DMW, OWWA open seafarers’ aid center
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) launched on Friday a welfare center in Parañaque City to provide government services and support programs for Filipino seafarers and their families.
The Seafarers’ Welfare Center, located at Monarch Parksuites in Aseana Business Park, was inaugurated by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Owwa Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, alongside officials from the Social Security System and other partner agencies.
According to the DMW, the facility is designed as a “one-stop shop” where seafarers can access services from the Social Security System, Pag-Ibig Fund and PhilHealth. It also offers legal assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office and medical support through the Owwa Yaman ng Kalusugan Program Clinic and pharmacy.
Medical support
The opening of the facility follows the passage of Republic Act No. 12021, which seeks to enhance safeguards, benefits and support systems for Filipino maritime workers.
The DMW said the center also offers training spaces for capacity-building programs and a sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus awareness booth run in partnership with civil society groups.
Cacdac said the project was carried out with support from maritime stakeholders and in line with the government’s push to strengthen protection for Filipino seafarers.
The DMW said the center is intended to complement existing government programs by consolidating services in a single location.
