What is Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)?

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration works for the protection and promotion of the well-being of all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in jobsites abroad and at home in the country. The agency has a twin mandate of delivering useful welfare service and benefits and ensuring capital build-up and fund viability.

How do we become a member?

With US dollar 25.00 membership contribution, an OWWA member is entitled to various benefits and services.

You can be a member by:

• Compulsory registration upon processing of employment contracts of OFWs at the POEA; and
• Voluntary registration of OFWs at jobsites, or through electronic registration.

Validity of OWWA Membership:

• OWWA Membership is valid for two (2) years.

Renewal of OWWA Membership

Requirements:

1. OWWA Membership Form;
2. Copy of existing employment contract or Certificate of Employment (with English translation and name & signature of the person who translated the document);
3. Photocopy of valid passport;
4. Photocopy of residence ID card; and;
5. If COMPANY EMPLOYER: Registration Certificate Number (Kaishahojin Bango of Toki Botohon) of the company
6. If INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYER: National ID Number of the Individual  Employer (Residence Card Number or Gaimusho ID number)
7. Renewal of membership fee of JPY3,500 or less (equivalent rate of 25 US dollar for the month.)

Completely fill out the forms and mail to POLO together with the above documents and payment. OWWA Forms can be downloaded here.

You may mail the requirements to this address:

Philippine Overseas Labor Office – OWWA, Osaka
7/F FPG Links Midosuji, 4-3-5 Awaji-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan

 

OWWA PROGRAM AND SERVICES

SOCIAL BENEFITS

I.   Disability and Dismemberment Benefit

– Up to a maximum of Php 100,000.00 for accident-related injuries

      Requirements:

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

 

II. Death and Burial Benefits

– Php 100,000.00 for natural cause

– Php 200,00.00 for accidental cause

– On top of death benefit, a rider of Php20,000.00 will be received by the beneficiaries for the funeral expenses.

      Requirements:

1. Original Death Certificate issued by the local civil registrar or authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
2. Foreign Death Certificate for OFWs who died abroad including Airway Bill and Consular Mortuary Certificate or No Objection Certificate
3. Accident Report for death due to accident
4. Burial permit
5. Official receipt of funeral expenses
6.  2 valid IDs and 1 pc. ID picture of the claimant
7. Certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) of OFW from PSA
8. Any of the applicable documents certified by the local civil registrar (LCR) or PSA
   • Marriage certificate – if the claimant is the spouse
   • Birth certificate of OFW – if the claimant is father or mother
   • Birth certificate of the child and death certificate of deceased spouse – if the claimant is the child
9. Affidavit of Undertaking executed by the claimant (Police report if death is due to an accident)

 

III. Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (Medplus)

Supplemental medical relief for active OWWA and PhilHealth member-OFWs who are afflicted with dreaded diseases and were hospitalized, either at the job sites or while in the Philippines. It is financial assistance that is equivalent to the PhilHealth benefits under its case rate system but not to exceed Php 50,000.00 per member.

Requirements:

1. Duly accomplished MEDplus application form;
2. Copy of PhilHealth Benefit Payment Notice (BPN*);
3. One (1) copy of passport-size picture;
4. Proof of OWWA membership contribution (OWWA O.R., OFW membership record);
5. Duly notarized Special Power of Attorney executed by the OFW, if the OFW is abroad and filer-claimant is the next-of-kin (NOK)
6. PSA- authenticated death certificate of deceased OFW and marriage contract or birth certificate of NOK-claimant, if the OFW is deceased.

     * Benefit Payment Notice (BPN) is a report of actual payments made by PhilHealth relative to one’s confinement/availment.

 

IV. Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) – is extended to active or non-active OWWA members or their families not eligible under any of the existing OWWA Social Benefit Programs and Services.

COVERAGE:

• Calamity Assistance – for OWWA members and their families affected by natural or human-induced calamities/disasters
• Bereavement Assistance – for families of deceased OWWA members
• Medical Assistance – for OWWA members who have illnesses that are not covered under MEDplus and for members who sustained injuries due to accidents/crimes
• Relief Assistance – for OWWA members who were displaced/laid-off en masse due to economic/political/health situations.

