OFWs told: Spend time in church this Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should spend more time with their families in church during their Christmas vacation instead of spending their hard-earned money in shopping malls, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday.

Every yuletide season, returning OFWs make up for their absence by buying their family members gifts.

But Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, chair of CBCP Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, said OFWs should be practical by saving up for rainy coming days.

“Bring those families to the church, not always to the malls. Save money and spend wisely. Remember always that the (foreign) exchange is fluid, not lasting, so be thrifty and frugal, not showy,” Santos added.

Santos said he believes children of OFWs will prefer to have more time with their parents rather than money.

“You are here, be always available to your children, speak to them and share meals and stories. Make it quality time with your family,” he added.