Government eyes more benefits, longer breaks for Pinoy seafarers

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino seafarers would enjoy longer breaks under a new standard employment contract proposed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

POEA Administrator Jennifer Manalili said the proposed contract would also provide for longer leaves and additional benefits for Filipino seafarers.

“We will soon be presenting to the governing board for approval a proposed new standard employment contract which provides, among others, entitlement leave of four and half months from the previous two and half months,” she said.

Manalili said they will also determine the so-called “compensable diseases” to be included in the new standard employment contract.

The review and passage of the new employment contract is part of the POEA’s commitment to provide additional safeguards for Filipino overseas workers during President Aquino’s 100 days in office, she added.

The POEA is also working to provide better employment benefits and welfare protection for land-based Filipino workers, Manalili said.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Training Council (MTC) has ordered all maritime training schools nationwide to offer courses on prevention of alcohol and drug abuse.

MTC office-in-charge Clifford Paragua said the directive aims to address the rising number of Filipino overseas workers who are used as “mules” by drug syndicates.

“Through new training modules, we intend to educate and warn maritime students from getting involved in drug smuggling which is detrimental to their lives and employment,” he said.

The government has undertaken many programs in the effort to curtail the recruitment and involvement of Filipino workers abroad in drug smuggling, Paragua said.

The recruitment sector, on the other hand, proposed the establishment of an OFW Bank to help returning workers put up their own business instead of going back abroad.

Jackson Gan, Federated Association of Manpower Exporters vice-president, said the Department of Labor and Employment must come out with more relevant programs that will give the proper expertise and training for migrant workers who have ended their employment contracts abroad.