Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Leo Hans Cacdac (PNA file photo by Yancy Lim)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac to ensure livelihood and employment support to the 17 seafarers of M/V Galaxy Leader, as they rebuild their lives after 428 days of captivity under Houthi rebels in Yemen. The President’s instruction was given after Secretary Cacdac reported on the Thanksgiving Mass for the released seafarers and their families held yesterday at the DMW Office in Mandaluyong City.
“Tulungan natin silang makabangon muli,” the President stated.
The seafarers and their families were welcomed by Secretary Cacdac and the DMW Family with a Thanksgiving Mass and Luncheon together with the Licensed Manning Agency at the DMW’s Patricia Sto. Tomas Hall. Fr. Paulo H. Prigol, CS, Chaplain and Director of the Apostolatus Maris Seafarers Center, Inc. celebrated the Thanksgiving Mass. In his homily, Fr. Prigol recognized the patience and resilience of the family members during the 428-day ordeal. “Today we say ‘Thank You’ for coming home safely,” said Fr. Prigol.
Secretary Cacdac thanked Secretary Enrique Manalo and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for carrying out the President’s directive to ensure the safe release and return of the “Courageous 17”, as well as the support of Secretary Jimmy Bautista and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Secretary Cacdac recounted the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the DMW since Day One of the hostage crisis, namely to take care of the families and provide the fullest support and assistance to them.
The seafarers and their families received financial assistance, training certificates and gift bags from the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
A representative of the 17 seafarers who spoke in their behalf thanked the President and the DFA, DMW, and OWWA, for their safe release and return. He likewise mentioned the Marcos Administration’s diplomatic effort with the government of His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman, to accomplish the mission.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the President Bongbong Marcos for your leadership and unwavering support. Your efforts to ensure the safety and well-being for every Filipino, especially sa mga OFW, serves as a beacon of hope for all of us. Mabuhay po kayo,” he said.
The President has also directed Secretary Cacdac to send the 17 seafarers and their families to their respective homes as they begin to rebuild their future.
