Employment referrals, schooling assistance, and travel arrangements for two surviving brothers were among the commitments laid out for the family of a Filipino crew member who died in the Black Sea, as labor officials met with the bereaved household in Batangas on July 22, 2026.
Children of the deceased seafarer who are looking for work will be connected to the Public Employment Service Office, while those still in school will receive assistance through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, according to the agencies.
A brother currently employed in Dubai will have his leave extended with help from the Department of Migrant Workers, and his airfare home will be shouldered through coordination with the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai. The two agencies will also handle arrival and transport arrangements for another brother who works as a seafarer.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac led the delegation of DMW and OWWA officials and representatives to the family’s home. “Narito po kami upang ipaabot ang pakikiramay ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at upang alalayan kayo sa panahong ito ng inyong matinding pagdadalamhati,” Cacdac said.
The secretary said arrangements are underway to bring the remains of the crew member back to the Philippines without delay. Both agencies committed to staying with the household through the wake and until the burial.
The family expressed gratitude for the swift response. “Maraming salamat po,” the father of the deceased said.
Cacdac relayed a message attributed to the president on continuing assistance to the household. “Ayon sa Pangulo, ipagpapatuloy natin ang legasiya ng inyong anak, asawa, at ama sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng ganap na tulong sa inyong pamilya,” he said.
