The Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has recently opened its first Seafarers’ Hub at 1108 A Mabini Street in Malate, Manila, addressing the critical need for comprehensive support for Filipino sea-based workers and ensuring their welfare and safety.
During the hub’s opening ceremony attended by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio highlighted its round-the-clock operations aimed at supporting seafarers during paperwork, interviews, and training sessions. The new facility is specifically tailored for Filipino seafarers awaiting document processing.
“At T.M. Kalaw, we often saw seafarers waiting with their envelopes under the heat, without food. We searched for a nearby location to provide them with food and a very decent place to stay, open 24 hours. No one will be asked to leave here,” said Ignacio during a press briefing. In recent years, Kalaw Avenue in Manila has become the mecca for seasoned seafarers renewing contracts or newly-minted mariners looking for work, because of the concentration of shipping and manning company offices.
The interior of Seafarers’ Hub. Photo credit: OWWA
Halfway tambayan
Conceived as a one-stop shop, Ignacio emphasized that the hub now offers seafarers access to a resting lounge with free food, coffee, beverages, internet connection, and local calls, serving as a comfortable “halfway tambayan” for them. Additionally, the hub functions as a training center, enhancing seafarers’ skills and knowledge and providing essential services such as employment assistance, legal aid, and family support.
“This initiative is a response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize OFWs’ welfare,” Ignacio stressed, underscoring the hub’s role in providing a dignified alternative to the street-side waits endured by seafarers for years. OFWs refer to overseas Filipino workers.
OWWA’s commitment to maritime safety is evident in its efforts to address seafarers’ challenges holistically, from physical well-being to legal support, ensuring safer and more productive careers at sea.
To prevent ambulance chasing
In addition to offering a rest area, the hub aims to prevent “ambulance chasing” by unscrupulous admiralty law firms that persuade seafarers to pursue fraudulent claims for accidents at sea, by providing legal assistance through a collaboration with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
“Ambulance chasing has become rampant. They talk to seafarers, make them sign documents, and when they file cases and win, they end up with nothing due to the agreements they signed. With the IBP, we will provide legal assistance and hopefully include facilities for BP, ECG, and HIV checks,” added Ignacio.
In recent years, concerns over ambulance chasing have been growing among major shipping companies, with significant amounts of compensation money ending up in lawyers’ pockets rather than benefiting seafarers. Health services at the hub include free ECG, BP, and HIV tests, further enhancing support for seafarers’ well-being.
The Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration recognises the importance of health and safety measures not just for individuals but for the maritime sector’s overall integrity.
According to 2023 statistics from the Department of Migrant Workers, a record 578,626 Filipino seafarers were deployed overseas, surpassing the pre-pandemic record by over 12 percent.
OWWA is also preparing to open its second OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3, expected to accommodate up to 200 OFWs, following the success of the first lounge at NAIA Terminal 1.
The interior of Seafarers’ Hub. Photo credit: OWWA
Seafarers’ reactions
Seafarers like Arstone T. Aurelio, with 13 years of experience, welcomed the Seafarers Hub, noting its wide range of services and amenities tailored to their needs.
“This hub provides a place for seafarers to rest and relax during their off-time, offering a much-needed break from busy and stressful days while in Manila for training and document renewals with our manning agencies and Marina,” Aurelio told Maritime Fairtrade, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to family through free Wi-Fi.
Aurelio also supported the hub’s role in preventing ambulance chasing among seafarers on Kalaw Street during document applications and processing.
“Counseling and legal services are essential to us, protecting us from ambulance chasers and educating seafarers,” he said, suggesting the addition of a mini-library to access maritime books and educational materials for further education.
With the Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration spearheading initiatives like the Seafarers Hub, Filipino seafarers can look forward to improved welfare and maritime safety, ensuring their physical, legal, and professional needs are met effectively.
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Seafarer Arstone Aurelio. Photo credit: Arstone Aurelio via PinoySeafarer/Facebook page
Ship captain John Michael Lechugas, 39, echoed these sentiments, appreciating the hub’s provision of a safe and comfortable environment for all seafarers.
“This represents a positive advancement for all seafarers. We now have a hub where we can spend a few hours, enjoying provided food similar to airport lounges, instead of gathering outdoors on Kalaw,” Lechugas said.
In Philippines, starting a career at sea involves facing challenges in job applications, often relying on Kalaw Street for job opportunities due to the dispersed nature of shipping companies.
“It benefits us greatly, especially during tight budgets, as snacks provided at the hub could (at least) alleviate hunger,” Lechugas added.
Despite initial disappointment during his first visit to the hub, where he felt restricted from gathering information, Lechugas, who is also a famous vlogger in the maritime industry with 172,000 followers as of this writing, clarified his intent was solely to inform fellow seafarers about the hub.
“I hope the hub’s opening is not just for PR (public relations). My recent visit left me unsatisfied, with limited amenities and some items like soap unavailable. It seems they wish to keep the hub’s visibility low to avoid budget strain and maintain advertised free food services,” Lechugas observed.
Captain John Michael Lechugas. Photo credit: Captain JM PH/Facebook
When asked about additional improvements for the Seafarers’ Hub, Lechugas emphasized the need for clear information dissemination to prevent future issues with seafarers unaware of identification requirements. Aurelio emphasized the importance of ongoing feedback from seafarers using the lounge to enhance services and facilities continually.
“I believe this lounge can significantly enhance seafarers’ quality of life. It’s one of the best welfare projects for us, a home away from home,” Aurelio concluded, expressing hope for similar hubs in provinces with large seafaring populations.
Top photo credit: OWWA. Seafarers’ Hub at 1108 A Mabini Street in Malate, Manila.
