The Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS) has launched a new Seacare Sailors’ Home (SSH) in Manila, offering Filipino seafarers subsidized accommodation in between ship duties.
Occupying the entire 6th floor of Kaizen Suites—a new boutique hotel in Malate district— the SSH provides 30 beds across 14 rooms, all of which are equipped with new furnishings and personal lockers for secure storage.
The SSH also features a dedicated recreation area for members to unwind, located beside the SOS’s local office (LSA Consultancy and Management Services Inc) for convenient access.
This initiative aims to address Filipino members’ accommodation challenge between their signing-on and signing-off duties in Manila, as many live in provinces outside the capital. The set-up also facilitates the processing of essential tasks, such as employment documentation, medical check-ups and interviews.
Members employed by shipping companies with SOS CBA and participating in the Seacare Sailors’ Home Scheme (SSS) can enjoy a stay of up to three nights per month at the SSH.
The new SSH replaces the former in Mandaluyong district, strengthening SOS’s ongoing efforts to improve members’ welfare and benefits.
Family-sized room.
Standard twin room.
The inauguration of the SSH was attended by Guests-of-Honors ITF GS Stephen Cotton; AMOSUP President Dr Conrado Oca; IMEC Chairman Capt. Belal Ahmed; ICS Director of Strategy and Communications Stuart Neil, and members of the Filipino maritime community.
Speaking at the inauguration, Cotton lauded SOS for the initiative and its unwavering commitment to supporting seafarers, adding that SSH plays a crucial role in assisting seafarers, especially those hailing from provincial areas.
SOS President Kam Soon Huat said: “Our new Seacare Sailors’ Home embodies SOS’s dedication to our seafaring members. We understand that the transition periods between ship duties can be challenging. This initiative will ease the process, offering a comfortable space for relaxation and streamlining essential tasks. We believe it will improve seafarers’ well-being and contribute to overall job satisfaction.”
ICS Director of Strategy and Communications Stuart Neil said: “These new facilities in the heart of Manila provide a haven for seafarers. The rooms were functional, and it was good to see the potential for growth that the Singapore Organisation of Seafarers have built into the project.”
President of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP-PTGWO-ITF) Dr Conrado Oca said: “We in AMOSUP extend our congratulations to our brothers and sisters in SOS for this milestone. The new SSH is a welcome initiative that will definitely aid Filipino seafarers in pursuing their careers at sea.”
All photos credit: SOS
Top photo: Dedicated recreation area for Filipino seafarers.
