The Overseas Filipino Workers are our “Modern Heroes” because of their sacrifices and contributions not only to their families but also to our economy. Despite knowing the hardships that they will endure, they still choose to work far from their family and friends for the chance to have a better life.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA is one of the Philippine government agencies that aims to protect and promote the welfare and well-being of Filipino workers abroad. OWWA, together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Department of Education (DepEd), provides programs and services that greatly benefit Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents.
Benefits
Not All OFWs are aware of the OWWA’s program and services. This is the reason why we wanted to let them know that the OWWA will always be there in times of need for all OFWs and their families.
OWWA created programs such as Social Benefits, Education Scholarship and Training Benefits, Welfare Programs, Reintegration Programs, and Repatriation Assistance Benefits.
Depending on the program, OFWs can receive financial assistance, education and training assistance, and livelihood assistance.
Program and Services
Here is the list of programs and services that OFWs and their dependents can enjoy. So, make sure to check them out to know which program and service you can apply for,
1. Social Benefits
OWWA members who suffered and experienced calamities, bereavement, medical problems, and other problems can apply for social benefits.
Disability and Dismemberment Benefits
OWWA members who were injured while working abroad can apply for this program. This program provides financial support up to Php 100,000.
Requirements
- Foreign Medical Certificate
- Medical Certificate with Medical Examination Procedure issued by the attending Physician
- Accident Report or Masster’s Report (for Sea-based OFWs)
Death and Burial Benefits
Deceased OWWA members are entitled to receive up to Php 20,000 that their family can use for burial costs. The deceased OFW family will also receive a financial grant depending on the cause of death.
- Php 100,000 for natural cause of death
- Php 200,000 for accident cause of death
Requirements
- Two (2) government-issued identification cards of the claimant
- 1 2×2 picture of claimant
- Original copy of Death Certificate issued by Local Civil Registry (LCR) or Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
- If the OFW died abroad, the claimant must submit a Foreign Death Certificate with an Airway Bill and Consular Mortuary Certificate/No Objection Certificate.
- Accident Report (for accidental death)
- Burial Permit
- Funeral Expenses Official Receipt
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of OFW
Requirements for the claimant
- Marriage Certificate if the claimant is the spouse
- Birth Certificate of OFW if the claimant is the OFW’s parents
- Birth Certificate of the Claimant and Death Certificate of the Deceased Spouse of the OFW if the Claimant is the OFW’s child.
Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWS (Medplus)
OWWA and PhilHealth members hospitalized for a dreaded disease can receive supplemental medical relief. They will receive a financial grant of up to Php 50,000 depending on the case rate.
Requirements
- Medplus Application Form
- Philhealth Benefit Payment Notice
- One (1) passport-size picture
- Proof of OWWA Membership Contribution (Official Receipt or OWWA card)
- Notarized Power of Attorney from the OFW if the claimant is the next of kin.
- Death Certificate of the OFW (if the OFW is deceased) and Marriage Contract and birth certificate of the claimant.
Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)
All OFWs, whether active or non-active, can still receive social benefits from OWWA in times of need. This program is for OFWs who are not yet eligible for regular OWWA social benefits. Here are the other benefits that you can avail:
- Calamity Assistance. For OWWA members who were affected by calamities or disasters.
- Bereavement Assitance. Family members of the OWWA member who died will receive assistance from this program.
- Medical Assistance. This program is for OWWA members who are not covered under MEDplus and get sick or injured.
- Disability Assitance. For OWWA members who are victims of accidents and crime.
- Relief Assistance. For displaced OWWA members due to economic, political, or health problems.
2. Education and Training Benefits
The OWWA, together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authorities and other government agencies, created scholarship and training programs that will benefit OFWs and their beneficiaries. The purpose of these programs is to provide OFWs and their beneficiaries with the right preparation and skills that they need for their job.
Pre-Departure Education Program
Before you become an OFW, the Philippine government requires all OFWs to undergo Pre-Departure Training. This is for OFWs to fully understand the dos and don’ts in their host country, the advantages and disadvantages of working abroad, and to prepare them mentally and physically.
Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
The PDOS is under the Pre-Departure Education Program that aims to educate soon-to-be OFWs about their host country. This is a one-day orientation that talks about topics such as:
- Employment Contract
- Country of Destination
- Stages of OFWs’ Life in Abroad
- Health and Safety
- Financial Literacy
- Travel Tips and Airport Procedures
- Government Programs and Services
Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP)
The CPDEP is specifically designed for Household Service Workers (HSWs) and Domestic Workers (DHs). This is a 2-6 day training program that focuses on:
- Language Training
- Culture Familiarization
- Stress Management
Training Programs for Filipino Seafarers
OWWA also provided training programs for all sea-based OFWs. This is for seafarers who want to upgrade their skills and get the promotion they want.
Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)
The SUP provides financial grants worth up to Php 7,500 that they can use to enroll in any job-related training course.
Requirements
- Proof of OWWA membership
- Application Form
- Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book
- Passport
- Two 2×2 ID picture
Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (Bridging) Program
Applicants who are graduates of BS Mechanical Engineering or BS Electrical Engineering who want to upgrade their education to BS Marine Engineering can apply to this program. The applicants must be active members of OWWA, immediate dependents or beneficiaries of the OFW, and Next-of-Kin (NOK) of the OFW.
Requirements
- Proof of Relationship to the OFW
- Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, etc.
- Transcript of Records
- Sworn statement of no current or pending application for scholarship
Scholarships for OFW Dependents
OWWA provides scholarships not only for OFWs but also for their dependents. This is to help OFWs ease their burden and provide good education for their families.
Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
The EDSP provides a financial grant worth Php 60,000 every school year for qualified OFW dependents who are planning or currently enrolled in a 4-5-year course in any college or university. The OFW must be an active member of OWWA for their dependents to qualify.
Qualifications for incoming 1st year college
- Single
- 21 years and below
- The General Weighted Average (GWA) must be 80% or higher
- Must belong to the upper 20% of the graduating class
- Must belong to the Top 400 passers of the qualification exam administered by the DOST
Qualifications for 2nd to 5th year college
- Single
- 30 years and below
- The General Weighted Average (GWA) must be at least B or 85%
Requirements
- 2 copies of the application form
- 2 copies of 2×2 ID picture
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- School Record
- Form 137, Transcript of Record (TOR), etc.
OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)
The ODSP provides Php 20,000 every school year to qualified OFW dependents. The OFW must be an active member and earn at least $600.
Qualifications
- Single
- Pass the entrance exam administered by the school
- Must have no pending or current scholarship application
Requirements
- 2 copies of the application form
- 2 copies of 2×2 ID picture
- Proof of relationship to the OFW (Birth Certificate, Marriage Contract)
- Medical Certificate
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Scholarship Agreement
- School Record (Form 137, Transcript of Record, etc.)
Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)
The SESP provides financial grants worth up to Php 14,500 per course for OFWs who want to upgrade their skills. The money must be used to pay for the tuition fees in any vocational or technical course that the applicants want.
Qualifications
- Land-based or sea-based OFW
- Has completed a contract
- OWWA member
Requirements
- Application form
- 2 copies of 2×2 ID picture
- Proof of OWWA membership (official receipt, e-card, seaman’s book, POEA authenticated contract)
- School Record (Form 137, Transcript of Record, Report Card)
- OFW’s passport
- Proof of relationship to the OFW (Birth Certificate, Marriage Contract) if the applicant is the beneficiary of OFW
Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)
ELAP is the program that helps the family of the deceased or convicted OFW. This program grants the eldest child a scholarship that will allow them to continue their education or a livelihood program for the spouse or parents of the OFW.
- Primary Student – Php 5,000
- High School Student – Php 8,000
- College Student – Php 10,000
- Livelihood Assistance – -Php 15,000 worth of package
Scholarship Requirements
- Application Form
- 2 copies of passport-size ID picture
- Proof of relationship to the OFW (Birth Certificate, Marriage Contract)
- Proof of OWWA membership (official receipt, e-card, seaman’s book, POEA authenticated contract)
- School Record (Form 137, Transcript of Record, Report Card)
- Medical Certificate
- Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Scholarship Agreement
Livelihood Requirements
- Application Form
- 2 copies of passport-size ID picture
- Proof of relationship to the OFW (Birth Certificate, Marriage Contract)
- Certificate of receipt of the Livelihood Package
If the OFW is convicted of a crime, the dependent must get an official list of names of members who are convicted and are not included in the death penalty list in a foreign country. If the OFW is still not on the list, they can get a certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Project EASE and Tabang OFW
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, a lot of people lost their lives and their jobs. This happened not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. This is the reason why the OWWA created special projects for OFWs who got displaced or lost their job because of the pandemic.
