PR-07-2023 
11 March 2023

Heritage Tour of MtSV for media with the
PH Ambassador to Australia
unveils pleasant surprises

“This is a very enlightening tour in this historic and beautiful space. We are thankful to Mission to Seafarers for the support they provide to Filipino seafarers,” the Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Ma. Hellen De La Vega, said during a tour organized by the Philippine Consulate General for the media supporting the Filipino community on 11 March 2023 at the Mission to Seafarers Victoria (MtSV).

The Media Tour participants share an exciting experience with Consul General Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo, Ambassador Ma. Hellen De La Vega, and Chef Miguel Vargas (6th, 7th and 9th in second row from right)
 

The MtSV is one of the two non-government entities that provide assistance to seafarers during their port call to Victoria. The organization has been providing spiritual and practical welfare to seafarers, regardless of nationality or faith, for over 162 years. The MtSV estimates that around 11,000 seafarers visit the Port of Melbourne on a yearly average, and 61% of them are Filipinos.

The century-old MtSV Chapel is made of Tasmanian timber and beautiful stained glass.
 

During the course of the tour, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of Filipino seafarers who comprise the majority of seafarers worldwide as well as underscored the importance of promoting the welfare and rights of seafarers. She expressed the Philippine government’s commitment to ensuring that Filipino seafarers receive the support they need and that their welfare is protected. She further acknowledged the vital role of the Consulate General and organizations such as the MtSV in providing welfare services to seafarers in Victoria.

Left: Ambassador Ma. Hellen De La Vega shares a special “women empowerment” moment with Ms. Mariam Visande Edris, Marine Engineer Cadet. Right: The MtSV Heritage Tour participants with three Filipino seafarers (seated).
 

Ambassador De La Vega and members of the media met several Filipino seafarers, including Ms. Mariam Visande Edris, a 22-year-old female Marine Engineer Cadet who proudly represents Filipino women in seafaring. The group expressed their happiness at meeting the seafarers and learning about their experiences.

The event ended with a seated dinner catered by Chef Miguel Vargas of Tambayan Grill, a Filipino Restaurant based in Melbourne, who presented an array of innovative Filipino dishes. The dinner provided an opportunity for attendees to catch up and share their experiences during the tour.

Below are the links to a video produced by Pinoy TV Australia regarding the Heritage Tour to the Mission to Seafarers Victoria.

Facebook: https://fb.watch/jdYikpXGDY/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/hheXNVgn0Hg