Seafarer Family International Congress Celebrates Families

It was a heart-warming two days last August 14 and 15 at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel as maritime industry stakeholders came together for the second Seafarer Family International Congress (SFIC).

International speakers spoke directly to the organizations, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the well-being of seafarers and their families. Other speakers also discussed ways for seafarers and their families to build better relationships, manage their finances better, find balance, and keep healthy.

The Seafarer Family International Congress kicks off with GASFI president Marissa Oca’s opening remarks.

AMOSUP President Dr. Conrado Oca takes the stage at the SFIC

Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade shares how he came to realize how precious family is.

Senator Pia Cayetano shares how she lost her son, just as Secretary Tugade and Marissa Oca did.

Ribbon-cutting at the Seafarer Family International Congress

Ferd Garcia talks about HIV awareness at the Seafarer Family International Congress

Asking someone “Kumusta?” can contribute to that person’s mental well-being. Karen Paula Manalo, life coach and mental health advocate talks about mental health issues.

Ben Bailey, Director of Advocacy and Regional Engagement of The Mission to Seafarers talks about WeCare, its well-being programme.

Atty. Imelda Barcelona of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Philippines talks about setting boundaries in families.

Dr. Cynthia Gavino says that it’s possible to have healthy family relationship despite the cycle of separation and reunion.

What do you do now that you’re earning more money? Capt. Christopher Cervantes talks about best money practices for seafarers leading to financial independence.

Captain Maria Kristina Javellana, Master Mariner, challenges the youth crowd to make sure where their passion lies.

Associate Professor Jayeel Cornelio of the Ateneo de Manila talks about the challenges and experience of being in a seafarer family.

Award-winning photographer, environmentalist and adventurer Gregg Yan demonstrates the importance of finding balance at the youth session of the Seafarer Family International Congress.

Jebsen Gamido of Positobong Marino encourages conversation on HIV.

Certified Life Coach Mix Legaspi talks about facing your inner demons.

Mr. Jess and Mrs Mercy Ferrer share how the marital relationships in seafaring families can grow and thrive.

Coach Divine Masinsin dives into the connection between motion and emotion at the Youth Session of the Seafarer Family International Congress.

Gitte Padagdagan, author of Bidang Misis, shares her experience of being an OFW wife, and how husband and wife can work together to make a successful marriage.

Financial health is also one major thing to consider for total well-being. Financial coach Raymund Danao talks about creating a solid financial foundation.