OFWs, don’t miss this: OWWA member benefits you probably didn’t know about

“For the family, no matter how hard it gets, I’ll endure.”

How many times have you heard this from an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker)? Every remittance, every call, every tear — comes with a story. But behind all the sacrifices, many of our modern-day heroes don’t even know that as an OWWA member, there are valuable benefits waiting for them.

What is OWWA?

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency that protects and promotes the welfare of OFWs and their families. From your departure to your return home, OWWA has your back — as long as you’re an active member.

1. Education and Scholarship Grants – Because Your Child’s Future is Your Priority

Do you have a child in high school or college?
As an OWWA member, you may qualify for:

• EDSP (Education for Development Scholarship Program) – ₱60,000 per year for qualified children of OFWs with excellent academic standing.
• ODSP (OFW Dependent Scholarship Program) – ₱20,000 per year for children of OFWs with an annual income of $6,000 or less.

Yes, your child can finish college without you constantly worrying about tuition!

2. Welfare Assistance – Because Life Happens

Did your parent get hospitalized?

Did a typhoon damage your home back in the Philippines?

You can apply for financial aid from OWWA for medical emergencies, natural disasters, or even death in the family. You don’t have to go through these hardships alone.

3. Repatriation and Reintegration Program – For When You Need to Come Home

If you lose your job, are abused at work, or need to go home urgently, OWWA will assist you through:

Free airfare back to the Philippines

Temporary shelter at an OWWA halfway house

Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay! Program – up to ₱20,000 in livelihood assistance to help you start a small business

4. Skills Training and Livelihood – So You Can Prepare for the Future

OWWA offers free training and seminars to help you develop skills you can use when you decide to settle down in the Philippines:

TESDA-accredited training programs

Livelihood skills like cooking, sewing, ICT

Financial literacy and business start-up training

Because let’s face it — you won’t be an OFW forever. It’s smart to have a Plan B.

5. Seafarers’ Upgrading Program – For a Better Job, Bigger Salary

For our Filipino seafarers, OWWA also offers up to ₱7,500 in training assistance to help you earn new certifications, qualify for promotions, or land higher-paying contracts.

How to Become an OWWA Member?

It’s easy.

If you’re a first-time OFW, your agency or the DMW will automatically enroll you when you pay the $25 membership fee. For returning OFWs, you can renew online via the OWWA Mobile App or visit any OWWA regional office.

Valid for: 2 years
Tip: Download the OWWA App to easily access all services!

Final Thoughts: You’re a Hero — But You Have to Be a Smart One Too

Being an OFW isn’t easy. That’s why you should make the most out of every benefit available to you. Don’t let your membership fee go to waste — these programs are for you and your family.

Share this with a fellow OFW today. You might help them get a scholarship, come home safely, or recover from a crisis.

With OWWA, you’re never alone.

The above information is taken from: OWWA website – https://owwa.gov.ph/programs-and-services/