When the COVID-19 pandemic came in 2020, a lot of Overseas Filipino Workers lost their job and were forced to go back to the Philippines. And going back home prematurely means the OFWs’ savings are not enough for them to cover everyday expenses while they are looking for a job. This is why the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA created an emergency scholarship program called Educational Assistance by Scholarship in Emergencies – Project EASE that aims to help the OFWs’ dependents continue their studies in college.
The Project EASE is not open for undocumented OFWs, inactive OWWA members, or those who already receive a scholarship grant from the Philippine government.
Benefits
The Project EASE offers Financial assistance worth Php 10,000 per year for the dependents of the OFW who were displaced or repatriated due to the pandemic. Dependents will receive financial grants that will be used for their education for four years.
If the applicant is an upcoming freshman, he or she will receive a 4-year financial grant from Project EASE. If the applicant is already in his or her 3rd-year in college, he or she will only receive a financial grant for a year. If the applicant is enrolled in a 5-year course, he or she will only receive the financial grant for 4 years.
Qualifications
The Project EASE only offers to active OWWA members. So if you are not an active member or your membership just expired, you must renew it before applying to this program. Applicants must meet all the qualifications to become eligible.
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Must be below 30 years old
- Child of OFW
- Sibling, nephew, or niece of unmarried OFW
- Must be enrolled in a state university or college (SUC), CHED-accredited local university or college (LUC), or private higher education institution (HEI)
- Must not be a recipient of any government scholarship grant.
- Must not exceed the maximum residence in the school
Requirements
The documentary requirements needed to apply for Project EASE are very easy. Check the list of requirements we listed for you.
- Application Form
- Passport of the OFW
- Proof of arrival
- Boarding pass
- Arrival stamp
- Proof of dismissal/repatriation
- Proof of OWWA membership
- Official receipt of OWWA contribution
- OWWA verification sheet
- Proof of relationship to the OFW
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) for unmarried OFW
- Proof of school grades
- Certificate of grades
The application for Project EASE is made online. Make sure that you have a soft copy/scanned copy of all the documents.
Application Process
Project EASE was created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you apply for this scholarship, your documents and details will also be submitted for the TABANG OFW project. So if you did not qualify for Project EASE, there is still a chance that you will be accepted to another scholarship grant. To apply, follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Visit the OWWA website at ease@owwa.gov.ph and fill out the application form.
Step 2: Attach all the scanned copies of your documents and email them to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). You can also send your application form and documents through mail or service courier.
Step 3: Once you submit your application, you will receive a tracking number or serial number that you can use to know the status of your application.
Step 4: Once approved, you will receive the Scholarship Agreement via email. Download the document, sign it, and have it notarized.
Step 5: Return the notarized Scholarship Agreement to OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or send it through a courier service.
Step 6: Wait for notification via email or text on how and when to claim the grant.
If you submit incomplete documents, the OWWA will notify you via email or text. They will send you an instruction on what to do and what documents they need. Make sure that the email address and phone number you will use are active.
Some OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs) require an applicant to book an appointment before going to their office. Make sure to call them first to know the procedure and policy that they are implementing in their office.
Video: EASE PROJECT Testimony by a Scholar
Watch this testimony from one of the scholars of Project EASE by OWWA Regional 02 Cagayan Valley. Ms. Cagurangan is just one of many scholars that OWWA was able to help through Project EASE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project EASE?
The Educational Assistance by Scholarship in Emergencies or Project EASE is one of OWWA’s scholarship programs that aims to help the dependents of OFWs who were repatriated or displaced due to the pandemic.
Who is eligible for Project EASE?
The child or sibling or an active OWWA member who is incoming or enrolled in college.
Are all OFWs who were displaced can apply to Project EASE?
The Project EASE is only offered to active OWWA members. Inactive members and undocumented OFWs cannot apply for this scholarship grant.
How much will I receive from Project EASE?
The grant from Project EASE is worth Php 10,000 per year for a maximum of 4-years.
Is there a guarantee that my application will be accepted?
All applications will undergo a thorough screening and assessment by OWWA. There is no guarantee that a person will pass or not.
How will I know if I pass the screening and assessment of OWWA?
If your application is approved, you will receive a notification via email or text message.
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic did not only bring disease to people but also poverty. A lot of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) did not only lose their job but also the lives of the people around them. In these tough times, OWWA is there to help OFWs who in spite of all difficulties, choose to fight and live.
The Educational Assistance by Scholarship in Emergencies or Project EASE aims to help OFWs lift their worries in supporting their children’s education in college. It will lessen the burden and the feeling of uncertainty in their lives.