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What are the OWWA Programs and Benefits and How to Avail Them?

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The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is an agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines. It is a government agency that protects and looks after the welfare and well-being of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) as well as their dependents by providing services that would be beneficial for them.

Here is list of Services and Benefits to be enjoy by an OWWA member and their dependents:
  1. Social Benefits

There are accident and life insurance benefits for OFW members during the duration of their contract (per contract basis, with a maximum of two years per contract). Only active OWWA members are qualified.

Types of Social Benefits:

A. Disability and Dismemberment Benefits – A member is entitled to disability/dismemberment benefit of up to P100, 000.00 for injuries sustained due to accident while working abroad.  Qualified are active OWWA members

Requirements:

  • Foreign medical certificate
  • Medical certificate issued by the local attending physician with
    medical examination procedure. (e.g. X-ray, MRI, CT Scan)
  • Accident Report/Master’s Report for sea-based OFW

B. Death Benefit – The family of an active OFW at the time of his death is entitled to receive P100, 000.00 if the cause of death is natural, and P200, 000.00 if the cause of death is accident.  On top of death benefit, a rider of P20,000.00 will be received by the beneficiaries for the funeral expenses.

Requirements:

  • Death Certificate (Original) issued by the local civil registrar or authenticated by the National Census and Statistics Office (NCSO)
  • Foreign Death Certificate for OFWs who died abroad including Airway Bill and Consular Mortuary Certificate or No Objection Certificate
  • Accident Report for death due to accident
  • Burial permit
  • Official receipt of funeral expenses
  • 2 valid IDs and 1 pc. ID picture of claimant
  • (CENOMAR) or Certificate of no marriage of OFW from NCSO (no need if OFW is single)
  • Any of the applicable documents certified by the local civil registrar (LCR) or NCSO
  • Marriage certificate- if claimant is the spouse
  • Birth certificate of OFW – if claimant is father or mother
  • Birth certificate of child and death certificate of deceased spouse – if claimant is the child
  1. Education and Training Assistance

These programs are meant to provide OFWs and their beneficiaries with the education and training that they would need from pre-departure to their return back home after completing their contracts.

A. PRE-DEPARTURE EDUCATION PROGRAM – There are two (2) programs that need to provide for the Pre-Departure Education Program, one of which is the Country Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), this is a one-day compulsory orientation to OFWs in adapting and adjusting to the work environment as well as to the culture of their country of destination. The second program is either a four or six-day orientation seminar attended by Household Service Workers (HSWs), it is called Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program or (CPDEP).

B. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DEPENDENTS – A scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of active OWWA members in a form of financial assistance. A dependent will be qualified for this program if they meet the following criteria:

  • The scholarship grant is only provided once per family of an active OWWA member.
  • The applicant (dependent) has not previously taken the EDSP qualifying examination and any post-secondary/vocational or undergraduate/college units.
  • The applicant (dependent) must not be a recipient of any other scholarship grants.

owwa-programs

Types of Scholarships:

1.Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) – is a scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of active OWWA members who intend to enroll a 4-5 year baccalaureate course in any preferred colleges/universities. It shall be in the form of financial assistance amounting to a maximum of P60,000.00 per school year.

Qualifications:

  • The OFW (member) must have an active membership with OWWA at the time of the application.
  • The applicant (dependent) belongs to the upper 20% of the 3rdyear/high school graduating class with an average grade of at least 80%.
  • The applicant (dependent) must not be more than 21 years of age.
  • The applicant (dependent) must pass the qualifying examination conducted by DOST and belongs to the top 200 examination passer.
  • The applicant (dependent)must pass the College Admission Test of the university he/she intends to enroll.

Documentary Requirements:

  1. Accomplished EDSP Application Form (2 copies)
  2. 2×2 ID Photos (2 copies)
  3. Birth Certificate authenticated by PSA
  4. Certificate of Good Moral Character
  5. Transcript of Records or Form 137 for incoming first year college or Certificate of Grades for those already enrolled in college
  6. Principal’s Certification that the applicant obtained a general weighted average (GWA) of 80% and that he/she belongs to the top 20% of the graduating class

Filing of EDSP Application

  1. Filing of application starts every June of each school year. Deadline for submission of application is every first week of August of each year or as prescribed by ROCS based on the scheduled qualifying exam conducted by DOST
  2. An applicant must be 4thyear high school student and belongs to the graduating class at the time of the application
  3. Application with incomplete documentary requirements will not be accepted
  4. Applications are subject for review and further verification as to the documentary requirements submitted
  5. The approval of application only identifies applicants who are qualified to take the national competitive exam conducted by DOST. Examinees who belong to the top 200 passers will qualify for the scholarship

2. Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) – this second program is a scholarship program extended to deserving migrant workers and/or their immediate descendants who intend to pursue 4 or 5 year courses in the priority fields in Science and Technology. It was created by virtue of Republic Act 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.  Under section 37, Article lX. P60,000.00/year funds from the PCSO for the Educational assistance. Examination is administered by DOST.  100 passers qualify to the program.  EDSP and CMWSP have the same date of examinations.

