overseas workers welfare administration - f.a.q

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - F.A.Q.

http://www.owwa.gov.ph:8080/wcmqs/about/faq/[1/2/2013 16:57:17]

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

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OWWA develops and implements responsive programs and services while ensuring fund viability towards the protection of theinterest 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 Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

What are OWWAs mandates and objectives?The agency has a two-fold mandate:a. Delivery of welfare services and benefits; andb. 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 thewell-being of OFWs;c. Provide social and welfare services to OFWs, including insurance, social work assistance, legal assistance, cultural services, andremittance services;d. Ensure the efficiency of collection and the viability and sustainability of the fund through sound and judicious investment and fundmanagement policies;e. Undertake studies and researches for the enhancement of their social, economic and cultural well-being; andf. Develop, support and finance specific projects for the welfare of OFWs. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 sea-based workers, investment and interest income, and income from other sources. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 Officerand 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 ChairmanHon. Carmelita S. Dimzon Administrator and Vice-ChairmanMembers:Hon. Danilo P. Cruz Undersecretary, DOLEHon. Esteban B. Conejos Undersecretary, DFAHon. Carlos S. Cao, Jr. Administrator, POEAHon. Luz M. Cantor Assistant Secretary, DBMHon. Gil S. Beltran Undersecretary, DOFHon. Victorino F. Balais Representative, Labor SectorHon. Rene Y. Soriano Representative, Management SectorHon. Ermie L. Garon - Representative, Land-Based SectorHon. Estrella D. Aonuevo Representative, Womens Sector Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 inthe regions. To date, OWWA has 35 posts in 25 countries overseas and 17 Regional Welfare Offices in the country. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 andpromoting 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 OWWAmay be obtained in two ways:1. By enrollment upon processing of contract at the POEA; and2. By voluntary registration of a would-be member at job sites overseas. EffectivityOWWA membership, either through the compulsory or voluntary coverages, shall be effective upon payment of membershipcontribution, until expiration of the employment contract. Voluntary membershipIn case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership shall not exceed two (2) years. RenewalMembership shall be renewed upon payment of contribution on contract renewal / issuance of new contract. In the case of voluntarymembership, coverage shall be renewed upon payment of contribution. Proof of membershipThe names of all OWWA members are maintained by the OWWA and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) ina database which is updated regularly. Members are issued an Official Receipt upon payment of contribution. They shall likewise beissued an OWWA e-Card. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 MedicalRehabilitation Program. A. Life/Accident CoverageA 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 BenefitA member shall be entitled to disability/dismemberment benefits ranging from P2,000.00 to P50,000.00. C. Total Disability BenefitIn case of total permanent disability, a member shall be entitled to P100,000.00 D. Burial BenefitA burial benefit of P20,000.00 shall be provided in case of the members death. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 ForeignDeath Certificate for OFW who died abroad and accident report for death due to accident2. Burial Permit3. Official receipt of funeral expenses4. 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 registry2. Baptismal/Marriage certificate certified by the Parish priest /office3. Affidavit of two (2) disinterested persons re: facts of birth/marriage and claimants relationship to the deceased Documentary Requirements for Disability Benefit1. Foreign medical certificate2. Medical certificate issued by the local attending Physician with medical examination procedure, e.g., X-ray, MRI, CT Scan3. Accident report Releasing RequirementsAny two (2) (original and valid copy) of the following:1. Passport2. Office ID3. Postal ID4. Drivers license5. Original NBI clearance6. Senior Citizenship ID Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 scholarshipprograms, 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 OWWAmember-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 theschool 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 topoor but deserving dependents of OFWs with a monthly salary of not more than US$400.00/month. Qualifiers enroll in a four- to five-year baccalaureate or associate course leading are entitled to a baccalaureate or associate degree in a state college or university. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 TechnicalEducation and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), to land-based or sea-based OWWA member-OFWs or theirdependents/beneficiaries. A qualified applicant may avail of either a one-year technical or a six-month vocational course offered following the regular schoolyear calendar. Upon receipt of the scholarship voucher, the grantee may enroll in any TESDA-registered program. Program choices shall besupportive of the land and sea-based skills requirement. Financial assistance for a one-year program is P14,500.00 while for a six-month 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 financialassistance, the scholar will shoulder the difference. If the tuition fee is less, the difference will be given to the scholar uponcompletion of the course. Course offerings include: agriculture and fishery; processed food and beverages; tourism (hotel and restaurant); decorative crafts andceramics; 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 andpersonal services. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3. Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)The Seafarers Upgrading Program is intended to provide OWWA-member seafarers job-related training in priority maritime coursesidentified by the Maritime Training Council. It is designed to upgrade the skills, and develop the expertise of Filipino seafarers inaccordance 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 amaximum of PhP 7,500.00. These amounts are inclusive of meal and transportation allowances in the case of trainees referred to theNational Maritime Polytechnic (NMP). Filipino seafarers who are active OWWA members may avail of the program. Beneficiaries may subsequently avail of the SUP afterpayment 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 coursesidentified by the Maritime Training Council. It is designed to upgrade the skills, and develop the expertise of Filipino seafarers inaccordance with technological advancements and international maritime standards. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4. DOLE-OWWA Tulay Microsoft ProjectIn partnership with Microsoft Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and OWWA has launched Tulay orBridge 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 providingtechnology and skills for underserved individuals. OFWs and their families learn the basics of computer applications such as MSWord, 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 formOFWs prolonged separation from their families will be greatly minimized and as it mitigates the social impact of being away fromhome 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 inPOEA, OWWA Regional Welfare Offices as well as OWWA overseas posts in Riyadh (KSA), Hong Kong, Taichung (Taiwan), Romeand Milan (Italy) Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

