In 2013, SPO and CNCo’s shore and sea-going employees pledged large amounts of donations to help victims of the catastrophic typhoon, Typhoon Haiyan in The Philippines. The remaining funds were managed by ASSM Dependants Association (ASSMDA) and it was agreed that the funds should be used to provide long-term, physical, community support through the establishment of Seafarers Drop-in Medical Centres in the region. Over 18 months in 2016 and 2017, ASSMDA worked closely with Sailors’ Society, Habitat for Humanity, the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) and the local Barangay Mayors and their health authority leaders to bring this plan to fruition.
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ASSMDA members at the official opening of two Seafarers Drop-in Medical Centres
In late June 2017, all parties involved graced the official opening of these two Seafarers Drop-in Medical Centres; one in Palo near Tacloban in Leyte province and the other on Bantayan Island in Cebu province. The centre in Palo includes a birthing facility and will benefit approximately 1,000 households whilst its counterpart in Bantayan, will help almost 7,000 local families.
As part of the opening ceremony, key representatives of AMOSUP, ASSMDA, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Sailors’ Society, SPO and CNCo handed over a bible, candle and ceremonial key to the Barangay Captains, Municipal Mayors, Municipal Health Officers and Midwives.