MIGRANT Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac recognized the welfare programs benefitting Filipino seafarers, particularly their physical and spiritual health, in a recent visit to Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver.
Cacdac thanked the mission for being the Department’s steadfast partner in promoting the welfare and protecting the rights of Filipino seafarers, especially in working with the Migrant Workers Office on cases involving Filipino seafarers in Canada.
“The physical and spiritual health concerns are very important to our Filipino seafarers, and we are glad to have the Mission to Seafarers as our partner in providing care, counseling, and support to them while on port call,” Secretary Cacdac said.
Rev. Peter Smyth, senior port chaplain, welcomed the Secretary and noted the spiritual inclination of Filipino seafarers. He shared a story of one Filipino seafarer who knelt in prayers in the mission’s chapel, thanking God for his safety after going through several days in the rough seas.
Cadac so reaffirmed the DMW’s commitment to ensuring the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.
Joining the Secretary were Labor Attache Maya Valderrama, Welfare Officer Allan Ignacio and administrative staff Neil Justin Nicolas.
The Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver is a center providing transiting international seafarers with welfare facilities. It provides chaplain services, emergency support, and ship visit assistance.
