Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - F.a.Q.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - F.A.Q.
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Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is an attached agency of the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE).
It is the lead government agency tasked to protect and promote the welfare and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and
their dependents.
Being a membership institution, OWWAs programs, projects and services are geared towards safeguarding and promoting the
welfare and interests of its members.
-
What are OWWAs vision and mission?

What are OWWAs mandates and objectives?
What constitutes OWWAs fund source?
Who compose the OWWA Board of Trustees?
How can one become a member of OWWA?
Does OWWA have field offices?
What workers assistance and on-site services are available?
What is the Repatriation Program?
What is the Reintegration Program?
What are OWWAs healthcare and disability/death benefits?
What are the requirements for claiming insurance and burial benefits?
- What are the components of OWWAs education and training programs?

- What is EDSP?
- What is SUP?
- What is SESP?
- What is the Bridging Program?
- What are the privileges and eligibility requirements for OWWA EDSP?
- What are the eligibility and documentary requirements for the Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)?
- What are the requirements for the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)?
- What is the Tuloy-Aral project?
- What is the OWWA-Microsoft Tulay Project?
- What is the OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Program?
- What are the loan packages and requirements under the OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Program?
- How can one apply for a loan under OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Program?
- What is the Model OFW Family of the Year Award?
- What is the story behind OWWAs Logo?
-----------------What are OWWAs vision and mission?
http://www.owwa.gov.ph:8080/wcmqs/about/faq/[1/2/2013 16:57:17]
OWWA develops and implements responsive programs and services while ensuring fund viability towards the protection of the
interest and promotion of the welfare of its member-OFWs.
OWWA is the lead membership welfare institution that serves the interest and welfare of member-Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
OWWA commits to a fund stewardship that is transparent, judicious, and responsive to the requirements of the member-OFWs.
Follow these links (below) to read texts of:

- Republic Act 8042 or known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995
- Omnibus Policies of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
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-----------------What are OWWAs mandates and objectives?
The agency has a two-fold mandate:
a. Delivery of welfare services and benefits; and
b. Ensuring capital build-up and fund viability
Objectives:
a. Protect the interest and promote the welfare of OFWs in recognition of their valuable contribution to the overall development effort;
b. Facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the Labor Code concerning the responsibility of the government to promote the
well-being of OFWs;
c. Provide social and welfare services to OFWs, including insurance, social work assistance, legal assistance, cultural services, and
remittance services;
d. Ensure the efficiency of collection and the viability and sustainability of the fund through sound and judicious investment and fund
management policies;
e. Undertake studies and researches for the enhancement of their social, economic and cultural well-being; and
f. Develop, support and finance specific projects for the welfare of OFWs.

-----------------What workers assistance and on-site services are available?
The OWWA provides and sustains assistance to all its members in all its regional and overseas offices.
Services that may be availed of on-site include:
1. Locating missing OFWs;
2. Providing information and guidance;
3. Psycho-social counseling and conciliation services;
4. Medical and legal assistance, outreach missions, and training, among others.
On behalf of the OFW, the OWWA may provide appropriate representation with employers, agents and host authorities.

-----------------What constitutes OWWAs fund source?
OWWAs fund is a single trust fund pooled from the US$25.00 membership contributions of foreign employers, land-based and seabased workers, investment and interest income, and income from other sources.

-----------------Who compose the OWWA Board of Trustees?
OWWA is administered by the Board of Trustees through the Secretariat headed by the Administrator as the Chief Executive Officer
and assisted by two Deputy Administrators.
The Board of Trustees is the policy making body. It is a tripartite body with twelve (12) members representing the Government,
management, and labor-OFW. Pursuant to RA 8042, a representative from the women sector was included.
Below are the current members of the Board of Trustees:
Hon. Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz Secretary of Labor and Employment and Chairman

Hon. Carmelita S. Dimzon Administrator and Vice-Chairman
Members:
Hon. Danilo P. Cruz Undersecretary, DOLE
Hon. Esteban B. Conejos Undersecretary, DFA
Hon. Carlos S. Cao, Jr. Administrator, POEA
Hon. Luz M. Cantor Assistant Secretary, DBM
Hon. Gil S. Beltran Undersecretary, DOF
Hon. Victorino F. Balais Representative, Labor Sector
Hon. Rene Y. Soriano Representative, Management Sector
Hon. Ermie L. Garon - Representative, Land-Based Sector
Hon. Estrella D. Aonuevo Representative, Womens Sector

-----------------Does OWWA have field offices?
Yes. To deliver its programs, benefits and services to the OFWs and their families, OWWA has set up Field Offices overseas and in
the regions. To date, OWWA has 35 posts in 25 countries overseas and 17 Regional Welfare Offices in the country.

