22/07/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐
Last 12 July 2026, The Mission to Seafarers Philippines joined seafarers, their families, volunteers, church partners, and maritime stakeholders in celebrating Sea Sunday under the theme "Harbours of Hope." The day began with a special worship service in partnership with the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, where prayers and blessings were offered for seafarers and their families in thanksgiving for their service and sacrifice.
The celebration formally opened with welcoming remarks from Lailani O. Tolentino-Rahon, Country Manager of The Mission to Seafarers Philippines. A meaningful Sea Sunday message was delivered by Rev. She Ann Javier Bianson of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, who shared from the unique perspective of both a priest and a seafarer's wife, highlighting the faith, resilience, and hope that sustain maritime families.
A highlight of the gathering was the forum on seafarers' lives at sea and families' experiences at home. Through personal testimonies from seafarers and family representatives, participants gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges and sacrifices that often remain unseen behind every voyage. The event also featured fellowship activities, tributes to seafarers as global heroes, and opportunities for dialogue and community building.
Observed around the world, Sea Sunday is a time to recognize the vital role seafarers play in sustaining global trade and connecting communities. It also serves as a reminder that behind every seafarer is a family whose love, sacrifice, and unwavering support make each journey possible.
The Mission to Seafarers Philippines extends its heartfelt gratitude to Rev. She Ann Javier Bianson and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente for their spiritual leadership and partnership in this year's celebration. We are especially grateful to our speakers and storytellers, including Madam Chief (C/O Noel Tiania), 2/O Dave Florian Balanon, Mrs. Mysol Booc, and David John F. Garrido, who generously shared their personal experiences and insights into the realities of life at sea and life at home. Through their stories of sacrifice, resilience, hope, and perseverance, participants gained a deeper appreciation of the people and families behind the maritime industry. Special thanks as well to Koko Alviar for hosting the event and moderating the panel discussion, helping create a space for honest dialogue and shared learning. We also thank our maritime partners, dedicated volunteers, advocates, and all attendees whose support helped make this celebration a meaningful expression of faith, fellowship, and solidarity with seafarers and their families.
We also express our sincere appreciation to our volunteers and advocates whose dedication, service, and generosity helped make the gathering a meaningful and welcoming experience for everyone involved.
As we celebrate Sea Sunday, let us continue to honour not only the work of seafarers but also the families who journey alongside them from afar. By listening to their stories and supporting their wellbeing, we help build a maritime community where every seafarer and every family is valued, respected, and cared for.
Behind every voyage is a seafarer. Behind every seafarer is a family. Both deserve our gratitudeโnot only on Sea Sunday, but every day.
๐ธ - 3/O Yroll Nicolas
