Filipino seafarers stationed on vessels far from home stand to gain faster access to verified information and welfare support under a new agreement between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and digital platform MARINO.PH.
The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the DMW Central Office, setting up a framework that covers welfare monitoring, emergency coordination, mental health and psychosocial assistance, and the sharing of accurate, timely updates with seafarers around the world.
For MARINO.PH Founder Dr. Reno B. Bolivar, the partnership broadens what his platform was originally built to do. “Before, our slogan was to raise the voices of the seafarers. Ngayon, we are not only raising the voices of the seafarers, but also the voices of the tripartite. Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungang ito, mayroon na tayong channel to report everything for the welfare and protection of our Filipino seafarers,” he said, pointing to the platform’s position connecting government, industry, and the maritime workforce.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the arrangement gives the government a clearer picture of conditions facing seafarers who spend long stretches at sea, separated from their families. “I’m very confident na mas lalo nating mapapatingkad ang mga programang para sa kapakanan ng ating Filipino seafarers. You’re not just a bridge; you’re also the messenger who crosses it para iparating sa amin ang totoong nangyayari sa ating mga marino onboard,” Cacdac said.
The signing formed part of the DMW’s observance of the International Day of the Seafarer and National Seafarer’s Day, which recognizes the contributions of Filipino maritime workers to both the country and the wider global shipping sector.
