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Filipino seafarers form the heart of global shipping. They keep the world’s trade moving, yet their inner worlds, marked by long separations, financial pressures, and emotional isolation, are rarely addressed in ways that reflect their lived realities. Mental health programs in the maritime sector have become more visible in recent years, but many still mirror Western frameworks centered on individual resilience and self-care. While these approaches are well-intentioned, they often overlook the collective, family-oriented, and relational nature of Filipino wellbeing.

BAYANIHAN, an upcoming event organized by ISWAN – Philippines, seeks to shift this narrative. The initiative aims to reframe conversations on seafarers’ mental health through a Filipino cultural lens: one grounded in pakikisama (harmonious relationships), kabutihang-loob (compassionate goodness), and pananagutan (shared responsibility). These values emphasize that for many Filipinos, wellness is sustained through connection, care, and accountability – to family, community, and one’s role as a provider – rather than through isolated acts of self-care.

The event’s theme, Reframing Mental Health: A Filipino Perspective, captures this perspective. Filipino seafarers draw their strength not only from endurance, but from belonging. Their sense of wellbeing is deeply shaped by their relationships, by their duty to their families, and by the compassion that guides everyday acts of care. Mental health, when viewed through this lens, is not merely about coping; it is about staying connected, keeping balance, and nurturing the bonds that make life at sea meaningful.

The word BAYANIHAN itself carries layered meaning.

At its core is “bayani,” or hero, someone who serves beyond the self, who uplifts others even amid hardship. In this light, BAYANIHAN celebrates the everyday heroism of Filipino seafarers – their quiet strength, their commitment to family, and their service to a greater whole. Each journey at sea is both personal and communal: a reflection of how one person’s endurance sustains many lives back home.

The distinct “I” in BAYANIHAN visually captures this idea. It represents the individual standing within the bayan, not separate from it, but part of its strength. Filipino wellbeing does not erase individuality; it places it in relationship with others. The “I” reminds us that while self-care is important, true resilience is found in connection, with families, peers, and communities who share the same tides and burdens.

To make this vision tangible, BAYANIHAN brings together seafarers, family members, maritime leaders, educators, and welfare advocates for a half-day, hybrid-format event on 10 November 2025 at Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central, Binondo, Manila.

Sessions will feature keynote insights from the University of the Philippines on Sikolohiyang Pilipino sa Kontekstong Maritima, as well as discussions exploring how mental health support in the maritime sector can better reflect Filipino cultural realities. Through these exchanges, ISWAN aims to foster deeper understanding, grounded not in imported models but in the lived experiences of Filipino seafarers and their families.

The goal is not to replace global approaches but to enrich them – to create space for values, stories, and practices that have long sustained Filipino communities. These insights will also inform future ISWAN programming, helpline materials, and SEAS training content, ensuring that services resonate more strongly with local contexts.

This effort is made possible through the generosity of partners who share ISWAN’s commitment to culturally grounded seafarer welfare.

• Platinum Sponsor: Pacific Basin
• Gold Sponsor: STI Maritime Training Academy
• Silver Sponsor: Nordic Hamburg Crewing Services GmbH
• Supporting Sponsors: Mayfair We Care and AMOSUP

Their collaboration reflects a shared belief that promoting mental health requires not only awareness but action, rooted in empathy, partnership, and community participation.

BAYANIHAN is not simply an event; it is a collective movement. It invites maritime stakeholders to come together in solidarity – to design mental health strategies that speak the language of Filipino life: relational, responsible, and compassionate. When seafarers are supported in ways that reflect who they are and where they come from, their resilience strengthens not just ships and crews, but families and communities across the world.

ISWAN – Philippines welcomes organizations, companies, and individuals who wish to take part in this journey. Support can come through sponsorship, collaboration, or participation in the dialogue. Together, we can bridge the gap between mental health awareness and meaningful, culturally grounded action, ensuring that no Filipino seafarer faces the waves of life alone.

For partnership and sponsorship opportunities, contact:

Marville Espago, Country Manager – ISWAN Philippines

📧 [email protected]

📞 +63 918 990 0868