ANG pagpapakamatay ng seafarer na si Maria Jocson ay dapat umanong magmulat sa pangangailangan na pangalagaan ang mental health ng mga overseas Filipino workers.
Ito ang sinabi ni Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III kasabay ng pakikidalamhati nito sa pagpanaw ni Jocson na nagpatiwakal habang naghihintay na makauwi sa bansa.
“We share the grief of the family of Filipino seafarer Mariah Jocson,” ani Bello sa isang pahayag. “She set sail as a proud OFW last March 2019, filled with all the hopes and dreams of any young Filipino. Her loss brings us heartbreak and grief, and we express our deepest sympathies, prayers, and support to her family.”
“The circumstances of her untimely passing need to heighten greater awareness and advocacy on psycho-social needs and mental wellness of our OFWs awaiting repatriation.”
Bukod sa pag-asikaso sa kanilang pag-uwi, sinabi ni Bello na dapat ay mayroong counseling at helpline services para sa mga OFW.
“I have directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the concerned licensed manning agency (LMA) to immediately get in touch with the family of seafarer Jocson and assure them of all the support, assistance, and benefits.”
Si Jocson, assistant waiter sa cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas, ay natagpuang walang buhay sa kanyang cabin sa Harmony of the Seas in Barbados kung saan siya inilipat para sa repatriation nito.
Ang mga nangangailangan ng counseling ay maaaring tumawag sa OWWA Hotline 1348 na mayroong referral systems sa mga mental wellness helplines:
Ugat Foundation – 0283700239/ FB: contactUGATsandaline
HOPELINE Philippines – 09188734673/ 09175584673
National Center for Mental Health – 09178998727/ 029898727
Philippine Red Cross – Hotline 1158
Konsulta MD – 79880 (Globe TM)/ 0277988000 (non-Globe/TM)
Bofill Psychological Services – 09238447755/ FB: BPS Psychological Services