Makati city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other relevant government agencies, has implemented a comprehensive support package for the nine crew members of the MV Eternity C who were recently repatriated.
According to Philippines News Agency, OWWA Deputy Administrator Jasmine Gapatan revealed during a Bagong Pilipinas interview that the seafarers and their families were reunited at the DMW office in Makati City. The gathering marked the end of a challenging five-month period during which the crew was held by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The event included a Thanksgiving mass and a small luncheon to celebrate their safe return.
Gapatan explained that a "one-stop shop" of government services was organized at the DMW Makati office to meet the immediate needs of the repatriated seafarers. This setup allowed them to access documentation and travel record restoration services through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as well as obtain other critical documents from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Maritime Industry Authority, and OWWA.
Financial assistance was provided to the crew upon their arrival in the country. However, there remain concerns regarding the loss of their documents, which sank with the MV Eternity C following the attack. In response, the government has ensured swift processing of all necessary documentation and the provision of psychosocial counseling and medical support through OWWA, the Department of Health, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
To aid in their reintegration, the seafarers and their families have been offered briefings and livelihood options through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Gapatan emphasized the government's commitment to facilitating both emotional and economic recovery for the affected individuals.
For the families of the three deceased and one missing seafarer, OWWA has activated death benefits, financial support, scholarships for dependents, and long-term reintegration and psychosocial services. While many of the rescued seafarers remain uncertain about returning to maritime work, the government has prepared reintegration programs to suit their future choices. These include job referrals, business counseling, skills upgrading, financial literacy seminars, and livelihood packages under the Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay initiative, supported by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs.
Gapatan assured the crew of continued comprehensive support from the government, reiterating the commitment made by both the Secretary of Migrant Workers and the President to help them regain stability and self-sufficiency.
