Visitors check out the different amenities of the ‘Alagang OWWA: Seafarers Hub’ located along Mabini Street, Barangay 670, Ermita, Manila, during its launching on July 11, 2024. The Seafarers Hub, a project of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, aims to provide a one-stop shop designed to cater to the welfare, safety, and professional development needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Seafarers and their families. The hub offers essential services to assist Filipino seafarers with employment, legal matters, family support, and access to free internet and local calls. It also acts as a skills training and development center for seafarers to enhance their skills and knowledge. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) opened on Thursday its first Seafarers Welfare Hub located at 1108 A. Mabini Street, Malate, Manila.

“Nakikita ko na yung mga seafarers nakatambay diyan sa T.M. Kalaw, ganyan yung envelope nila….dun sa init, tapos walang makain. Naghanap kami ng lugar na malapit kung saan sila tumatambay, we provide food, a very, very decent 'tambayan' and it’s 24 hours bukas. Walang magpapaalis sa kanila dito,” OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio said.

The daily crowds of seasoned seafarers renewing contracts or newly-minted mariners looking for work are a common sight along Kalaw Avenue in Manila, where many shipping companies and manning agencies are located. 

With the new hub, seafarers will now have access to a resting lounge, with coffee and beverage service, free internet connection and local calls.

But the Seafarers Hub is more than just a rest area, according to Ignacio. By taking seafarers off the street, they avoid falling victims to so-called “ambulance chasers” or individuals who persuade mariners to go after monetary claims for accidents at sea. 

Those who may have been victimized may also go to the Seafarers Hub to access legal assistance, since it also serves as a one-stop center for various services.

“Yung ambulance chasing kasi, very rampant na yan. Kinakausap sila, pagkatapos papipirmahin ng kung ano and then pag nag-file na ng mga kaso at nanalo sila, wala silang nakukuha because of you know, things that they signed. Now we will also provide, with the IBP, legal assistance…And hopefully, we can also include facilities…makapag check ng kanilang BP, makapag-check ng ECG nila…makapag-check ng HIV,” Ignacio adds.

Year 2023 statistics from the Department of Migrant Workers indicated that a total of 578,626 Filipino seafarers have been deployed overseas. This is a little over 12% higher than the pre-pandemic record of 507,730.

Meanwhile, the OWWA is also preparing for the opening of its second OFW Lounge at the NAIA Terminal 3. 

The NAIA T3 OFW lounge is said to be bigger and should be able to accommodate up to 200 OFWs. The first OFW Lounge is in NAIA Terminal 1.