BALANGA CITY — Stella Maris–Philippines on Monday cited the contribution of
former President Fidel V. Ramos to seafarers and their families and offered
prayers for the repose of the soul of the late chief executive.
“It is with profound sadness that we heard of the demise of President Ramos. On
behalf of the seafarers, their respective families, we offer prayers for his soul and
condolences to the family,” said Bataan prelate Ruperto C. Santos, CBCP Bishop
Promoter of Stella Maris–Philippines.
The bishop of the Diocese of Balanga said that chaplains of Stella
Maris–Philippines, a Catholic ministry helping seafarers, will offer prayer masses
for Ramos’ eternal rest and strength for his bereaved family.
Santos said seafarers and their families were blessed when Ramos, through
Presidential Decree 1094 dated Sept. 3, 1997, declared the last Sunday of
September as the National Seafarers’ Day (NSD).
The declaration, he said, stated that “The purpose of this occasion is to give due
recognition to the vital role played by our Filipino seafarers towards the
development of the Philippines as a maritime country.”
The bishop said that PD 1094 was also in-line with the International Maritime
Organization’s World Maritime Day celebrated on the last day of September that
connected NSD to PD 1560 of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Under PD 1560, three lead government agencies – Maritime Industry Authority,
Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Ports Authority – alternately spearhead the
celebration of National Maritime Week.
“This piece of legislation, crafted during the administration of former President
Ramos, is indeed a historical legacy to seafarers, their families and to the
maritime world,” Santos noted.
He said that on Sept. 25, 2022, the country will celebrate the 27th National
Seafarers’ Day when they will honor the late President with a minute of silence
nationwide.
“The seafarers and their families, the welfare service providers, the maritime
world and stakeholders acknowledge that P.D. 1094 is a historical moment. It has
helped not only to raise awareness of the ‘blue economy’ but above all, to make
everyone more aware of the sacrifices that seafarers go through to move the
around 90% of the goods in the world,” the prelate said.
“Our heartfelt gratitude to you, former President Ramos, for your great
contribution to seafarers and their families,” Santos concluded.
