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Manila, Philippines — June 17, 2025. With the increasing number of Filipino seafarers reported missing overseas, the ALMA Maritime Group, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), convened a timely and powerful event at the AMOSUP Convention Hall, placing mental wellness at the forefront of maritime dialogue.

Themed “Mental Wellness at the Helm,” the forum brought together medical professionals, service providers, and academic experts to take a hard look at the seafarer psyche, revisit existing pre-employment assessment practices, and explore strategies for early intervention.

-A Crisis That Demands Attention
Seafaring remains one of the world’s most demanding professions, with months of isolation, long hours, and high-risk environments often taking a toll on the mental health of those at sea. Reports of missing seafarers have heightened alarm within the industry, prompting organizations such as ALMA to seek deeper understanding of the root causes behind these troubling cases.

Moderated by ALMA Chairperson Atty. Iris Baguilat, the panel zeroed in on the intersection of medical screening, wellness interventions, and the lived realities of Filipino seafarers. She underscored the urgent need to address mental health not as an afterthought but as a central component of seafarer safety and retention.

Insights from Experts
The panel featured a distinguished lineup of speakers who brought multidisciplinary perspectives:

1.Dr. Kelly Salvador of Windsor International Maritime Clinic shared clinical observations from medical screenings, noting gaps in psychological assessments.

2.Dr. Monique Mendoza of Nordic Maritime Clinic highlighted the importance of holistic medical examinations that integrate both physical and mental health markers.

3.Mr. Samuel Chan of Circle-Digital Venture introduced digital tools for mental health tracking and early intervention, emphasizing technology as a bridge for support even when crew are at sea.

4.Ms. Karen Ibanez of OneCare Group discussed workplace counseling models and wellness programs tailored for seafarers.

5. Mr. Lambert Ramirez of the University of Asia and the Pacific provided an academic framework on resilience and coping mechanisms among overseas Filipino workers, particularly maritime professionals.

Together, the panelists unpacked key insights on early detection of mental health challenges, the importance of culturally relevant support systems, and the role of preventive care in ensuring that seafarers receive not only medical clearance but also psychological preparedness before deployment.

-Strengthening Support Systems
Discussions extended beyond clinical practices, pointing toward a more comprehensive ecosystem of care. Participants emphasized the need for closer collaboration among manning agencies, clinics, and wellness service providers. They also called on stakeholders to normalize conversations around mental health, breaking the stigma that often prevents seafarers from seeking help.

-Closing Commitment
The event concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Mr. Paul Galvez, ALMA Trustee, who reaffirmed the Group’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the dignity, safety, and overall well-being of Filipino seafarers. He emphasized that mental wellness is not just a medical issue but a collective responsibility of the entire maritime community.

By spotlighting mental health at a national forum, ALMA Maritime Group and the DMW have signaled a significant shift in how the industry views seafarer welfare. With mental wellness now firmly on the agenda, stakeholders are hopeful that these conversations will translate into concrete programs, ensuring that Filipino seafarers—the backbone of global shipping—sail not only with skill and strength, but also with peace of mind.