CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Department of Science and Technology Region 10 (DOST-10) is joining a multi-agency effort to establish a Seafarers’ Hub in Cagayan de Oro City. The initiative, led by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), aims to create a one-stop center for sea-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
The proposed hub will be a 24/7 facility offering a range of services, including rest areas, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and access to food and drinks. It will also provide legal aid and basic health check-ups. Modeled after a similar center in Manila, the hub will serve as a central point for seafarers in Northern Mindanao who are awaiting deployment, training, or documents.
During the coordination meeting on August 26, DOST-10, represented by engineer Ruel Vincent C. Banal, highlighted its Innovations for Filipinos Working Abroad (IFWD) Program. The program provides training, consultancy, and innovation funding to help seafarers and their families establish sustainable livelihoods upon their return. DOST-10 noted that it has already assisted several returning OFWs in the region through this program, making it a key partner in the reintegration pathways the new hub will offer.
