Global maritime charity Stella Maris intends to build more centers in the Philippines to reach areas with a large number of seafarers and fishers.
Bishop Ruperto Santos, CBCP Promoter of Stella Maris-Philippines, said the organization is only present in 15 archdioceses and dioceses making it “difficult” for them to extend their services across the country.
“As such, we aim to establish new Stella Maris Centers in other dioceses to continue providing pastoral care to more seafarers and their families,” Santos said.
“We are also committed to generate financial resources to carry out programs and services in order to address the issue of lack of volunteers and paid workers due to financial constraints,” he said.
The bishop made the statement during the network’s meeting in Brazil’s city of Sao Paulo from Nov. 20 to 23.
The Filipino seafarers are significantly contributing to the country’s economy by sending home an average of $5 billion every year.
According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), as of 2022, there were approximately 490,000 Filipino seafarers working in various parts of the world.
Santos assured that Stella Maris, formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea, “will always be by their side, providing hope, care and inspiration”.
“Whatever challenges that our seafarers may face will purify them and make them stronger,” he said.