 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING ASSISTANCE

PRE-DEPARTURE EDUCATION PROGRAM

1. Country Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)– The one-day PDOS is a compulsory orientation to OFWs in adapting or adjusting to the work environment as well as to the culture of their country of destinations. Its primary objective is to provide OFWs with the means to cope with their new work environment especially during their first few months of working abroad.  The 1-day PDOS is attended by all workers (all skills) prior to their deployment abroad.
2. Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) – The CPDED is either a four or six-day orientation seminar attended by Household Service Workers (HSWs). The CPDEP is jointly conducted by accredited NGO PDOS providers and OWWA.  The NGO-accredited PDOS providers administer the PDOS on the first day, while OWWA handles the language, culture and stress management sessions on the succeeding days.

 

TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR FILIPINO SEAFARERS

1. Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) – The program intends to provide job-related training in upgrading the knowledge, skills and develop expertise among Filipino seafarers in accordance with technological advancements and global maritime standards. It is in the form of financial assistance with OWWA assuming the training cost as prescribed in the existing implementing guidelines. The applicant may choose his/her 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. Training assistance is P7,500.00.

Requirements:

Seafarers with valid OWWA membership contribution at the time of application shall be entitled to avail of SUP under any of the following condition:

• Single contribution for first time availment
• Subsequent entitlements every three (3) recorded payments of OWWA membership contribution

For subsequent availments, 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.

Documentary Requirements:

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

 

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DEPENDENTS

1. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

The EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of active OWWA members who belong to the top examinees of the OWWA pre-qualifying examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute and who intend to enroll in their chosen 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.

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

Eligibility

For incoming first year college:

• Child of a member-OFW with active membership at the time of application.
• Sibling of a single or married but childless member-OFW with active membership at the time of application.
• Single
• Grade 12 graduating student
• Not more than 21 years of age
• General Weighted Average of 80% or its equivalent without failing grade
• Belongs to the Top 400 DOST exam passers

For second to fifth year college:

• Single
• Not more than 30 years old
• With General Weighted Average not lower than 85% or its equivalent

Documentary Requirements

• 1. Scholarship Application Form – two (2) copies
• 2×2 ID picture (2 copies)
• Birth Certificate authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority
• Form 137/Certified True Copy of Form 138/Transcript of Records
• Certification of GWA of 80%
• Notice from OWWA Regional Welfare Office of qualifying the DOST Pre-Qualifying Exam for EDSP
• Scholarship Agreement/Contract

 

2. OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP)*

The OFWDSP 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 scholarship shall be in the form of financial assistance of P20,000.00 per year. Scholarship program to dependent of OFW whose income is not more than US$400.00.

Every year, a total of 1,250 scholarship slots are allocated, thus;

• 200 scholars for the slots of 10 poorest provinces;
• 204 scholars for 17 cities at 12 scholars each;
• 840 scholars for 80 provinces at 12 scholars each;
• 6 slots for applicants with meritorious cases c/o Home Office/ROCS;

Qualified Beneficiaries:

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

Each OWWA active member is entitled to only 1 scholarship beneficiary

OFW couples who are both eligible for the program shall be entitled to only 1 scholarship slot

Eligible OFW dependent who are previous availees of the EDSP and CMWSP are no longer qualified under the ODSP

Documentary Requirements

• 1. Accomplished Application Form (2 copies)
• 2. 2×2 ID Photos (2 copies)
• 3. Proof of relationship to OWWA member (e.g. PSA or Local Civil Registry (LCR)-authenticated birth certificate and certificate of no marriage, if OFW is single)
• 4. Form 137 for incoming first year college or Transcript of Records 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

 

3. Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP)*

The CMWSP 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. Educational assistance is P60,000.00/year funds from the PCSO. Examination is administered by DOST.  100 passers qualify to the program.  EDSP and CMWSP have the same date of examinations.

