The Philippine government, through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), has vowed to further strengthen the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

During a courtesy visit to the Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac thanked the mission for being the agency'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,” Cacdac said.

Reverend 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.

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.

During the visit, Cacdac met with Filipino seafarers aboard the Tauranga Maersk during its port call at the Port of Vancouver as part of the Philippine delegation accompanying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his official visit to Canada.

The DMW chief personally checked on the condition of the vessel’s 22-member crew, 16 of whom are Filipinos, including Chief Mate Jonafel Nabor.

During the visit, Cacdac listened to their concerns, discussed their working conditions, and shared updates on the Department of Migrant Workers’ programs and services for Filipino seafarers, including upskilling and career development initiatives in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and MARINA.

Cacdac assured the crew that the DMW remains ready to assist them wherever they may be deployed.

“We understand the challenges of working far from your families. If you have any concerns, especially those involving your loved ones back home, please let us know. The DMW is ready to assist you through our 16 regional offices and 42 overseas operating posts, including the Migrant Workers' Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration offices here in Vancouver,” Cacdac said.

The DMW chief also expressed appreciation to the Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver, led by Reverend Peter Smyth, for its continued pastoral care, advocacy, and welfare services for international seafarers.

The vessel’s Master, DG Dsouza, welcomed Secretary Cacdac on board and briefed him on the ship's operations.

DG Dsouza commended the quality of Philippine maritime training and the government’s strong commitment to protecting Filipino seafarers. He praised the Filipino crew for their competence, professionalism, work ethic, and leadership potential.

Speaking on behalf of the crew, Chief Mate Nabor thanked Secretary Cacdac for the visit and expressed appreciation for President Marcos’ continued concern for overseas Filipino workers and their families.

She also credited their rigorous selection process, pre-employment training, and support from their manning agency for preparing them to serve aboard the newly built 9,000-TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship on its maiden voyage.