinco is an immigration attorney with the Tancinco Law Offices based in San Francisco, CA. She may be reached at 02-721-1963, law@tancinco.com, facebook.com/tancincolaw or at tancinco.weareph.com/old)
