In anticipation of the need of seafarers for a decent and affordable dwelling place, especially upon retirement, AMOSUP once again has taken upon itself, without government assistance, to launch a first-of-its-kind in the country, medium-cost housing project and shelter program, better known as the Seamen’s Village, located in Dasmariñas, Cavite, about 35 kilometers south of Manila.

Knowing that the average Filipino seafarer cannot afford to buy his own house and lot using his own resources because of the level of compensation, the ever-increasing costs of real property and construction, coupled with insufficient domestic credit facilities, the union embarked on the project for the benefit of its bona fide members.

Launched in 1991, the Seamen’s Village is the only first-of-its-kind Medium-Cost Housing Project and Shelter Program in the Philippines established by a labor union.

In 1993, the first house and lot packages were awarded to members through a selection process. As of the end of 2003, over 400 house and lot packages have been awarded to deserving beneficiaries. At least 50 units are constructed and awarded each year to deserving and qualified beneficiaries.

The major benefit to the members lies in the repayment scheme of the package. Deserving member-beneficiaries are not required to pay a downpayment, amortization is for a 15-year period and zero interest is charged. The cost of money is totally absorbed by the union.

The Seamen’s Village operates its own Pre-school and two (2) Slop Chests or mini-marts. It also has a Chapel, known as the Lord of the Sea Chapel, (a new and bigger Chapel is currently under construction) which has regular weekend services, a Multi-Purpose Recreation and Game Hall, a Children’s Playground, a Multi-Sport Covered Court, also used for various functions and two (2) Swimming Pools.

Depending on the success of the program and if resources permit, the union’s leadership will contemplate on replicating the benefit scheme to other parts of the country. So far, this program has elicited a wide acceptance from the general membership.