-----------------How can one become a member of OWWA?
The OWWA is a membership institution. As such, its programs, projects and services are geared towards safeguarding and
promoting the welfare and interests of its members.
For a US$25.00 membership contribution, an OWWA member is entitled to various benefits and services. Membership in OWWA
may be obtained in two ways:
1. By enrollment upon processing of contract at the POEA; and
2. By voluntary registration of a would-be member at job sites overseas.
Effectivity
OWWA membership, either through the compulsory or voluntary coverages, shall be effective upon payment of membership
contribution, until expiration of the employment contract.
Voluntary membership
In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership shall not exceed two (2) years.
Renewal
Membership shall be renewed upon payment of contribution on contract renewal / issuance of new contract. In the case of voluntary
membership, coverage shall be renewed upon payment of contribution.
Proof of membership
The names of all OWWA members are maintained by the OWWA and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in
a database which is updated regularly. Members are issued an Official Receipt upon payment of contribution. They shall likewise be
issued an OWWA e-Card.

-----------------What are OWWAs healthcare and disability/death benefits?
Duly registered OWWA members are entitled to the HealthPro expanded medical/health program, as well as the Medical
Rehabilitation Program.
A. Life/Accident Coverage
A member is covered for the duration of his employment contract. The coverage includes P100,000.00 for natural death and
P200,000.00 for accidental death.
B. Disability and Dismemberment Benefit

A member shall be entitled to disability/dismemberment benefits ranging from P2,000.00 to P50,000.00.
C. Total Disability Benefit

In case of total permanent disability, a member shall be entitled to P100,000.00
D. Burial Benefit
A burial benefit of P20,000.00 shall be provided in case of the members death.

-----------------What are the requirements for claiming insurance and burial benefits?
Basic Requirements for Life Insurance, Disability, Dismemberment and Burial Benefits:
1. Passport (for Land-based OFW), and Seamans Service Record Book (for Sea-based OFW)
2. Certificate of Membership issued by the OWWA Membership Processing Center (MPC)
3. OFW/Seamans undertaking executed by claimant (for Death claim)
Documentary Requirements for Life Insurance Benefits:

1. Original Death Certificate issued by Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or Authenticated by National Statistics Office (NSO) or Foreign
Death Certificate for OFW who died abroad and accident report for death due to accident
2. Burial Permit
3. Official receipt of funeral expenses
4. ID picture of claimant (2 pieces)
5. Any of the following applicable documents certified by LCR or NSO:
-Marriage certificate if claimant is the spouse
-Birth certificate of OFW if claimant is the mother or father
-Birth certificate of child and death certificate of deceased spouse, if claimant is the child
-Certificate of no marriage
In the absence of birth/marriage certificate, the following must be submitted:

1. Certificate from LCR that fact of marriage/birth is not recorded in the civil registry
2. Baptismal/Marriage certificate certified by the Parish priest /office
3. Affidavit of two (2) disinterested persons re: facts of birth/marriage and claimants relationship to the deceased
Documentary Requirements for Disability Benefit

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
Releasing Requirements
Any two (2) (original and valid copy) of the following:
1. Passport
2. Office ID
3. Postal ID
4. Drivers license
5. Original NBI clearance
6. Senior Citizenship ID

-----------------What are the components of OWWAs education and training programs?
An OFW OWWA member may avail for himself/herself or his/her duly designated beneficiary any of the following scholarship
programs, subject to a selection process and accreditation of participating institutions.
1. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

The Education for Development Scholarship Program is a scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of OWWA
member-OFWs who intend to enroll in any 4 to 5-year baccalaureate course.
It is given in the form of a financial assistance amounting to P 30,000.00 per semester. The OWWA pays the tuition fee directly to the
school and releases the remaining amount upon the scholars submission of grades for the semester.
OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFW DSP). OWWA provides financial assistance of Php 20,000.00 per year to
poor but deserving dependents of OFWs with a monthly salary of not more than US$400.00/month. Qualifiers enroll in a four- to fiveyear baccalaureate or associate course leading are entitled to a baccalaureate or associate degree in a state college or university.

