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ISWAN and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have formalized a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to enhance the welfare, protection, and wellbeing of Filipino seafarers and their families on 13 November 2025 at the Office of the Secretary, Department of Migrant Workers, Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City.

The Philippines remains one of the world’s leading sources of seafarers, and this collaboration reinforces the shared commitment of ISWAN and DMW to respond more effectively to the evolving needs of maritime workers—both at sea and onshore.

The agreement was signed by DMW Secretary Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac and ISWAN Chief Executive Simon Grainge, witnessed by DMW Assistant Secretary for Sea-based OFW Concern, Atty. Jerome T. Pampolina and Country Manager (ISWAN – Philippines), Marville Cullen Espago. They were also joined by ISWAN Projects and Relationships Manager Georgia Allen, ISWAN Chairman of the Board of Trustees, René Andersen, ISWAN Trustee Mike Esplago, and DMW Director for Sea-based Accreditation Bureau Ogie B. San Diego III.

This partnership outlines stronger coordination between ISWAN and DMW in handling cases involving Filipino seafarers and their families. It also solidifies joint efforts to promote mental health awareness, provide crisis and emergency support, and improve access to welfare information and services for seafarers around the world.

Under the MOU, DMW will provide support in assisting cases referred by ISWAN, take part in ISWAN-led wellbeing initiatives, and ensure the appropriate handling of data in accordance with the Data Privacy Act. ISWAN, meanwhile, will continue providing 24/7 helpline services through SeafarerHelp and YachtCrewHelp, emergency financial assistance via the Seafarers’ Emergency Fund, and welfare support for seafarers facing trauma or crisis situations.

ISWAN will also support DMW’s orientation programmes by sharing its expertise on mental health, workplace bullying, and other psychosocial concerns that affect seafarers and their families.

The signing of this MOU signals a strengthened collaboration between government and civil society in ensuring that Filipino seafarers—who play a crucial role in global maritime operations—receive accessible, timely, and holistic welfare support.

Both organisations reaffirm their dedication to protecting seafarers’ rights and ensuring that every Filipino seafarer remains supported, informed, and cared for, wherever in the world they may be.