Ports open spiritual services

MANILA, Philippines — Spiritual services and values-based activities will be available at 39 seaports and subports after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) signed a deal with the Apostleship of the Sea-Stella Maris Philippines.

Customs personnel and members of the maritime community can avail themselves of voluntary and non-exclusive opportunities for spiritual care.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the BOC will facilitate venues, facilities and coordination for the programs, while ensuring participants’ safety and compliance with policies, including the constitutional principle of the separation of church and state.

“We want our employees to know that their welfare matters not only in terms of their professional growth, but also their overall well-being,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

Investing in employee welfare is an essential part of building a more effective and people-centered BOC, with good governance at the forefront, Nepomuceno said.