-----------------2. Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)
The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program is a scholarship program that the OWWA offers in coordination with the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), to land-based or sea-based OWWA member-OFWs or their
dependents/beneficiaries.
A qualified applicant may avail of either a one-year technical or a six-month vocational course offered following the regular school
year calendar.
Upon receipt of the scholarship voucher, the grantee may enroll in any TESDA-registered program. Program choices shall be
supportive of the land and sea-based skills requirement. Financial assistance for a one-year program is P14,500.00 while for a sixmonth program is P7,250.00.
The amount of financial assistance will be paid directly to the training institution. If the tuition fee is more than the financial
assistance, the scholar will shoulder the difference. If the tuition fee is less, the difference will be given to the scholar upon
completion of the course.
Course offerings include: agriculture and fishery; processed food and beverages; tourism (hotel and restaurant); decorative crafts and
ceramics; gifts, toys and housewares; jewelry; metals and engineering; furniture and fixtures; garments; construction;
communication/electronics/information technology; maritime; land transport; health, social services; and other community, social and
personal services.

-----------------3. Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)
The Seafarers Upgrading Program is intended to provide OWWA-member seafarers job-related training in priority maritime courses
identified by the Maritime Training Council. It is designed to upgrade the skills, and develop the expertise of Filipino seafarers in
accordance with technological advancements and international maritime standards.
Beneficiaries under the SUP receive from OWWA financial assistance for training costs, ranging from a minimum of PhP 1,200.00 to a
maximum of PhP 7,500.00. These amounts are inclusive of meal and transportation allowances in the case of trainees referred to the
National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP).
Filipino seafarers who are active OWWA members may avail of the program. Beneficiaries may subsequently avail of the SUP after
payment of three (3) additional membership contributions and if training is availed of within the prescribed period.
The Seafarers Upgrading Program is intended to provide OWWA-member seafarers job-related training in priority maritime courses
identified by the Maritime Training Council. It is designed to upgrade the skills, and develop the expertise of Filipino seafarers in
accordance with technological advancements and international maritime standards.

-----------------4. DOLE-OWWA Tulay Microsoft Project
In partnership with Microsoft Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and OWWA has launched Tulay or
Bridge Education Program, which provides OFWs IT training and access to technology that will enable them and their families to
communicate through the internet.
The Tulay or Bridge Education Program is a part of Microsofts Unlimited Potential (UP), a global initiative aimed at providing
technology and skills for underserved individuals. OFWs and their families learn the basics of computer applications such as MS
Word, Powerpoint, Excel as well as internet and e-mail use at the Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLC).
Through Tulay, the OWWA expects OFWs to gain IT skills that will enhance their work, thus increasing their value in the workplace.
These new IT skills can further help them become more competitive in pursuing a career in the country upon their return.
The project also aims to address the primary issue of family disintegration. It is hoped that through the project, problems arising form
OFWs prolonged separation from their families will be greatly minimized and as it mitigates the social impact of being away from
home because of the accessibility and ease of using technology to connect and communicate to loved ones at home.
The CTLCs being maintained and operated by DOLE-OWWA are located at the OWWA Central Office, OWWA Satellite Office in
POEA, OWWA Regional Welfare Offices as well as OWWA overseas posts in Riyadh (KSA), Hong Kong, Taichung (Taiwan), Rome
and Milan (Italy)

-----------------5. Tuloy-Aral Project
The Tuloy-Aral Project was launched in December 2004 with the objective of assisting the children of less fortunate former OFWs as
well as other poor and needy elementary and high school children.
The DOLE and the OWWA regional offices, with the assistance of DSWD, identify children of former OFWs needing financial
assistance to send to school. The DSWD or DOLE/OWWA prepares a family profile that shall serve as the basis for the selection of
the beneficiary.
The Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) are tasked to promote and identify OFWs who are successful, financially stable and
in good standing to act as prospective sponsoring parents. OFW organizations may also volunteer to act as sponsor parents.
Identified sponsoring parents are requested to provide a US$ 100.00 financial support per year to the child-beneficiary to enable
him/her to continue his/her elementary or high school education. The amount will help cover for expenses such as books, school
supplies, materials for projects, transportation, authorized school contributions, and allowance for the whole school year.
The OWWA Family Welfare Officers monitor each childs progress in school. The Tuloy-Aral project is nationwide in coverage as it is
being replicated in each region of the country.

-----------------What is the Bridging Program?
The Bridging Program is a scholarship grant given to qualified graduates of BS Mechanical Engineering and BS Electrical Engineering
who wish to pursue a BS Marine Engineering course.

