Mission to Seafarers Philippines Celebrates 10 Years of Support for Seafarers and Families

The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) in the Philippines recently celebrated a decade of providing dedicated support to seafarers and their families. What began as a volunteer-led initiative in partnership with the Philippine Independent Church has since evolved into a professional, globally connected network. The MtS Philippines journey started in 2014 with the establishment of a family support network (FSN) aimed at assisting seafarers’ families. Over the years, the program has grown significantly, now boasting 17 chapters and 120 volunteers nationwide, offering comprehensive welfare assistance to address the evolving needs of seafarers and their loved ones.

The Mission’s presence in the Philippines has expanded to include professional training and specialized services for seafarers and their families. Initiatives such as SafeTALK, a suicide prevention course, and the WeCare Financial and Social Wellbeing courses equip individuals with critical skills. Partnerships with industry companies like the UK P&I Club and Pacific Basin have helped fund these courses and deliver seafarer-focused events. Additionally, annual leadership training sessions have been introduced to enhance volunteer skill development and strengthen the organization’s impact.

Thomas O’Hare, Programme Manager at The Mission to Seafarers, expressed pride in the team’s dedication and the significant achievements made over the past 10 years. Celebratory events marking the anniversary have brought together volunteers, supporters, seafarers, and families, including a recent Seafarers’ Welfare Forum and FSN Chapters’ Regional Leadership training. As MtS Philippines continues to grow, it aims to further extend its reach by building relationships with key maritime stakeholders and delivering impactful support to seafarers and their families globally.

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