THE CATHOLIC Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on 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,” Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos said during his homily at the Ecumenical Rites at Sea held on September 20, 2026, at the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters. Bishop Santos is also the CBCP Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris-Philippines.
The Mass served as 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, issued by President Fidel V. Ramos on July 9, 1996, declaring August 18 as National Seafarers’ Day. The observance was later moved to the last Sunday of September every year through Proclamation No. 1094.
NSD is led by Stella Maris Philippines, which is tasked with coordinating with the public and private sectors in conducting NSD-related activities. These include Masses, novenas, processions, prayers for the safe voyage of seafarers, wreath- and flower-throwing ceremonies, as well as oratorical, art, and karaoke contests.
NSD coincides with National Maritime Week, which is celebrated every last week of September by virtue of Proclamation No. 1560, series of 2008. The observance is spearheaded alternately by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
The 31st NSD is set for September 27, 2026, while the 27th NMW runs 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,” Bishop Santos said.
Throwing flowers and wreaths into the open sea is a central tradition during the annual NSD, honoring seafarers and fishers who have died, been slain, or gone missing at sea.
The flowers symbolize the fragrance and beauty of love given and received. Wreaths cast into the sea carry a message of love and gratitude to deceased seafarers. Neither the passage of time nor the vastness of the oceans can diminish that bond, but instead points to a mutual waiting for an eternal reunion in peace.
The life of a seafarer is certainly not a walk in the park.
In some instances, seafarers unfortunately die due to illness or injury. The shipping industry and the seafaring profession are not without danger or peril. Maritime disasters and security incidents can result in injuries and the loss of lives of Filipino seafarers.
Two Filipino seafarers recently died following a security incident involving the crude oil vessel SIDR in the Strait of Hormuz 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 February 28, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has verified 80 attacks on international shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the deaths of 23 seafarers and injuries to many others.
The flower-throwing activities were held aboard the Balangay, which served as one of the historic and cultural centerpieces of the observance, symbolizing the deep seafaring heritage of Filipinos.
The Balangay is a plank boat made of carved-out planks joined edge-to-edge using pins and dowels. It is recognized as the oldest known watercraft found in the Philippines.
The voyages of the Balangay epitomize the strong-willed spirit of Filipino mariners and serve as evidence of early Filipino craftsmanship and seamanship skills during pre-colonial times.
The Balangay was navigated using the ancient methods of early mariners — steering by the sun, stars, 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, helping them cope with 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, and Pangasinan; six in the Visayas — Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, and Leyte; and six in Mindanao — Basilan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos City, Iligan, and Zamboanga.
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Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com or call 0908-8665786./PN