-----------------What are the privileges, eligibility and documentary requirements for OWWA EDSP?
Scholarship Privileges
1. Financial assistance amounting to P 30,000.00 per semester
2. The scholar may choose his / her desired program/course offered by a CHED-accredited college or university
3. Scholarship shall continue until completion of the course (4-5 years), regardless of the status of OFW membership provided the
Scholarship Agreement is complied with
Eligibility Requirements
1. Must be a child of a married OWWA member or brother / sister of an unmarried OWWA member
2. Must be 21 years old or below
3. Must be a Filipino citizen
4. Be in good health and with good moral character

5. Must have an average grade of at least 80% and belong to the upper 20% of the graduating class
Documentary Requirements
1. Accomplished application forms (2 sets)
2. 1x 1 ID pictures (2 copies)
3. Proof of relationship to Member (copy of Birth Certificate of applicant and of the Member if related as brother or sister duly certified
by the Local Civil Registrar or NSO)
4. Form 137 or Transcript of Records with Principals Certification on Scholastic Standing
5. Proof of OWWA membership (i.e. Official Receipt of OWWA Contribution/Certification from OWWA Membership Processing
Center)
6. Health Certificate attesting to physical fitness of applicant (Form B)
7. Certificate of Good Moral Character issued by the School Principal/Guidance Counselor (Form C)
8. Certification that applicant belongs to upper 20% of graduating class issued by school principal (2 sets)
9. Statement of applicant that he/she has not earned units in any post-secondary / undergraduate course (Form E)
10. Sworn Statement that he/she has no pending application for resident immigrant status in any country and does not have dual
citizenship signed by parent or legal guardians (Form F)

-----------------What are the eligibility and documentary requirements for the Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program
(SESP)?
Qualified beneficiaries/dependents
1. Child not older than 21 years old or spouse of a married OFW
2. Brother/sister not older than 21 years old of an unmarried OFW
Availment Requirements
1. Must be an active OWWA member (land-based or sea-based) or beneficiary/dependent of an active OWWA member
2. Must pass the TESDA qualifying examination or Multiple Aptitude Battery Test (MABT) on the program of choice
3. Have at least one (1) recorded membership contribution
For subsequent availments, three (3) additional membership contributions are required. After completing the course, must submit for
competency assessment and certification administered by TESDA or its accredited testing center.
Documentary Requirements
1. Accomplished application forms (2 sets)
2. 1x1 ID pictures (2 copies)
3. Form 137 / HS Report Card or Transcript of Records/ official copy of grades
4. Proof of OWWA Membership: official receipt of OWWA contribution / OFW E-Card
5. If a Members beneficiary: proof of relationship to OWWA member (e.g. copy of marriage contract and/or birth certificate of both
OFW and applicant- dependent duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar)

-----------------What are the requirements for the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)?
Availment and Documentary Requirements:
All Filipino seafarers who are OWWA members are entitled to avail of the program once every three (3) contributions. Availment may
be assured upon first (1st) payment. Documents required are:
1. Accomplished application form
2. Seamens Identification and Record Book (SRIB)
3. Poof of OWWA Membership (Official Receipt of Contribution)
4. 1x1 photo (2 copies)
5. Latest residence certificate

------------------
What is the Repatriation Program?

OWWA members may avail of official OWWA assistance to return to the Philippines in a situation of emergency or distress. This
includes provision of services to facilitate immediate repatriation of distressed OFWs, medically-ill OFWs, human remains, etc. like
airport assistance, domestic transport, temporary shelter, etc.

-----------------What is the Reintegration Program?
The Reintegration covers two (2) major components economic and psycho-social components.
The economic component on the other hand, includes social preparation programs for livelihood projects or community-based income
generating projects, skills training and credit facilitation and lending. At present, the economic component has two (2) loan programs:
the OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Programs for OFWs (LDPO) and the OFW Groceria Project.
The psycho-social components includes community organizing program or organizing of OFW family circles and services like social
counseling, family counseling, stress debriefing, and training on capacity building, value formation, etc.

-----------------What is the OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Program?
This program is a joint undertaking of OWWA and National Livelihood Support Fund (NLSF). to address the economic component of
the OFW Reintegration Program.
It is meant to further improve access to entrepreneurial development opportunities and credit facilities to OFWs, their families, and
organizations.
Enterprises may include:
(a) trading (general merchandise and buy and sell, etc.);
(b) services (repair shops, restaurants, parlors, etc.);
(c) manufacturing (meat/fruit processing, shoes, etc.); and
(d) agri-business (tilapia culure, piggery, poultry, etc.).
The OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Program currently has the Collateral Loan Window for individual and group borrowers.
Acceptable Purposes of Loan
1. Working capital for purchase of merchandise goods and/or raw materials
2. Business assets acquisition (except lot) for purchase of machines/equipment
3. Business site construction or improvement
Eligible Borrowers
1. Member-OFWs and former member-OFWs
2. Their immediate family members (one family member per one OFW)
3. For married OFWs: spouses or children of legal age
4. For single OFWs: parents or siblings of legal age
5. OWWA LDPO beneficiaries with good repayment records
6. Legally organized groups of OFWs (partnerships / corporations, OFW organizations / associations / cooperatives & federations)