(Documentary Requirements with EDSP and CMWSP are the same)

3. Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) – this third program is for dependents of OFWs scholarship who were active OWWA members at the time of death.  The said scholarship will be given to only one child, usually the eldest child of member-OFW.

  • P5,000- allowance for elementary
  • P8,000.00- allowance for high school
  • 10,000.00- allowance for college

If the mother/father of the OFW was single or the OFW member was married, will also receive a livelihood assistance of P15,000.00.

4. OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) – this last program is an educational assistance to qualified dependents of active OWWA-member OFWs who intend to pursue any 4 or 5 year baccalaureate degree or associate degree in state college or university. The financial assistance of the said scholarship is P20,000.00 per year. Scholarship program to dependent of OFW whose income is not more than US$400.00.

Qualifications:

  • An active OWWA member-OFW legal dependents whose monthly salary is US$400 or below
  • Only 1 sibling of member-OFW or only 1 child of married or single
  • Qualified legal dependent must be single and not more than 21 years old.
  • Must be physically, mentally, morally fit and a high school graduate.
  • Entrance examination must be pass conducted by state college/university in OWWA Regional Offices where she intends to enroll
  • The applicant (dependent) must not be a recipient of any other scholarship grants

Documentary Requirements:

  1. Accomplished Application Form (2 copies)
  2. 2×2 ID Photos (2 copies)
  3. OWWA member proof of relationship such as PSA or Local Civil Registry (LCR)-authenticated birth certificate and certificate of no marriage, if OFW is single)
  4. Transcript of Records or Form 137 for incoming first year college or Certificate of Grades for those already enrolled in college
  5. Medical certificate/clearance from any DOH-accredited hospital/center/clinic
  6. Certificate of Good Moral Character issued by the principal/guidance counselor
  7. Accomplished original copy of the Scholarship Agreement

C. SEAFARER’S UPGRADING PROGRAM (SUP) – this program intends to provide job-related in upgrading the knowledge, skills and develop expertise among Filipino seafarers in accordance with technological and advancements and global maritime standards.

Training assistance is P7,500.00. The Applicants may pick their preferred training course accredited by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) or Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from the list of OWWA recognized Training Providers where he/she intends to enroll.

Requirements:

Applications may be filed within 90 days from the date of last arrival to the Philippines/on vacation or following the expiration of his employment contract.

  • Proof of OWWA membership
  • Accomplished Application Form
  • Seafarer’s Identification & Record Book and/or Passport (valid original copy)
  • 2”x2” Photo (2 copies)

D. TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR OFWs AND DEPENDENTS

a. Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) – It is in the form of training assistance with OWWA assuming the training cost in vocational/technical courses accredited by TESDA and other government institutions as prescribed in the existing implementing guidelines. Applicants will have the right to choose their preferred training course from the list of OWWA recognized Training Providers where he/she intends to enroll.  Eligible are OFWs member and beneficiaries.  The Financial Assistance is P14,500.00.

Qualifications:

  • A dependent or beneficiary of an active OWWA member, or an active OWWA member itself, Member-OFW dependent/beneficiary shall be limited to :
  • Spouse
  • Child 20 years old and below (not currently enrolled)
  • Brother or sister of single OFW 20 years old and below (not currently enrolled)
  • A Filipino citizen
  • At least elementary graduate

Requirements:

  • Proof of relationship to OFW-member, if dependent/beneficiary and proof of OWWA membership for member.
  • One (1) SESP benefit is to One (1) Contribution of OWWA Membership; succeeding availment needs three (3) additional membership contributions

b. Information Technology (IT) Training Program – This program provides access to technology intended to bridge the communication gap between the OFW and his/her family and allow them to communicate with each other through the internet. This program provides OFWs and their families training and also aims to upgrade their IT skills.

3. Workers Welfare Assistance Program 

This program shall guarantee the well-being of OFWs in their respective job sites; the means to get back to the country for unforeseen events; as well as assistance to them and their families if the need arises back home.