5. Tuloy-Aral ProjectThe Tuloy-Aral Project was launched in December 2004 with the objective of assisting the children of less fortunate former OFWs aswell 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 financialassistance to send to school. The DSWD or DOLE/OWWA prepares a family profile that shall serve as the basis for the selection ofthe beneficiary. The Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) are tasked to promote and identify OFWs who are successful, financially stable andin 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 enablehim/her to continue his/her elementary or high school education. The amount will help cover for expenses such as books, schoolsupplies, 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 isbeing replicated in each region of the country. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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

What are the privileges, eligibility and documentary requirements for OWWA EDSP?Scholarship Privileges1. Financial assistance amounting to P 30,000.00 per semester2. The scholar may choose his / her desired program/course offered by a CHED-accredited college or university3. Scholarship shall continue until completion of the course (4-5 years), regardless of the status of OFW membership provided theScholarship Agreement is complied with Eligibility Requirements1. Must be a child of a married OWWA member or brother / sister of an unmarried OWWA member2. Must be 21 years old or below3. Must be a Filipino citizen



4. Be in good health and with good moral character5. Must have an average grade of at least 80% and belong to the upper 20% of the graduating class Documentary Requirements1. 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 certifiedby the Local Civil Registrar or NSO)4. Form 137 or Transcript of Records with Principals Certification on Scholastic Standing5. Proof of OWWA membership (i.e. Official Receipt of OWWA Contribution/Certification from OWWA Membership ProcessingCenter)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 dualcitizenship signed by parent or legal guardians (Form F) Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

What are the eligibility and documentary requirements for the Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program(SESP)?Qualified beneficiaries/dependents1. Child not older than 21 years old or spouse of a married OFW2. Brother/sister not older than 21 years old of an unmarried OFW Availment Requirements1. Must be an active OWWA member (land-based or sea-based) or beneficiary/dependent of an active OWWA member2. Must pass the TESDA qualifying examination or Multiple Aptitude Battery Test (MABT) on the program of choice3. Have at least one (1) recorded membership contribution For subsequent availments, three (3) additional membership contributions are required. After completing the course, must submit forcompetency assessment and certification administered by TESDA or its accredited testing center. Documentary Requirements1. Accomplished application forms (2 sets)2. 1x1 ID pictures (2 copies)3. Form 137 / HS Report Card or Transcript of Records/ official copy of grades4. Proof of OWWA Membership: official receipt of OWWA contribution / OFW E-Card5. If a Members beneficiary: proof of relationship to OWWA member (e.g. copy of marriage contract and/or birth certificate of bothOFW and applicant- dependent duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar) Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 maybe assured upon first (1st) payment. Documents required are:1. Accomplished application form2. Seamens Identification and Record Book (SRIB)3. Poof of OWWA Membership (Official Receipt of Contribution)4. 1x1 photo (2 copies)5. Latest residence certificate Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



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. Thisincludes provision of services to facilitate immediate repatriation of distressed OFWs, medically-ill OFWs, human remains, etc. likeairport assistance, domestic transport, temporary shelter, etc. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 incomegenerating 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 socialcounseling, family counseling, stress debriefing, and training on capacity building, value formation, etc. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 ofthe OFW Reintegration Program. It is meant to further improve access to entrepreneurial development opportunities and credit facilities to OFWs, their families, andorganizations.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 Loan1. Working capital for purchase of merchandise goods and/or raw materials2. Business assets acquisition (except lot) for purchase of machines/equipment3. Business site construction or improvement Eligible Borrowers1. Member-OFWs and former member-OFWs2. Their immediate family members (one family member per one OFW)3. For married OFWs: spouses or children of legal age4. For single OFWs: parents or siblings of legal age5. OWWA LDPO beneficiaries with good repayment records6. Legally organized groups of OFWs (partnerships / corporations, OFW organizations / associations / cooperatives & federations) Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -What are the loan packages and requirements under the OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Program1. 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 RequirementsFor Individual Borrowers1. Proof of OWWA Contribution (passport with POEA-LAC stamp, information sheet from OWWA, POEA-attested EmploymentCertificate, or E-card)2. Business Plan / Project Feasibility Study3. Financial Statement in case of existing business4. 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 Borrowers1. Proof of OWWA Contribution at least among officers2. Business Plan3. Financial Statement in case of existing business4. Collateral Papers / Ownership Titles5. Promissory Note for Non-collateral Loan Window6. 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 associations8. Board resolution or group/partnership resolution specifying intent to undertake a group/partnership project or expand agroup/partnership project using capital to be borrowed from the OWWA-NLSF-LDPO Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 site3. 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 PropertyUnmortgaged 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) Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 inmanaging the impact of overseas employment in family life. It serves as a strategic mechanism for exemplifying the best practices ofOFW 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 ofemployment opportunities. Back to top of the page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) || National Reintegration Center for OFWs || Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

What is the story behind OWWAs Logo?

The LOGO was designed in 1981 by Mr. Paeng Asuncion, using a Greek capital letter Delta (visuallydenoting a triangle or a pyramid), which symbolizes CHANGE that may occur progressively, step bystep, 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 thekey 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 risingsun 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-givingforce. The sun and the rain also represent the favorable and adverse conditions encountered by the expatriate Filipino workers in theoverseas 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 theirfamilies. OWWA strives to provide timely and responsive interventions: 24 hours, seven days a week with assured quality standards. It goeswith our motto: UMULAN MAT UMARAW. ANG OWWA AY MAASAHAN. Back to top of the page

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