PRESS RELEASE
WDC-66-2025
01 October 2025
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy’s Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Washington, D.C. conducted a virtual Special Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (SPDOS) for outbound Filipino seafarers on 29 September 2025. The orientation coincided with the celebration of the 30th National Seafarers’ Day with the theme “Marinong Filipino: Ating Karagatan. Ating Kabuhayan. Alagaan!” A total of 786 Filipino seafarers participated in the event, which provided important information that will help ensure their safe and productive journey at sea.
Labor Attaché Saul De Vries briefed the participants on the various rights and duties of seafarers under the Magna Carta of Seafarers, which was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on 23 September 2024. He also discussed the issues confronting seafarers in the U.S. such as child pornography, drug trafficking, and jumping ship.
Labor Attaché De Vries stressed the importance of maintaining responsible behavior to avoid potential legal issues and deportation risks. He urged the seafarers to help uphold the Filipino identity by being law-abiding and trustworthy maritime workers.
Meanwhile, Welfare Officer Mae Codilla provided a thorough discussion on OWWA’s programs and benefits for seafarers and their families with a brief reminder on wise financial management to safeguard their hard-earned money.
“This initiative reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of our seafarers in observance of the National Seafarers’ Day, an annual celebration commemorated every last Sunday of September by virtue of Proclamation Nos. 828 and 1094 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos,” de Vries said.
The virtual Special PDOS was held in partnership with local manning agencies, namely, Singa Ship Management, Phils., Inc., Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, CF Sharp Crew Management, Inc., TDG Management, Inc., OSM Thome, PRCCL Crew Management Services, Inc., MSC Crewing Services, Jebsen-PTC and PTC, Inc.
PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-272-2025
01 October 2025
Labor Attaché Saul De Vries provided an orientation on the Magna Carta for Seafarers and overview of the Migrant Workers Office, while Welfare Officer Mae Codilla discussed the programs and services of OWWA for the seafarers and their families.