SEAFARERS crowding T.M. Kalaw Street will soon have a new place to gather as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) opened its new Seafarers Hub in Ermita, Manila on July 11.
The hub boasts an air-conditioned safe space for seafarers, who can get free consultations for legal, medical and other needs from OWWA, not to mention unlimited Wi-Fi and free refreshments.
OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio said the idea of creating the hub came to fruition with the persistent ambulance-chasing dilemma that has plagued the industry for years.
OWWA’s newly opened Seafares Hub in Ermita, Manila. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
“Ano ba ang maitutulong natin? ‘Di naman namin kayang hulihin [dahil] hindi naman kami pulis (What can we do to help? We can’t arrest them since we are not law enforcers). So, let’s gather [the seafarers] in one place where we can provide them and guide them with the proper legal guidance,” Ignacio said.
He said ambulance chasers stalk distressed seafarers right after they disembark in airports. Seafarers looking for work are most vulnerable to these malicious agents.
A safe place for seafarers
With charging stations, the hub operates 24 hours a day to ensure that eafarers who have proof of seamanship have a place to rest and relax, especially those who come to Manila from the provinces.
“Alam niyo kasi ang OFWs lalo na kapag nanggaling ng probinsya, minsan talagang [bumabyahe ang mga ‘yan kahit alanganin] ang oras. Kahit ‘yung mga appointment nila ay sa hapon, madaling araw palang andito na ‘yan [sa Maynila]. Saan sila pupunta (If you are not aware, OFWs travel from provinces to Manila even during inconvenient time. Even if their appointments are in the afternoon, they’d be in Manila in the morning. Where will they stay)?”
“Para sa lahat ng ating mga seafarers na nakatambay dyan sa T.M. Kalaw, nag-aantay at nagtotoothpick para lang makapagpanggap na sila ay nakakain na. Dito ang pagkain unli, ang kape unli, at juice unli (This is for all our seafarers enduring the streets of T.M. Kalaw, waiting and using toothpicks to pretend they have already eaten. Here, food, coffee, juice and Wi-Fi are unlimited),” Ignacio said.
Former OWWA administrator and incumbent DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac praised the initiative as a tangible commitment to the seafarers and the country’s Maritime Labor Convention compliance.
“According to the MLC, we are supposed to set up a welfare center for seafarers. So, [the Seafarers’ Hub] is in line with our commitment as one of the first 30 ratifiers of the [convention],” said Cacdac in a message at the launch.
Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron Salo also praised the launch of the hub.
Ignacio hopes more allocation shall be directed to sustain the Seafarers’ Hub after the bill’s passing.
Key maritime stakeholders and government officials attended the launch, including representatives Salo (Kabayan Partylist), Marisa Del Mar (OFW Partylist) and Jude Acidre (Tingog Partylist); Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Rolando Macasaet; and representatives from maritime organizations, including the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines, ALMA Maritime Group, Sailors’ Society, and International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Employment Council.
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