Every year, hundreds of thousands of Filipino seafarers deploy to make a living outside of the country. It is hard work, but they make their sacrifice in the hopes of a better future for themselves and their families. Here are some of their thoughts on the challenges that come with the job.
On life as a seafarer...
"I would liken it to the sea. There are times wherein it is calm and you may think that you can go on for a long time but then a storm will hit you and you are having second thoughts if all the sacrifices you are making are worth it. The challenges in the life of a seafarer are similar to the movement of the sea when a storm is coming, you can prepare and plan the best actions to take but you will still be surprised by the unpredictability of what will hit you."
Dave Causin, 24
On being away from family...
"It can be very hard living far away from loved ones. I have missed a lot of milestones during the growing years of my son. However, there are things you can do to help you cope with physical distances. Finding ways to celebrate major events, even from a distance."
Maria Veronica de Leon, 44
On the importance of protection...
"Life is uncertain. We don't know when we will fall ill or accidents will take place. However, insurance can protect us from these events. Without insurance, we may not be prepared to handle getting critically ill or sick. As a seafarer, it's very important for us to be healthy and fit to work all the time, as our profession relies a lot on our health."
Froyd N. Tampus, 27
On motivation...
"To be able to provide what my family needs"
Briyan H. Blancaflor, 36
On being a BPI AIA Ambassador...
"To share with other seafarers how BPI AIAinsurance helps us and have an assurance that our family is insured whatever happened onboard."
Franz Werner, 38
Preparing for uncertainties and earning good provision are common themes in the thoughts of seafarers. In most cases, addressing these needs is what got them into this line of work and what keeps them there. Ultimately, the goal is to give their loved ones a comfortable present and a secure future.
Getting protected through plans like the Critical Care 100, a comprehensive health and life insurance plan that covers up to 100 critical illnesses until age 100, can be the response to the worry that anything can happen. Another solution is MedLife Protect Plus, a life insurance product that not only gives significant assistance in medical costs but also provides the option of making additional investments for financial security.
The sacrifices these hardworking men and women make are not small. They battle with heavy workloads and the mental strain of being away for long periods of time. But, like a beacon of a lighthouse to a storm-battered ship, they hone in on what is important: caring for their loved ones.
To find out more about how Critical Care 100 and Medlife Protect Plus can be of service to you and your family, contact us today.
