The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) took decisive steps to strengthen the welfare and protection of Filipino seafarers on November 13, 2025, by formalizing a landmark partnership and holding high-level regulatory discussions with key international maritime stakeholders.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) Chief Executive Simon Grainge formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the DMW Central Office. This partnership is designed to directly improve the welfare of Filipino seafarers and their families, aligning the DMW’s national mandate with ISWAN’s global mission to provide support services to seafarers worldwide.
Immediately following the signing, Secretary Cacdac convened a meeting with the International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I) Philippines Working Group (IGPWG). The discussion focused on crucial legislative and contractual developments that impact the employment and claims of Filipino seafarers.
Key topics included updates on the proposed Magna Carta for Seafarers and the contents of the new DMW Standard Employment Contract (SEC). A primary focus of the discussion was the recent developments concerning the claims process for Filipino seafarers, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring fair and timely resolution of cases.
The IGPWG delegation included representatives from leading P&I Clubs: Tony Nicholson (Steamship P&I Club), Flavia Pompa Mellilo (Skuld P&I Club), Lucy Dixon (NorthStandard P&I Club), William Wilson (UK P&I Club), and Captain Andrew Malpass MBE (Pandiman Philippines Inc.).
Secretary Cacdac emphasized that these concurrent initiatives demonstrate the DMW’s multi-pronged approach to serving the nation’s seafarers.
“Our commitment to the Filipino seafarer is two-fold: we are enhancing the support network for their well-being through essential partnerships like the one with ISWAN, and simultaneously, we are strengthening their regulatory safeguards and rights through continuous dialogue with global protection groups like IGP&I,” said Secretary Cacdac. “These parallel efforts ensure that the welfare and protection of our seafarers remain at the core of all DMW policy and action.”
The DMW remains committed to working with both government and non-government partners to safeguard the rights and ensure the welfare of the country’s modern-day heroes.
