The Mission to Seafarers report to the UK P&I ClubFamily Support Network, Philippines 26 – 27 February 2018

Jan Webber, Director of Development and Capt Anuj Velankar, Senior Loss Prevention Advisor travelled to Manila to visit the Mission’s Family Support Network (FSN) project which the UK P&I Club have funded for a year.

The Mission to Seafarers report to the UK P&I Club Family Support Network, Philippines – 26-27 February 2018

We attended the FSN offices at the IFI Cathedral, meeting with May Jose the FSN coordinator, her staff, volunteers and four of the 11 Board members who included

The Most Rev’d Rhee M. Timbang, Obispo Maximo XIIIChairperson

Dr. Michael Angelo J. Marquez, RMTMDSocial Hygiene PhysicianHIV-AIDS Coordinator, Bacoor CityMedical Officer III, Bacoor City Health Office20 yrs. Manager, National Blood Center of Phil. National Red Cross

Rev’d Albert DaceraParish Priest, IFI

Mr. Fructuoso Sabug, Jr.Professor of ManagementAteneo De Manila University

Dr Marquez was able to share with Anuj and Jan details of his keen interest in running a programme which would educate and inform seafarers and their families about HIV. There is a new strain of HIV which has started to infect Filipinos. He feels with education and the proper medical that this can be contained and the seafarer can lead a normal life and still go to see without risk of further infection from other diseases.

May Jose gave a full presentation and a copy of this was provided to Anuj when he arrived to meet the Board, Staff and volunteers. Included in the presentation are details of the three volunteer boards they have set up to reflect the key aspects of their work – Legal, Medical and Financial.

Dr Fructuoso Saburg chairs the Financial Board and will involve his associates and students in supporting this programme. Dr Marquez chairs the Medical Panel.

Pictured, Dr Marquez with Anuj Velanker

May Jose – pictured with Anuj Velankar at the FSN offices at the IFI Cathedral.

The Mission to Seafarers report to the UK P&I Club Family Support Network, Philippines – 26-27 February 2018

May Jose and her team then accompanied Jan and Anuj to Luneta Park to meet with seafarers who are looking for jobs. The following photos show the experiences we had, including addressing a large group of seafarers from a podium.

The FSN team give out water and bread and ask seafarers to fill in forms giving their personal details, so that the FSN can provide the seafarers and their families with support

The Mission to Seafarers report to the UK P&I Club Family Support Network, Philippines – 26-27 February 2018

Anuj talking to a seafarer in Luneta Park, after which he was able to speak to a large group from the podium

The Mission to Seafarers report to the UK P&I Club Family Support Network, Philippines – 26-27 February 2018

On Tuesday 27th February, we were joined by the FSN Chapters from GMA, Anda Pangasinan, Bataan and Bulacan. Others represented at the conference were ISWAN, MARINA. Rt Rev Warlito Baldomero gave the welcome message which was followed by messages from the following: Legal, Medical and Financial Volunteer groups, Welfare Group, Maritime Shipping Company.

Testimonies were given by a seafarer, a wife, a daughter and a volunteer. A message from the President of the FSN was read to the conference. Inspirational messages were delivered by Jan and Anuj.

Entertainment during the conference was in the form of singing and dancing.

The Mission to Seafarers report to the UK P&I Club Family Support Network, Philippines – 26-27 February 2018