The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers during a courtesy visit to the Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver, Canada.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac thanked the organization for its continued partnership with the DMW and the Migrant Workers Office in providing assistance to Filipino seafarers, especially those dealing with work-related concerns while in Canadian ports.
“The physical and spiritual health concerns are very important to our Filipino seafarers, and we are glad to have the Mission to Seafarers as our partner in providing care, counseling, and support to them while on port call,” Cacdac said.
During the visit, Reverend Peter Smyth, senior port chaplain of the Mission to Seafarers, welcomed the DMW delegation and underscored the strong faith of many Filipino seafarers.
Smyth also shared the story of a Filipino crew member who knelt in prayer at the mission’s chapel to give thanks after safely enduring several days of rough seas.
Cacdac was joined during the visit by Labor Attaché Maya Valderrama, Welfare Officer Allan Ignacio, and administrative staff member Neil Justin Nicolas.
The Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver provides welfare services to international seafarers, including chaplaincy, emergency assistance, counseling, and ship visit support.
The DMW said its partnership with the organization remains important in ensuring the well-being of Filipino seafarers while they are working overseas.