Documentary Requirements for both EDSP and CMWSP are the same

 

4. Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)

Scholarship for the dependents of OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of death.  Only one child, usually the eldest child of member-OFW is given scholarship grant.

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

The surviving spouse, if the OFW member was married or the mother/father if the OFW was single, will also receive a livelihood assistance of P15,000.00

Important educational requirements are proof of OWWA membership by the OFW; proof of relationship to OWWA member by the beneficiary

 

TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR OFWs AND DEPENDENTS

1. 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. Financial assistance is P14,500.00.  The applicant may choose his/her preferred training course from the list of OWWA recognized Training Providers where he/she intends to enroll.  Eligible to  avail are member OFWs and beneficiaries.

The applicant must be:

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

Requirements:

Important documentary requirements include proof of OWWA membership for member, and proof of relationship to OFW-member, if dependent/beneficiary

• One (1) OWWA Membership contribution is applicable to one (1) SESP benefit; succeeding availment needs three (3) additional membership contributions

2.  Information Technology (IT) Training Program

This computer literacy program provides OFWs and their families training and 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. The program also aims to upgrade their IT skills.

 

WORKERS WELFARRE ASSIATNCE PROGRAM

On-site Assistance and Services

Assistance extended to OFWs at the jobsites by the Philippine Overseas Labor Officials:

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

 

In-Country

Assistance extended to OFWs/families here at the homefront

• Requests from families and next-of-kins (NOKs) for assistance from OWWA overseas posts

Post-repatriation assistance

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

 

SOCIAL SERVICES AND FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES

Repatriation Assistance Program

The program 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.

 

REINTEGRATION PROGRAM

Reintegration is a way of mainstreaming returning OFWs into Philippine society.

Reintegration (in-country). Offers livelihood opportunities to OFWs who have finished contracts and have no wish to go back to work abroad. On the other hand, reintegration program is also offered to distressed OFWs by way of self-employment or livelihood project as a means of income-generation for the family even after their overseas employment.

 

Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay! Program

This is a non-cash livelihood support/assistance intended to provide immediate relief to returning member OFWs, active or non-active who 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.  The program is a package of livelihood assistance amounting to TEN THOUSAND PESOS (P10,000.00) maximum consisting of a. techno-skills and/or entrepreneurial trainings and b) starter kits/goods and/or c) such other services that will enable the target beneficiaries to quick start a livelihood undertaking through self/wage employment.

Eligible beneficiaries

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

 

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

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

(FOR NCR Members, there will be an orientation on EDLP, Mondays to Fridays, at 2:00PM.  Please call 834-07-19 for more details.)

Eligible borrowers:

• OFW who is a certified OWWA member, active or non-active
• Has completed Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT)
• OFWs working abroad, or about to leave may be presented by the following:
• 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

Eligible Projects:

• Franchising business
• Contract tie-up with top 1000 corporations;
• Agri and non-agri production/manufacturing
• Construction/rental business
• Service/trading business
• Transport service
• Any viable project whether existing or new

The enterprise should generate a cash flow sufficient to pay the projected amortization of the loan

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 project needs and amount of equity participation of the borrower:

1. For Individual Loan Borrowers (single proprietorship)

• Minimum – Php100,000.00
• Maximum – Php2,000,000.00

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

• Minimum- Php100,000.00
• Maximum – Php5,000,000.00

Loan Repayment:

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

Loan Security/Collateral:

• Object of financing
• Mortgageable project assets (machines or equipment) and other assets of the borrower

Availment Process:

• Interested OFWs submit business plans and are advised to undergo EDT seminar at OWWA regional offices.  The seminar will orient them on financial and business management, on various business and income-generating livelihood undertakings, and other pertinent information they need in setting up and sustaining an enterprise
• Loan applications are endorsed to Land Bank for evaluation and processing based on the criteria set by Land Bank (borrower’s credit worthiness and project viability)
• Loan evaluation, packaging and approval shall be completed within 45 working days upon receipt of complete loan requirements.