One woman’s journey — a testament to compassion, commitment, and quiet leadership — unfolds in the often-unseen world behind global shipping. She is not aboard vessels that cross oceans, but she understands the rhythm of their voyages. She is not a captain, yet she helps steer lives—those of seafarers and their families—with care and purpose.

Her name is Lailani Tolentino-Rahon, a mother of two from Calumpit, Bulacan, who serves as Country Manager for The Mission to Seafarers in the Philippines. Her journey did not begin with a title or an office. It began in ministry.

Her inspiration came not from maritime roots but from ministry. She found a calling through her involvement in church outreach to the seafaring community. “The ministry’s focus on giving back to seafarers and appreciating the invaluable work they do in keeping the world economy afloat resonated deeply with me,” she recalls.

Volunteering with her church’s women’s organization only deepened her awareness. In conversations and quiet support sessions, she saw a pattern: women shouldering the weight of long-distance parenting, financial pressure, and emotional absence. As the wife of a seafarer herself—Capt. Cecilio E. Rahon Jr.— the challenges were personal—realities she lived, not just heard about. This lived experience would later become her greatest asset.

In March 2019, she officially joined The Mission to Seafarers Philippines as Country Manager. It was a turning point—a challenge and a deeply humbling opportunity. “When I first learned I’d be working for them, I experienced a mix of pressure and excitement,” she says. “It was a privilege to serve the heroes of the sea and their families.”

Although The Mission to Seafarers is a historic global organization nearly 200 years old, its presence in the Philippines remains relatively young—just over a decade. Yet, with limited resources and a small team of five, she has led initiatives that have reached far beyond what numbers suggest.

Her proudest achievement is establishing nearly twenty Family Support Network (FSN) chapters nationwide. These grassroots groups have touched over 5,000 lives, providing support, solidarity, and a sense of community for seafarers’ families. Her work has also helped forge partnerships with corporate stakeholders to expand services and welfare programs nationwide, significantly impacting the lives of seafarers’ families.

Beyond the scale of programs, she finds her most profound fulfillment in personal connections. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been meeting and connecting with the families of seafarers,” she says. “Their stories—of resilience, sacrifice, and strength—encourage me to keep going.”

The challenges are real, especially when dealing with the emotional weight of people’s lives and stories. “Understanding each person’s unique needs and managing different personalities can be difficult,” she admits. “And balancing multiple responsibilities often tests my time management. But I see every challenge as a chance to grow and get creative.”

Her leadership style is understated but intentional. She doesn’t seek the spotlight. “My colleagues may not know that I prefer to be a quiet contributor,” she shares. “I believe in letting my actions and contributions speak for themselves.”

Her voice, far from silent, advocates for women’s empowerment within seafaring communities, reflecting her belief in dignity and equality. “While there are times when being a woman may lead to being underestimated, I’ve never seen it as a disadvantage,” she says. “I bring a unique perspective and stand with equal value, advocating for women’s empowerment in the maritime industry.”

Her foundation is faith. “Beyond my career and titles, I consider myself a simple person who finds joy in the little things,” she says. Whether cooking, baking, gardening, or listening to podcasts, she finds peace and purpose in ordinary moments. “Above all, I am a person of deep faith in the Lord, whom I believe is the architect of my life.”

She doesn’t point to awards or recognition when asked what accomplishment she’s most proud of. She points to sustainability—the ability to build something enduring in the Philippines through The Mission to Seafarers. “The recognition of our work, not just locally but also internationally, is something I take great pride in,” she says. “It reflects the power of collaboration and resilience.”

Her work may not make headlines, but it strikes a lasting chord—like a ship’s bell calling its crew to attention. A signal of presence. Of readiness. Of care.

And in the often-overlooked corners of the maritime industry, that quiet call is heard by those who need it most.

Conributed Photos: Lailani Tolentino-Rahon | Mission To Seafarers