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Former seafarer takes |
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Posted on 30 April 2008
The Forum was attended by senior officials and representatives of ADB, DOH, DOLE, DFA, UNAIDS, IMO, UNFPA, seafarers’ associations, Pinoy Plus Association, and other concerned sectors. It was organized to serve as a vehicle for disseminating the key findings and recommendations of the PRIMEX Consultant Team’s Situation Analysis and Response (SAR) Report on the Project’s OFW Component. Mr. Montoya, the Guest Speaker, is 37 years old, has a degree in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, and was a seafarer for almost eight years. He had to be repatriated in 2003 due to internal hemorrhage and was subsequently diagnosed to have TB. He underwent surgery and had to take continuous medication for almost eight months.
In his speech, he described the typical life of a seafarer, including the economic and other ‘pleasurable’ benefits, on one hand, and the hardships and health risks and hazards. Mr. Montoya highlighted the fact that seafarers are highly vulnerable to HIV, and underscored the need for the government and the private sector to work together to strengthen public awareness and information, education, and communication (IEC) in HIV/AIDS prevention to minimize such risks and prevent the spread of the epidemic in the country. He sought the support of policy makers, international organizations, manning agencies, and other concerned institutions in the development of strategies and guidelines in the fight against HIV/AIDS among OFWs. |
Mr. Raffy Montoya, a former seafarer who worked in various continents around the globe, delivered a message that caught the attention of participants of the Research Dissemination Forum (RDF) for Component 2 (dealing with Overseas Filipino Workers [OFWs]) of the Philippine Subproject of the ADB Regional Technical Assistance for Fighting HIV/AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (RETA 6321) last 10 April 2008 at the Linden Suites in Mandaluyong City. 
