Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja (2nd from left) with Pastor Mark Classen (rightmost), Ms. Evangeline Classen (2nd from right),
Consul Jim G. Minglana (leftmost) and ATN Officer Paul Vincent M. Fodra (3rd from left)
As part of its efforts to improve its services to Filipinos in South Africa, specifically seafarers passing through South African ports, the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, led by Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja, discussedwith Pastor Mark Classen, Richards Bay Port Chaplain of the Mission to Seafarers (MTS) and Ms. Evangeline Classen possibilities in providing appropriate assistance to Filipino seafarers. Ms. Classen is an active MTS volunteer.
MTS is a non-profit charity organization that provides emotional and psychological counselling, spiritual guidance, and welfare assistance to seafarers, regardless of gender and nationality. MTS conducts regular vessel, hospital and quarantine facility visits in Richards Bay and other major South African ports. They are highly regarded by South African authorities and local communities in and around Richards Bay for their work and contributions to the advancement of seafarers’ welfare.
The MTS, which calls itself a “home away from home”, shared some of the common issues faced by Filipino seafarers, as well as some of the MTS’ projects and activities aimed at the timely provision of welfare assistance to seafarers.
The Embassy conveyed its intention to conduct welfare visits and to extend consular services and voter registration activities in 2023 to Filipino seafarers onboard vessels docked in Richards Bay, in collaboration with MTS.
