From an OFW’s pre-departure and overseas deployment, up to his/her return back to the country, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides essential programs and services, including pre-departure seminars, social benefits, training, and livelihood assistance.
Likewise, for the OFW’s spouse, children, and other dependents, OWWA offers educational scholarships, skills training, livelihood assistance, and much more. Depending on their needs and circumstances, OFWs and their families can expect to receive much-needed help from OWWA.
Pre-Departure Education Programs
As the term implies, OWWA’s pre-departure programs are designed to help OFWs prepare for living and working abroad.
1. Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
This is a mandatory seminar that provides information about employment contracts, workers’ rights, and available government assistance abroad. It also teaches OFWs about the culture, laws, and practices in their host countries.
2. Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) for Household Service Workers
Designed for household service workers, this mandatory training program prepares them for living and working abroad, while also knowing their rights, duties, and responsibilities.
Social Benefits
Similar to the Social Security System (SSS), OWWA provides social benefits catering to the various needs of workers and their families.
1. Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)
ELAP grants educational assistance to a qualified dependent of a deceased OFW. Likewise, it offers livelihood assistance to the OFW’s surviving spouse, or to another eligible family member.
2. Death and Disability Benefit
OWWA provides death benefit and burial assistance for the natural or accidental death of a member OFW. Meanwhile, in cases of partial or permanent disability caused by accidents, OWWA offers disability benefits.
3. Supplemental Medical Assistance (MEDplus) Program
Designed for OFWs who have been hospitalized due to certain illnesses, OWWA’s MEDplus program provides additional assistance on top of PhilHealth benefits. It can be used to help cover medical expenses.
4. Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)
This program offers financial assistance to OFWs who are not covered by other OWWA benefits. It may be used in cases of calamities, medical emergencies, disability, bereavement, displacement, and other situations.
Scholarship and Training Programs
OWWA offers both long-term educational scholarships and short-term training programs to OFWs and their families.
1. College Scholarship Programs
OFWs and their dependents have the chance to complete a four- or five-year degree through programs like the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP), Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP).
2. Short-Term Courses
In coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other institutions, OWWA facilitates short-term courses for qualified OFWs and their dependents. These include the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), Information Technology Training Program (ITTP), and Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP).
Repatriation Program
OWWA provides repatriation assistance to OFWs who are sick, stranded, or in distressful situations abroad. This program may involve the provision of temporary shelter, counseling, medical assistance, legal assistance, and transportation, depending on the situation.
Reintegration Programs
For OFWs who are returning to the Philippines, OWWA offers reintegration programs to help them prepare for employment or business opportunities.
1. OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program
This program assists OFWs and their families who want to establish their own businesses. It includes management and entrepreneurship training, as well as referrals and business financing through OWWA’s partner banks.
2. Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program (BPBH)
As the name suggests, this program helps returning OFWs by providing livelihood or employment assistance. Support includes cash assistance, entrepreneurship development training, and other services.
In every stage of their employment, until they go back to the Philippines, OFWs and their families can depend on OWWA for help and support. The agency’s official website provides more information about its programs and services. Likewise, OFWs can visit the OWWA Hong Kong Facebook page for more details, or send an email to hongkong@owwa.gov.ph.
As an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), OWWA is dedicated to helping OFWs around the world. Read this news article to learn how the two agencies have provided PHP 1.01 billion to support OFWs and their families as part of the UPLIFT initiative.