DMW expands crisis management training for seafarer welfare officers

DMW expands crisis management training for seafarer welfare officers
15 October 2026 https://filipinotimes.net/latest-news/2026/10/15/dmw-expands-crisis-mana...

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has stepped up training for welfare and crisis management officers of licensed manning agencies to strengthen their response to emergencies and other concerns involving Filipino seafarers.

The agency continued the second day of its Capacity Enhancement Training for Seafarers’ Welfare and Crisis Management Officers (SWACO) on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the DMW office in Makati City.

The program aims to equip welfare officers of licensed manning agencies with the knowledge and practical skills needed to handle cases involving seafarers who require assistance, particularly during emergencies.

According to the DMW, the training covered legal procedures and available remedies for welfare-related cases, as well as case monitoring, documentation and the preparation of Welfare Action Plans.

Participants also attended a case study workshop designed to help them apply these procedures to situations requiring welfare assistance and crisis intervention.

The workshop focused on assessing individual cases, identifying appropriate responses and developing action plans to address the needs of affected Filipino seafarers.

The DMW said the training is intended to improve the ability of welfare officers to provide timely and appropriate assistance while safeguarding the rights and well-being of Filipino maritime workers.

Seafarers’ Welfare and Crisis Management Officers serve as key personnel within licensed manning agencies in handling welfare concerns involving deployed seafarers.

Their responsibilities include coordinating assistance and responding to cases that may require intervention from their agencies and relevant government offices.

Through the capacity-building program, the DMW aims to strengthen the preparedness of these officers to manage welfare concerns and crisis situations affecting Filipino seafarers.

The agency did not specify the number of participants or announce additional training schedules.