ILOILO City – Behind every Filipino seafarer crossing oceans is a family whose dreams are being built back home.
This was the message underscored by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office 6 as it honored Filipino seafarers, particularly those from Western Visayas, whose months of separation from their families help finance education, improve living conditions and create opportunities while contributing to the country’s maritime industry.
DMW-6, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office 6, marked National Seafarers’ Day on Sept. 25 in Mandurriao district as part of the National Maritime Week celebration.
DMW-6 assistant regional director Jeanette Escaño said the contribution of Filipino seafarers extends far beyond the vessels they serve and the oceans they navigate.
“Dahil sa bawat seafarer na nakasakay sa barko, may pamilyang unti-unting nabubuo ang mga pangarap,” Escaño said.
Their hard-earned income, she stressed, translates into opportunities for their families — from education and improved living conditions to long-held dreams becoming possible.
DMW-6 said that behind the image of Filipino seafarers as skilled maritime professionals are fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters who spend months away from their loved ones to provide better lives for their families.
This year’s 31st National Seafarers’ Day carried the theme “Marinong Filipino: Matatag sa Alon, Matibay sa Hamon,” while National Maritime Week adopted the sub-theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
National Seafarers’ Day traces its roots to Proclamation No. 828 issued by then-President Fidel V. Ramos on July 9, 1996, recognizing the vital role of Filipino seafarers in the development of the Philippines as a maritime country.
Proclamation No. 1094 issued in 1997 subsequently moved the annual observance to the last Sunday of September.
Escaño also reaffirmed DMW’s commitment to Filipino migrant workers throughout their journey — not only when they leave Philippine shores but wherever their work takes them.
She recognized OWWA and other partner agencies for their continuing collaboration in protecting and promoting the welfare and development of Filipino seafarers and their families.
DMW-6 said the impact of seafarers’ work reaches far beyond the ships they crew, extending to their homes, communities and the nation. It encouraged them to continue carrying the name of the Philippines with pride and dignity wherever they sail.
Meanwhile, OWWA-6, through its Bacolod Satellite Office, also held a Seafarers’ Day celebration on Sept. 23 at the VMA Global College and Training Center in Bacolod City.
The activity carried the theme “Anchored in Service, Connected at Heart: Empowering Filipino Seafarers, Protecting Rights, Strengthening Families.”
Participants were oriented on government programs and services available to seafarers and their families.
OWWA reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Filipino seafarers, protecting their rights, strengthening their families and bringing government programs and services closer to overseas Filipino workers across the Negros Island Region./PN