Educational Assistance by Scholarship in Emergencies (Project EASE)
Project EASE provides financial grants of up to Php 10,000 annually to OFW dependents who are studying. The beneficiaries will receive educational assistance for a maximum of 4 years. The OFW must be an active OWWA member who got displaced or lost their job due to the pandemic. The beneficiaries of this project can be the child or spouse. The sibling can be a beneficiary as long as the OFW is single and doesn’t have a child on his own.
Tertiary Education Subsidy for Dependents of Repatriated OFWs (Tabang OFW)
The Tabang OFW is a special project that aims to support the OFWs’ dependents in college. The dependents must be an incoming freshman or currently enrolled in college or university. Eligible beneficiaries are the following:
- Must be 30 years old and below
- Unmarried child of the OFW
- Siblings, nieces, or nephews of unmarried OFW
3. Reintegration Program
The OWWA created the reintegration program to help OFWs and their families return to work and stand on their own feet after deciding to return to the Philippines.
Reintegration Preparedness (On-Site)
- Value Formation Training
- Financial Literacy
- Entrepreneurial Development Training
- Techno-skills and Capacity Building
Reintegration (In-Country)
- Job Referrals
- Business Counseling
- Community Organizing
- Financial Literacy Seminar
- Networks with Support Institutions
Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program
The BPBHP provides financial grants worth Php 20,000 for distressed or displaced OFWs. The financial grant is exclusively to start or expand a business.
Requirements
- Application Form
- Certificate of Entrepreneurial Development Training
- Business Proposal approved by the OWWA Regional Welfare Office director
- Proof of Return or Repatriation of the OFW (passport, travel documents, airline tickets)
Overseas Filipino Workers – Enterprise Development Loan Program (OFW – EDLP)
The OFW-EDLP is a program that allows OFWs to take a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). An individual loan borrower can get a minimum of Php 100,000 and a maximum of Php 2,000,000 loan. A group loan borrower can get a minimum of Php 100,000 and a maximum of Php 5,000,000 loan.
This program offers short-term loans with a maximum of 1 year and long-term loans not exceeding 7 years. It has a 5% interest rate per annum and requires loan security or collateral such as an object of financing, mortgageable project assets, or personal assets of the borrower.
Projects
- Franchising Business
- Contract tie-ups with corporations within the Top 1,000
- Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Production
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Rental Business
- Service
- Trading Business
- Transport Service
Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-Unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong PUSO)
The Tulong PUSO program provides financial grants to OFW organizations that aim to support, improve, and restore their livelihood projects. The organization can receive up to Php 1,000,000 worth of raw materials, equipment, tools and jigs, and other services that will help the organization.
Requirements
- Application Form
- Certificate of Entrepreneurial Development Training (CEDT) (only for start-up projects)
- DOLE/SEC/CDA registration
- Certification of Recognition from OWWA Regional Welfare Office
- Beneficiary Prole
- Business Permit
- Business Proposal (must have an equity equivalent of 20% or higher of the Total Project Cost)
- Board Resolution on who will manage and work in the organization
4. Repatriation Assistance Benefits
The OWWA is always ready to help all OFWs in distress. Filipinos abroad who suffer from abuse, natural calamities, and even death will receive help from the Philippine government such as:
- Airport Assistance
- Temporary Shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home
- Psychosocial Counseling
- Stress Debriefing
- Transport Services to their hometown
5. E-Services
OWWA added online services for OFWs’ convenience. With just a smartphone and internet connection, you can avail the following:
- OFW Assistance Information System (OASIS)
- OFW e-Card application
- OWWA Rebate Portal
- OFW e-Card Tracker
- OWWA Mobile App
Video: OWWA PROGRAMS & BENEFITS FOR OFW 2024
Watch this video by RICROD-PH as they give details about OWWA programs and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still avail of services from OWWA even if I’m not an active member?
The OWWA encourages all OFWs to be members to get a full service. But in case you are inactive, there are still programs and services you can avail of.
Will the program pay the full amount even if it exceeds the amount that the program pays?
All programs and services have a budget and a maximum amount that they can give to applicants. If the cost exceeds the program’s amount, then the applicant must pay for it.
Summary
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA come up and execute programs and services that will greatly benefit Overseas Filipino Workers and their beneficiaries. OWWA encourages all OFWs to become active members so they can take advantage of all the programs and services that they offer.
Working and living abroad far from your family is very difficult but a lot of Filipinos still choose to be away to provide a better life for their loved ones. The Philippine government understands and commends the hard work of all OFWs and this is the reason why they created an agency that will give full service and serve as a protection to all OFWs.