DFA Consular Office in Tagum Commemorates Day of Seafarers 2020

Left Photo: Administrative Officer Marian Nicole R. Bernadas explains the importance of the program with the passport applicants. Right Photo: Mr. Hyrum P. Almeda, a seafarer applicant shares his experience as a seafarer. (Tagum CO photo)

TAGUM CITY 30 June 2020 – In commemoration of the Day of the Seafarers 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office (CO) in Tagum, headed by Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Joany G. Margallo-Lucas, held a brief program on 25 June 2020 at the Consular Office Tagum, fourth floor of GMall, Tagum City, together with the passport applicants by emphasizing the contribution of the Filipino seafarers to the country’s economy and amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

The program showcased one seafarer applicant, Mr. Hyrum P. Almeda from San Antonio, Mabini, Davao de Oro, who shared his story of being a seafarer which includes the hardships, the number of working hours in the ship, and some internet connection issues when talking to loved ones. Mr. Almeda was a land-based Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) prior to becoming a seafarer and he shared how he has encountered more hardships as a sea-based OFW than as a land-based OFW. 

The program concluded with Consular Office’s Administrative Officer Marian Nicole R. Bernadas reading the message of Department of Transportations (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and the group watching the message of International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack Lim. END