Seafarer Summit calls for stronger support for Filipino seafarers

Filipino seafarers should be recognized not only for their contribution to the global economy but also through stronger support for their mental health, financial well-being, and life after working at sea, speakers said during the Seafarer Social Summit 2026 held in Pasay City.

The summit, held on June 22 at the Museo del Galeón in Pasay City in celebration of the International Day of the Seafarer, gathered seafarers, maritime professionals, aspiring seafarers, and industry stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the maritime community.

Carl King, founder of Seafarer Social, said the event was organized to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions of Filipino seafarers.

“For two years, I spent a lot of time with seafarers and cadets, and I grew to understand how important their role is in the global economy—not only how much they sacrifice, but how much they give,” King said.

“Our goal is that every Filipino seafarer who walks into this building and everyone who watches our content will feel a sense of pride about being a seafarer and what they contribute to the global economy,” he added.

Joseph Francia, first vice president and head of operations of GMA International, stressed the contributions of Filipino seafarers and their families to nation-building.

"There are 600,000 Filipino seafarers deployed around the world. Sila po, kasama na ang kanilang mga pamilya, ay mga Kapuso natin dahil sila ay tumutulong sa ating ekonomiya, kabuhayan, at sa patuloy na pagpapalago ng ating bansa," Francia said.

(There are 600,000 Filipino seafarers deployed around the world. Together with their families, they are our Kapuso because they help our economy, livelihoods, and in the continued development of our country.)

Meanwhile, Catherine Logie of OneOcean-Lloyd’s Register said the Philippines should be recognized as a global hub of maritime expertise rather than simply a supplier of seafarers.

“The Philippines is a global hub of maritime expertise,” Logie said.

“I didn’t say the number one supplier of crew because I think that’s just reducing crew to numbers. Filipino seafarers have decades of experience and expertise.”

She added that the maritime industry must continue listening to and supporting seafarers.

“We are here to listen, to support, and actually to thank seafarers for the hard work that they do every day,” she said.

Financial preparedness after years at sea was also highlighted during the summit.

GMA host Susan Enriquez encouraged seafarers to invest and prepare for retirement while they are still earning.

"Pag dumating 'yung mga pagkakataon na kailangan mo na mag-retire, so importante mayroon ka talangang investment, mayroong pupuntahan 'yung pera mo. 'Yung pinaghirapan mo, sabi nga e, katas ng buwis buhay," she said.

(When the time comes for you to retire, it’s important to have investments so your hard-earned money continues to work for you. It’s the fruit of your life’s hard work.)

For fellow GMA host Kim Atienza, mental health remains one of the biggest concerns facing seafarers despite the industry’s economic significance.

“They contribute billions of dollars every year. They’re heroes, but many of them are struggling,” Atienza said.

He noted that while social media often shows seafarers visiting scenic destinations, it rarely reflects the realities of working long hours aboard ships.

"It's hard. And mental health is a prime concern for seafarers now because of the napakataas ng incidence ng self-harm at ang depression dahil sa hirap ng buhay nila so dapat suportahan natin itong mga ito because napakalaking pera ang binibigay nila para supprtahan ang kanilang pamilya at ating ekonomiya. But at what cost? They're dying," Atienza added.

(Mental health is now a major concern for seafarers because of the high incidence of self-harm and depression brought about by the hardships they face. That’s why we need to support them. They contribute so much to their families and to our economy. But at what cost? They’re dying.)

The Seafarer Social Summit featured discussions on financial literacy, mental wellness, career development, family welfare, and the future of the maritime industry.

The event was powered by Pinoy eSIM, while GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV served as media partners. —LDF/ VDV, GMA News