FEBRUARY 13, 2026 – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), has officially opened the Seafarers’ Welfare Center, a dedicated space for supporting, protecting, and empowering Filipino seafarers.
Dubbed as “a one-stop shop” for Pinoy seafarers and their families, the Seafarers’ Welfare Center provides government services from SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. It also offers medical help from the OWWA YAKAP Clinic and legal assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), along with training and recreational facilities.
Seafarers’ Welfare Center Now Open
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan led the grand opening of the Seafarers’ Welfare Center, according to a DMW news release. The event was held on February 13, 2026 at Monarch Parksuites, Bradco Avenue, Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City.
Joining them were SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro, Rep. Johanne Monich Gongon Bautista, and representatives from several partner government agencies and maritime stakeholders.
Aside from providing government services, the welfare center also features the following:
- Training facilities for capacity-building programs;
- “Love Yourself” booth, which offers sexual health and HIV awareness;
- Migrants’ Brew, which serves free coffee and snacks,
- The “Pink Area,” dedicated for women seafarers and their families; and
- A recreation area for rest and mental wellness.
According to OWWA Administrator Caunan, the Seafarers’ Welfare Center was established not only to provide government services, but also to support the overall well-being of Filipino seafarers and their families.
Meanwhile, Migrant Workers Secretary Cacdac conveyed his gratitude to key stakeholders in the maritime sector, affirming their continuous support towards the protection and empowerment of Filipino seafarers.
For more information about the Seafarers’ Welfare Center, watch this news report from PTV Philippines:
Notably, the establishment of the Seafarers’ Welfare Center goes in line with Republic Act No. 12021 or “the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” which aims to provide better mechanisms that promote and protect the welfare of maritime workers.
The DMW stated that in the future, more welfare centers for Filipino seafarers and their families will be established in different parts of the country, including: Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City.