OFWs can avail of the programs and services OWWA offers. These projects range from social benefits to education and scholarship to repatriation and reintegration programs. As a member of OWWA, it is good to be aware of them so you can maximize the support and assistance available to you and your family. Understanding these programs ensures you can take full advantage of the benefits designed to protect and empower OFWs. Please see the full list below for your reference.
Social Benefits
These programs offer financial assistance and support to OFWs and their families during times of need.
- Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP): Provides financial aid for the education of a deceased OFW’s child and livelihood support for the surviving spouse.
- Death and Disability Benefit: Offers a cash benefit to the legal beneficiaries of an active OWWA member who has passed away or to the member themselves in case of total permanent disability.
- Supplemental Medical Assistance Program (MEDplus): A one-time financial assistance for active members who are afflicted with a dreaded disease and are hospitalized.
- Welfare Assistance Program (WAP): Provides assistance to OFWs, both active and inactive, who are facing distress or crisis not covered by other OWWA programs.
Education and Training Programs
OWWA offers scholarship grants to qualified dependents of OFWs, helping them achieve their educational goals.
- Baccalaureate Courses: Scholarship programs for college-level education, such as the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP).
- Short-Term Courses: Provides skills-for-employment training assistance for OFWs and their dependents to help them acquire new technical or vocational skills.
Reintegration Programs
These programs are designed to help OFWs transition back to life in the Philippines, either by starting a business or finding local employment.
- OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program: An enterprise development intervention and loan facility in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to help OFWs start their own businesses.
- Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay! Program (BPBH): Offers a package of livelihood support and services to returning OFWs who were displaced by hostilities, political unrest, or natural calamities.
Pre-Departure Education Program
OWWA ensures that all departing OFWs are well-prepared for their life and work abroad through mandatory orientation seminars.
- Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS): A one-day seminar that provides OFWs with essential information about their destination country’s culture, laws, and employment contract policies.
- Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP): A more intensive, country-specific training program for Household Service Workers (HSWs) covering language, culture, and job-specific skills.
Repatriation Program
In times of crisis, OWWA assists in bringing distressed OFWs back to the Philippines.
- Repatriation Program: Provides emergency repatriation for OFWs in situations like war, political crises, or natural disasters. It also includes assistance for medically repatriated and deceased OFWs.
To learn more about each program’s specific eligibility requirements and application process, you can visit the official OWWA website or the nearest OWWA office.