MWO-OWWA CELEBRATE 2026 NATIONAL SEAFARERS’ DAY WITH FILIPINO CREW IN BALTIMORE

PRESS RELEASE
WDC-56-2026

29 September 2026

Embassy Press and Information Section

info@phembassy-us.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., through its Migrant Workers Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Office (MWO-OWWA) and Consular Section, celebrated National Seafarers’ Day on September 27, 2026, with Filipino crew members aboard the Carnival Pride at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland.

Centered on the theme “Marinong Filipino: Matatag sa Alon, Matibay sa Hamon!”, the event recognized the vital contributions of Filipino seafarers to Philippine and global economy and international trade. The celebration served as a meaningful gesture of government support for crew members who have been away from home, highlighted by the distribution of tokens of appreciation to them.

In addition to the celebration, the ship visit provided an opportunity for the MWO-OWWA Team to assess the crew’s welfare and working conditions. Consular representatives were also present to facilitate Overseas Voting Registration for the upcoming Philippine national elections.

Labor Attaché Saul De Vries, who led the Embassy delegation, expressed the Philippine government’s gratitude. “We are here to show deep appreciation for your hard work. Filipino seafarers are a core pillar of our national economy and the backbone of global maritime trade and cruise travel,” De Vries told the crew during the shipboard visit.

Meanwhile, Welfare Officer Mae Codilla reaffirmed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and OWWA’s commitment to crew welfare stating, “We are here to assist you, not only in times of crisis, but whenever you need guidance wherever you are in the world. We recognize the immense sacrifices you make for your families and country. May you continue to bring warmth and hospitality across the cruise industry.”

Gary Williams, Carnival’s Shipboard Crew Operations Senior Manager, noted that Filipino nationals comprise a significant percentage of the Carnival Pride’s workforce, excelling across its food and beverage, housekeeping, guest services, deck, and engine departments. Williams praised the Philippine government for its unique commitment to seafarers. “As far as I recall, the Philippine Embassy is the only embassy that visits crew members on-site,” he said.

National Seafarers’ Day is observed annually every last Sunday of September, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1094 issued by former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, to honor the contributions and sacrifices of Filipino seafarers worldwide.