16/07/2026
𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬
On 22–23 March 2026, the Associated Philippine Seafarers Union (APSU), in partnership with ITF Wellbeing, successfully conducted the 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 at Starboard, 8th Floor Azotea, JSU-PSU Mariner's Court, Pier 1, Cebu City.
The two-day workshop brought together 32 Filipino ferry workers from Cebu, Philippines to better understand the realities of workplace stress, strengthen peer support, and develop practical skills to promote mental well-being in the maritime industry.
The program opened with opening messages from Ms. Rosemie Salcedo, Director of the MRSD of ALU-Cebu, and Atty. Zeus Mabanag, Regional Vice President of ALU-Central Visayas Region, thanking the participants for giving their time to attend this activity.
The workshop was facilitated by ITF Cebu Inspector Niño Mike D. Torrevillas (ITF Cebu - International Transport Workers' Federation), with Sadie Saunders, Maritime Policy Adviser of the ITF - International Transport Workers' Federation, introducing the partnership between APSU and ITF and highlighting their shared commitment to advancing the rights, welfare, and well-being of ferry workers. She also guided participants through a calming mandala coloring activity, demonstrating how simple mindfulness exercises can help reduce stress.
Participants were then equipped with valuable knowledge and practical skills by Ms. Febe Labrilla Ferolino, Master Trainer and Consultant, who led sessions on First Responder Skills, Peer Support, and Peer Education, empowering ferry workers to become reliable sources of support for their colleagues during times of stress and crisis.
Meanwhile, Dr. Syed Asif Altaf Chowdhury, Chairperson of ITF Wellbeing, facilitated sessions on Stress Management and Healthy Coping Strategies, introducing breathing techniques, meditation, and other evidence-based practices that participants can integrate into their daily lives both onboard and at home.
Throughout the workshop, ferry workers openly shared the challenges and stressors they face in their profession. Together, they explored ways to recognize signs of stress, care for their own mental health, and support fellow workers through peer intervention and compassionate listening.
APSU and ITF Wellbeing remain committed to ensuring that the welfare of transport workers extends beyond physical safety—because a healthier mind builds a stronger, safer, and more resilient maritime workforce.
