Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is a sub agency under the Department of Migrant Workers that looks after the welfare of Filipino migrant workers and their families. It offers assistance for workers displaced by natural and man-made calamities, and educational and livelihood benefits to workers and their families.
Therefore, an OWWA membership brings enormous benefits especially at times when Filipino workers abroad face life’s greatest tests.
Carent Barroga, 37, just arrived at her new employer in Hong Kong in November 2018 when a brain tumour was detected and required an immediate operation.
A native of Bayambang, Pangasinan, Barroga immediately sought the assistance of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
However, her hopes of receiving help from the government agency were suddenly crushed when she discovered that she had expired OWWA membership. This meant she was no longer eligible for the medical assistance normally provided to active members.
Staying as an active OWWA member offers peace of mind – it provides real, tangible benefits that can make a significant difference in times of need. Let’s explore how renewing your membership can ensure OWWA’s support, security and opportunities for OFWs and their families.
Access to Welfare Assistance
OWWA helps OFWs during times of emergencies. This can be in the form of repatriation assistance for displaced workers in countries experiencing escalating tensions that affect Filipino workers. OWWA, through its MEDPlus program, also provides financial assistance to help pay medical bills of active members who are hospitalized.
When the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah forces erupted in 2023, OWWA assisted in repatriating 653 Filipino workers and 33 dependents from Lebanon.
OWWA also offers peacetime repatriation for distressed Filipino workers who suffered from abuse and various forms of labor issues such as maltreatment from employers and non-payment of salaries, such as the 35 household service workers from Kuwait.
Livelihood and Reintegration Programs
In preparation for Filipinos who return to the country from their jobs abroad, OWWA has programs aligned to help the reintegration process. These programs range from livelihood packages and low-interest loans to skills training programs from government appointed agencies.
Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay – This reintegration program assists OFWs and their families achieve financial stability through investment and entrepreneurship programs. This program prioritizes Filipinas such as returning distressed OFWs at designated sheltered and displaced household service workers.
OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program – is a collaborative initiative by OWWA, Land Bank of the Philippines, and Development Bank of the Philippines and aims to support OFWs and their families in establishing viable businesses that generate steady income and create local employment opportunities.
The program includes business preparation activities such as seminars and training, followed by a loan facility offering P100,000 to P2M for individuals and up to P5M for groups, with a fixed 7.5% annual interest rate.
Scholarships and Educational Support
Eligible OFW dependents who intend to pursue a four-year or five-year degree courses may avail of scholarship programs granted by OWWA.
Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
This OWWA scholarship grant offers up to P60,000 per school year to qualified dependents of OFWs until they complete a 4-5-year course. Selection is based on DOST national examinations, with 400 slots for incoming freshmen among the top passers and 600 slots for current college students.
OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP)
This OWWA scholarship program grants P20,000 per school year to qualified dependents of OFWs earning $600 or less per month. It supports those currently enrolled or planning to enrol in any four-year or five-year or associate course at a college or university.
Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP)
This scholarship program offers Php60,120 per year to deserving migrant workers or their immediate dependents who wish to pursue Science and Technology courses in priority fields.
Legal and Employment Assistance
OWWA has supported OFWs facing contract disputes or unfair treatment by providing legal assistance, counselling, and mediation services. For example, when a Filipino worker is chasing for unpaid wages or was forced to work under unsafe conditions, OWWA intervened by coordinating with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and foreign labour authorities to resolve the issue. In many cases, this assistance led to settlements, safe repatriation, and even legal action against abusive employers.
Common Misconceptions About OWWA
Despite the benefits presented, many Filipino workers might claim that a membership is just an added expense on top of placement fees, medical check ups and airfares. Others might also confront authorities that accessing benefits is complicated.
However, the $25 membership fee is a small investment compared to the significant support provided, such as welfare assistance, educational scholarships, and livelihood programs. For an agency with fluctuating expenses based on needs, the membership fee may not cover everything, but it still provides valuable financial relief when it matters most.
OWWA has also streamlined its processes, making it easier for Filipino migrant workers or repatriated OFWs to apply for benefits through online platforms and regional offices. By staying an active member, OFWs gain peace of mind knowing they have a reliable safety net when they need it most.
Goodwill to less fortunate Filipino workers
For just $25, OWWA members gain access to a wide range of assistance that far exceeds the membership fee. Whether it’s welfare support, livelihood programs, or scholarship opportunities, the value of these benefits can be multiple times what they paid.
However, many OFWs agree that the greatest relief comes not from repatriation or death benefits, but from never needing them—because it means they remained safe and their jobs stable while working abroad. This creates that grateful mindset that while they did not receive any assistance, OWWA members are happy to be able to contribute for the welfare of less fortunate kababayans, without relying 100% to the government.
After Barroga’s surgery, she was forced to return to the Philippines after her employment was terminated. She said her agency failed to remind her of the membership renewal.
Until recently, every OFW employment contract renewal filed at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) required a mandatory renewal of expired membership. However, the process has since changed, making renewal optional instead of obligatory. As a result, many OFWs forgot or decided against renewing their OWWA membership.
Since Barroga is no longer a member of OWWA, she can only get limited assistance, such as the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay Program which entitles her to receive P20,000 as a returning OFW due to employment termination.
Conclusion
Renewing your OWWA membership is not just about paying a fee; it’s an insurance in your protection, support and future opportunities. By staying as an active OWWA member, you are ensuring a peace of mind for both yourself and your family while you are away, knowing that there’s a safety net to lean on in times of need.
Take the step to renew your membership today and secure the support that will help you thrive in your job supporting your family and preparing your future while working abroad.