Counseling must be available to returning OFWs: DOLE

FILE: Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assist overseas Filipino workers heading home to their respective provinces during a send-off at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Tuesday (May 26, 2020). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday said aside from facilitating the return of displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), counseling and helpline services should always be available to them.

“First of all, we must find ways to facilitate their return. Second, an array of counseling and helpline services should always be available to our OFWs, especially those still onboard cruise ships,” DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a statement

Bello made the statement in the wake of the death of Filipino seafarer Mariah Jocson whose body was found inside her cabin on Thursday while awaiting repatriation.

Jocson, an assistant waiter for the cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas, was found lifeless in her cabin of the ship Harmony of the Seas in Barbados, where she was transferred for repatriation.

“The circumstances of her untimely passing need to heighten greater awareness and advocacy on psycho-social needs and mental wellness of our OFWs awaiting repatriation,” he added.

Bello also condoled with the family of the 28-year-old OFW.

“She set sail as a proud OFW last March 2019, filled with all the hopes and dreams of any young Filipino.

Her loss brings us heartbreak and grief, and we express our deepest sympathies, prayers, and support to her family,” he said.

“I have directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the concerned licensed manning agency (LMA) to immediately get in touch with the family of seafarer Jocson and assure them of all the support, assistance, and benefits,” Bello added.

Meanwhile, the DOLE said for those who need counseling, the OWWA can be reached through Hotline 1348, with referral systems to the following mental wellness helplines:

Ugat Foundation – 0283700239/ FB: contactUGATsandaline

HOPELINE Philippines – 09188734673/ 09175584673

National Center for Mental Health – 09178998727/ 029898727

Philippine Red Cross – Hotline 1158

Konsulta MD – 79880 (Globe TM)/ 0277988000 (non-Globe/TM)

Bofill Psychological Services – 09238447755/ FB: BPS Psychological Services.