-----------------What are the loan packages and requirements under the OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Program
1. Collateral Loan Window
* Individuals or Partnerships with less than five (5) members are entitled to a maximum of P 200,000.00 each member
* Service Fee = Four percent (4%)
* Facilitation Fee = Three percent (3%)
* Total interest rate per annum plus fees not to exceed 16%
Loan Requirements
For Individual Borrowers
1. Proof of OWWA Contribution (passport with POEA-LAC stamp, information sheet from OWWA, POEA-attested Employment
Certificate, or E-card)
2. Business Plan / Project Feasibility Study
3. Financial Statement in case of existing business
4. Business permit / license (pre-release condition)
5. Collateral papers (REM or chattel mortgage)
Additional Requirements if availee is an immediate family member:

1. Marriage Contract and consent (for married borrowers)
2. Birth Certificate and authorization (for single OFWs)
For Group Borrowers

1. Proof of OWWA Contribution at least among officers
2. Business Plan
3. Financial Statement in case of existing business
4. Collateral Papers / Ownership Titles
5. Promissory Note for Non-collateral Loan Window
6. Registration with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for partnerships & corporations; Cooperative Development Authority
(CDA) for cooperatives; and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for associations.
7. Basic organizational instruments:
- 7.1 Articles of Incorporation for corporations
- 7.2 Ratified group By-Laws or Mutually Agreed Term for partnerships
- 7.3 Articles of Incorporation for cooperatives
- 7.4 Constitution and By-laws for associations
8. Board resolution or group/partnership resolution specifying intent to undertake a group/partnership project or expand a
group/partnership project using capital to be borrowed from the OWWA-NLSF-LDPO

-----------------How can one apply for a loan under OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Program?
Loan applications may be filed at all OWWA Regional Welfare Offices together with the following standard requirements:
1. Accomplished application form (with 22 picture)
2. Sketch and routes of residence and/or business site
3. Other requirements if applicable:
* Price quotation
* Bill of materials or building plan
Assets Acceptable as Collateral and Required Documents (For Collateral Loan Window)
1. Real Estate Property
Unmortgaged with no delinquent realty tax and with appraised value of not less than the loanable amount.
2. Chattel / motor vehicles / machines / equipment (brand new up to 3 years)

-----------------What is the Model OFW Family of the Year Award?
The Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) is a medium for recognizing the achievements of OFWs and their families in
managing the impact of overseas employment in family life. It serves as a strategic mechanism for exemplifying the best practices of
OFW families towards optimizing the gains of migration.
The Award also recognizes the ultimate results of OFW family success in terms of enterprise development and generation of
employment opportunities.

------------------
What is the story behind OWWAs Logo?

The LOGO was designed in 1981 by Mr. Paeng Asuncion, using a Greek capital letter Delta (visually
denoting a triangle or a pyramid), which symbolizes CHANGE that may occur progressively, step by
step, or rapidly, on a broadening base that supports a concomitant upward trend.
The vertices (points) of the triangle are coherent with the concept of trinity, implying the union of the
key stakeholders: the government, in partnership with OFWs, and the private sector.
The red, white and blue represent the colors of the Philippine flag, emphasizing the true spirit of the
world-class Filipino worker.
The inner ring represents the world destinations of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It visually implies the upper half of a rising
sun and pouring rain in the lower half.
The sun represents energy, life-giving force, warmth and sustenance. The rain represents the suns complement in the life-giving
force.
The sun and the rain also represent the favorable and adverse conditions encountered by the expatriate Filipino workers in the
overseas job-sites.
Both sun and rain symbolize the gains and pains of OFWs, the concerns centering on the welfare and well-being of OFWs and their
families.
OWWA strives to provide timely and responsive interventions: 24 hours, seven days a week with assured quality standards. It goes
with our motto: UMULAN MAT UMARAW. ANG OWWA AY MAASAHAN.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) || National Reintegration Center for OFWs || Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

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Programs & Services

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

What are OWWAs vision and mission?

- What are the components of OWWAs education and training programs?

-----------------What are OWWAs vision and mission?