DepEd prays for Filipinos in Libya

A March 8, 2011 press release by the Department of Education

In light of the continuing crisis in Libya affecting thousands of Filipinos, the Department of Education is calling on all schools to offer prayers to put an end to the bloodshed in the North African country.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro has instructed all schools and all DepEd offices including the district, division, regional, and central offices to pray for the safety of all Filipinos in Libya.

“It is disheartening to see that because of poverty, Filipinos leave the country to seek for a better future for their families. But there is nothing more painful than being in the situation they are experiencing now thus making their future uncertain after the agony of being away from their loved ones,” said Luistro.

DepEd has issued Memorandum No. 57, series of 2011, Urgent Prayers for Filipinos in Libya “to encourage all schools to include in their daily activities an appropriate gesture of solidarity and support for all affected Filipinos as we pray for their immediate repatriation and the safety of those who decide to stay in the violence-stricken land. “

The memo mentioned that activities may be in the form of a minute of silence, a candle-lighting activity, or a special prayer or ecumenical service.

“As we perform our duties to deliver quality education, we should not take for granted the lives of Filipinos who choose to work abroad in order to send their kids, younger siblings, or other loved ones to school. They too are important education stakeholders, hence we should all unite and pray in this time of crisis. More importantly, we should show our support to the families of OFWs who are having difficult nights and days of worry and despair,” Luistro declared.

The memo shall be observed immediately upon receipt of the field offices and until all affected OFWs escape the turmoil gripping Libya.

During the flag ceremony in the central office this morning, March 7, employees have taken a few minutes to offer their prayers and intentions for the safety and welfare of OFWs in Libya. A number of regional offices also confirmed that they did the same in their respective regions.