Story by Mdpn. Hans Ibert David and Mdpn. Rayle Navigar          
Photos by Mdpn. Lee Harvey Gumban

The Polaris Class Organization of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation Department participated in a free mental health seminar at the JBL Hall on January 20.

Entitled "Seafarer's Health and Wellbeing," the event is funded by the US Embassy and in collaboration with the International Seafarer's Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and was spearheaded by the Student Affairs and Services with the assistance of the interns from the University of Iloilo.

The two-hour session featured two guest speakers: Mr. Marville Cullen Espago, Country Manager of ISWAN, based in London, UK; and Ms. Julia Cooper, Seattle Seafarer's Center, USA. It involved plenary talks that not only inform but challenge students to open their thoughts regarding the event, with a focus group discussion for selected students.

ISWAN works all around the clock. A 24/7, 365-day free helpline, with 10,000 received calls from seafarers in a multilingual operation to promote assistance to seafarers all over.

In addition, ISWAN provided a total of $57,700 towards Filipino seafarers' emergency funds last year, which covered their medical fees caused by accidents on-board.

Reference: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1AG4wA3N1A/