CBCP: Uphold the dignity, safety, welfare, and rights of every Filipino seafarer

CBCP: Uphold the dignity, safety, welfare, and rights of every Filipino seafarer
TVN September 28, 2026 https://thevoicenewsweekly.com/cbcp-uphold-the-dignity-safety-welfare-an...

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) calls upon maritime industry stakeholders to uphold the dignity, safety, welfare, and rights of every Filipino seafarer.

“The Filipino seafarers’ worth is not measured only by economic contribution but by the sacredness of their sacrifices and services,” said Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos during the homily of the Ecumenical Rites at Sea last September 20, 2026 at the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters. Bishop Santos is also the CBCP Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris-Philippines.

The mass is the kickoff of the week-long celebration of the 31st National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) and the 27th National Maritime Week (NMW) with the theme “Marinong Filipino: Matatag sa alon, Matibay sa hamon!”.

“We recognize not only the work of the seafarer but the person behind every voyage. Every seafarer is someone deeply loved: a son or daughter, a husband or wife, a father or mother, a brother or sister, and a beloved child of God” Bishop Santos said.

NSD is celebrated by virtue of Proclamation No. 828 by President Fidel V. Ramos on July 9, 1996 declaring August 18 as NSD. It was later moved to the last Sunday of September every year by Proclamation 1094.

NSD is led by Stella Maris Philippines that is tasked to coordinate with the public and private sectors in the conduct of NSD-related activities including masses, novenas, processions and prayers for the safe voyage of seafarers, wreathe and flower-throwing activities as well as oratorical, art and karaoke contests.

NSD coincides with NMW celebrated every last week of September by virtue of Proclamation No. 1560 s 2008. It is spearheaded alternatively by the government agencies Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The 31st NSD is set on September 27, 2026 while the 27th NMW is from September 19 to 27, 2026.

“Behind every uniform is a story. Behind every voyage is a family. Behind every departure is a prayer. May every seafarer know that they have a home in our communities and a place in our hearts” Biship Santos said.

Throwing flowers and wreaths into the open sea is a central tradition during the annual NSD to honor deceased, slain, or missing seafarers and fishers.

The flowers are the expression of the fragrance and beauty of love given and received. Wreathe thrown into the sea carry to all the deceased seafarers the message of love and gratitude. There is no distance of time or oceans but a mutual waiting for eternal reunion in peace.

A job of a seafarer is not exactly a walk in the park.

In some instances, a seafarer unfortunately dies due to illness or injury. The shipping industry and seafaring profession are not without incident or peril. There are maritime disasters that result in the loss of life of and injury to Filipino seafarers.

Two Filipino seafarers recently died following a security incident in the Strait of Hormuz involving the crude oil vessel SIDR last on August 31, 2026.

The vessel, which had 16 Filipino seafarers aboard, was hit by still unknown projectiles as it was about to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the current conflict in the Middle East began on 28 February, International Maritime Organization (IMO) has verified 80 attacks on international shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the deaths of now 23 seafarers and injuries to many others. 

The flower throwing activites were held on board the Balangay that serves as one of the historic and cultural centerpieces symbolizing the deep seafaring heritage of Filipinos.
The Balangay is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-out plank edged through pins and dowels known as the oldest watercraft found in the Philippines.

The voyage of the Balangay epitomizes the strong-willed Filipino mariners and evidence of early Filipino craftsmanship and their seamanship skills during pre-colonial times.
The balangay was navigated through the old method used by the ancient mariners – steering by the sun, the stars, the wind, cloud formations, wave patterns and bird migrations.

“Wherever the winds may take you, carry with you the faith of the Filipino people, the hope of your families, and the blessing of the Church. May every voyage be guided by God’s hand, every challenge met with courage, and every journey lead you safely home, Bishop Santos said.

Stella Maris Philippines provides pastoral care and services to seafarers, fishers, maritime students, port personnel and their families, addressing challenges such as isolation, unsafe working conditions and family separation.

There are presently 17 Stella Maris centers nationwide: five in Luzon (Batangas, La Union, Manila Palawan, Pangasinan), six in Visayas (Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Leyte) and six in Mindanao (Basilan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos City, Iligan, Zamboanga).

(Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail [email protected], or call 0908-8665786.)