UGAT Foundation, (a Jesuit family-oriented group) together with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) launched a program called Daungan that aims to help Filipino seamen and their families cope with the loneliness and pressure that comes with their profession.

The program is a psycho-spiritual support system that makes it possible for seamen to receive an expert advice from a trained volunteer counselor via mobile messaging. It is very easy for seamen to avail of this service. They can either send a text message or call mobile number 0915-9389715. Trained volunteer counselors will receive their calls and messages.

The program head, Fr. Nilo Tanalega SJ said, “The counseling service is free, but standard call and text rates apply. Daungan offers free confidential counseling, resource articles on psycho-spiritual enrichment, opportunities for formation and active linkages to other seafarers and their families, and trained counselors."

The priest further added, “Some of the perceived needs that could benefit from an accessible avenue for emotional ventilation are the loneliness due to temporary separation, the emotional numbing from the endless cycles of ‘hellos’ and ‘goodbyes’, the stress of responsible financial management and even support while fighting the many different temptations."

Seamen can also avail of personal counseling. The UGAT Foundation can refer the caller to a counselor near their area through its Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao networks of care providers.