February 13, 2026 – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have officially opened the Seafarers’ Welfare Center. Located at Monarch Parksuites in Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City, this new facility provides dedicated support, protection, and empowerment for Filipino maritime workers and their families.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan led the grand opening on February 13, 2026. They were joined by key government partners and maritime stakeholders to introduce this essential new hub.
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A One-Stop Shop for Government Services
If you are a seafarer or a family member, the new welfare center brings vital government services directly to you. The facility operates as a comprehensive one-stop shop, making it much easier to process necessary documents and access assistance.
Inside the center, you can access services from multiple agencies, including:
- Social Security System (SSS)
- Pag-IBIG Fund
- PhilHealth
- Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for legal assistance
- OWWA YAKAP Clinic and Botika for medical help
By housing these services under one roof, the government aims to save maritime workers valuable time and effort before they deploy or after they return home.
Facilities Focused on Health and Well-being
Beyond basic administrative services, the center focuses heavily on the overall well-being of maritime professionals. The facility features dedicated spaces for ongoing capacity-building and training programs to help workers upgrade their maritime skills.
The center also prioritizes health education through the Love Yourself Booth, which offers important resources on sexual health and HIV awareness. For relaxation and family bonding, visitors can enjoy recreational spaces like the Migrants’ Brew coffee shop and the OWWAoke singing area.
Strengthening Legal Protections
During the launch, Administrator Caunan emphasized that this project fulfills the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring essential government services closer to the people. Secretary Cacdac also expressed his gratitude to maritime stakeholders for their continuous support in protecting the rights of seafarers.
The establishment of this dedicated welfare hub aligns directly with Republic Act No. 12021, widely known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. This landmark legislation mandates the creation of better mechanisms to promote and protect the welfare of the country’s maritime workforce. We can expect this new center to play a major role in securing a safer and more supported future for our seafarers.