On September 28, 2026, following the Mass celebrating the Solemnity of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, Patron Saint of Migrants in the Philippines, a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM), through Stella Maris Philippines (Apostleship of the Sea), took place at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila.
The MOU establishes a framework of cooperation between the Bureau of Customs and Stella Maris Philippines, allowing Stella Maris staff members to conduct regular ship visits in all 38 international ports in the Philippines. This agreement strengthens the Church’s ability to reach out to seafarers and provide pastoral care, accompaniment, and practical support during their time in port.
The Church was represented by His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, DD, Archbishop of Manila, and Bishop Ruperto Santos, DD, Stella Maris Philippines Bishop Promoter and Bishop of Antipolo. The Bureau of Customs was represented by Mr. Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs.
The agreement represents an important step in strengthening collaboration between the Church and government institutions in support of the dignity, well-being, and rights of seafarers and maritime workers. Through regular ship visits, Stella Maris Philippines will continue its mission of being a welcoming and supportive presence for those who spend much of their lives at sea.