The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), created a scholarship program specially designed for the land-based and sea-based OWWA members and their dependents. This program is called the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program or SESP. It offers a six-month vocational course to a one-year technical course that focuses on career-enhancing courses.
The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) provides financial assistance up to Php 14,500 per course to cover the cost of enrolling in TESDA-accredited Tech-Voc courses. If the the applicant’s tuition fees exceed the said amount, the applicant must pay for the remaining amount.
The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of OFW workers that will help them with get a promotion or find a better job. This program also extends to OFWs’ dependents to help them with their chosen career path.
Courses
The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), together with TESDA, offers these courses to OFWs and their dependents:
- Agriculture and Fishery
- Decorative Crafts and Ceramics
- Processed Food and Beverages
- Gifts, Toys, and Housewares
- Tourism (Hotel and Restaurant)
- Jewelry
- Metals and Engineering
- Furniture and Fixtures
- Garments
- Construction
- Communitaion, Electronics, and Information Technology
- Maritime Land Transport
- Health, Social Services, and Other Community
- Social and Personal Services
- Welding
- Caregiving
- Safety Standards Training
- Cookery
- Massage therapy
All courses are done in training institutions accredited by TESDA. Make sure to call TESDA to find the nearest TESDA training institution in your city.
Qualifications
The OWWA sets list of qualifications to meet to become an eligible candidate for the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP).
If the applicant is an OFW, he or she must be
- Land-Based or Sea-Based OFWs who are staying in the Philippines for vacation
- Active OWWA members
- Has completed contract staff but is still an active member of OWWA
- Expired OWWA membership must not be more than six (6) months
- At least one (1) recorded membership contribution
If the applicant is an OFWs’ dependent, he or she must be:
- OFW Spouse
- Child of married OFW and must be under 24 years old
- Child of an unmarried OFW and must be under 24 years old and single
- Sibling of the unmarried OFW and must be under 24 years old and single
- Pass the TESDA qualifying examination of the Multiple Aptitude Battery Test (MABT)
- OFW must have at least three (3) recorded membership contribution
The TESDA qualifying examinations are FREE and are done in your chosen school. You can contact TESDA or OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) to know the schedule of the said examination.
Requirements
If you are interested in this program, you must gather all these documentary requirements before applying. Make sure that you have the original copy and a photocopy of all the documents.
- Application Form (2 copies)
- 1×1 ID picture (2 copies)
- Proof of High School Completion
- Official copy of grades
- Form 137
- HS Report Card
- Transcript of Record
- Diploma
- Proof of OWWA membership
- OWWA official receipt
- OFW e-card
- Seaman’s Book
- POEA authenticated Contract
- Copy of the OFW passport
- 2 valid government-issued identification or company ID
- Proof of relationship to the OFW
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage certificate (OFW spouse)
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) for unmarried OFW
Application Process
Before going to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), make sure to make a call first to know if they require a booking appointment. Some offices don’t allow walk-in applicants due to crowd control and health safety protocols. After that, you may follow these simple steps to apply in the program.
Step 1: Go to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) in your city.
Step 2: Once you are inside the office, get in the line or get a queueing number for the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP). Ask the OWWA officers or guards to know where they are.
Step 3: Go to the Verification of Membership Record. OFWs must present proof of OWWA membership.
Step 4: If the OFW’s membership is valid, submit all the documents you have prepared and the application form.
Step 5: Wait for the OWWA officers to give you the schedule for claiming the Notice of Award (NOA).
Step 6: Make sure to return at the scheduled appointment the Notice of Award (NOA). To avoid delays and other problems, make sure to follow the date given to you and not before or after the date.
Step 7: Claim your Notice of Award (NOA).
Applicants from National Capital Region (NCR) usually take two (2) days to get their Notice of Award (NOA) after submitting their application. Other regions may take seven (7) working days after submitting their application.
Video: NAKUHA KO NA ANG AKING 14,500 OWWA SCHOLARSHIP PARA SA CALAMBA DOCTOR’S COLLEGES
Watch this testimonial video by Love Joy Channel. In this video, she talks about her experience and what she did to apply for the scholarship program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SESP?
The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) is a collaborative scholarship program by OWWA and TESDA for land-based and sea-based OFWs and their dependents.
How long is the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)?
The length of the program depends on your chosen course. You can complete the course in six months up to one year.
How much will I receive in the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)?
The SESP grants Php up to 14,500 financial support. If the applicant’s tuition fee exceeds the said amount, the applicant must shoulder the rest.
When can I apply for the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)?
Applicants must go to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) from Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Summary:
The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) was created for the betterment of our OFWs and their dependents. It aims to help them with their career by enhancing their knowledge and skills. This program will give them a chance to get a good job, get promoted, and build their own business. This program is free so, always grab opportunities like this that come your way.