On-site Assistance and Services

This type of assistance is extended to OFWs at their job sites by the Philippine Overseas Labor Officials, which includes:

  1. Assistance on OFW’s whereabouts
  2. Psycho-social counseling
  3. Mediation/conciliation with employer
  4. Airport assistance
  5. Hospital/prison/work camp visitations
  6. Legal assistance to OFWs who wish to pursue labor/welfare case against their employer in the host country

In-Country

Extended Assistance to OFWs or families here, as well as requests from families and next-of-kins (NOKs) for assistance from OWWA overseas posts

Types of Assistance:

A. Assistance to OFWs or families – next-of-kins (NOKs) for assistance from OWWA overseas posts and requests from families.

B. Post-repatriation Assistance

  • Temporary shelter at OWWA Halfway House
  • Transportation allowance to their provinces
  • Stress Debriefing / Counseling
  • Referral

4. Social Services and Family Welfare Services

A. Repatriation Assistance Program – this provides services including negotiations with employers, agents and host country authorities to facilitate the immediate repatriation of OFWs who are distressed or physically/mentally ill, and of human remains. They are accorded airport assistance, temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home, psycho-social counseling, stress debriefing, and provision of transport services or fares for their onward travel to their respective provinces.  Emergency repatriation is carried out in the event of political unrest or natural calamities.

OFWs, regardless of their OWWA membership can avail of the Repatriation Program

B. Reintegration Program – Reintegration (in-country). Offers opportunities of livelihood to OFWs who have finished contracts and have no wish to go back to work abroad. This will allow them to pursue self-employment or livelihood project as a means of generating income for their families after their overseas employment is done.

Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay! Program

This program aims to provide immediate relief to returning OFW members, active or non-active that are displaced from their jobs due to war/political conflicts in host countries or policy reforms controls and changes by the host government or are victims of illegal recruitment and/or human trafficking or other distressful situations. It also enables the beneficiaries to be multi-skilled through access to training services by training institutions like TESDA, DTI, and NGOs.

The total package of this program is amounting to TEN THOUSAND PESOS (P10,000.00) maximum consisting of the following:

  1. Techno-skills and/or entrepreneurial trainings and
  2. Starter kits/goods and/or
  3. Other services that will enable the target beneficiaries to quick start a livelihood undertaking through self/wage employment.

Eligible Beneficiaries:

  • This can be availed only by eligible beneficiaries and within one year after return to the country.
  • The members of OWWA with finished employment contracts are not entitled to this Program, active or non-active.

5. Overseas Filipino Workers – Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP)

OFW-EDLP is a loan facility of OWWA and an enterprise development intervention, in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). This supports the enterprise development among OFWs and their families. This is formerly known as OFW-Reintegration Program (ORP).

Eligible Borrowers:

  1. Certified OFW OWWA Member, active or non-active.
  2. Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT)
  • If OFW is married, by the legal spouse
  • If OFW is single, widow, widower, or separated-in-fact:
  • Parents not more than sixty (60) years old
  • Children who are at least eighteen (18) years old
  1. OFWs working abroad, or about to leave may be presented by the following:
  2. Franchising Business
  3. Contract tie-up with top 1000 corporations;
  4. Agri and non-agri production/manufacturing
  5. Construction/rental business
  6. Transport service
  7. Any viable project whether existing or new

Interest Rate: 7.5% per annum for the entire duration of the loan

Loan Purpose: Working Capital and Fixed Asset Acquisition

Project Cost-Sharing: Borrower’s Equity – minimum of 20% of the Total Project Cost (TPC)

Loan Amount: The loan amount shall depend on the project needs and amount of equity participation of the borrower:

A. For Individual Loan Borrowers (single proprietorship)

  • Minimum – P100,000.00
  • Maximum – P2,000,000.00

B. For Group Loan Borrowers (partnerships, corporations, cooperatives)

  • Minimum – P100,000.00
  • Maximum – P5,000,000.00

Loan Repayment:

  1. Short-Term: Max of one (1) year;
  2. Term Loan: based on cash flow but not to exceed 7 years, inclusive of maximum of 2 years grace period.

How to Become an OWWA Member?

Through enrollment upon processing of your contract at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), you will become an OWWA member already or by voluntary registration at job sites overseas. For a processing fee of ₱100.00 and a US$25.00 (around P1,300.00) membership contribution per contract for maximum of 2 years.

Members are issued an Official Receipt upon payment of contribution. They shall likewise be issued an OWWA e-Card.

Either the voluntary or compulsory coverage of OWWA membership shall be effective upon payment of membership contribution, until expiration of their employment contract.

OWWA OP CENTER

TEXT- (0917) TXT OWWA OR (0917) 898-6992

Trunk line- 8917601-24 local 5516/5517

Fax Number- (+632) 804-06-38

Email- owwa_opcenter247@yahoo.com

Website- www.owwa.gov.ph

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