The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment has established a Maritime Labor Affairs Office tasked with safeguarding Filipino seafarers’ legal rights, employment conditions and welfare. The new office will provide legal aid, dispute resolution, training links with maritime schools and expanded employment and livelihood support for seafarers and their families.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) announced on September 8, 2026 the creation of a new Maritime Labor Affairs Office (MLAO) to specifically address the legal, employment and welfare concerns of Filipino seafarers. The office is mandated to handle legal assistance, conciliation and dispute settlement, oversee the enforcement of monetary awards such as wages and disability benefits, and strengthen pre-employment, employment and post-employment support systems.
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