The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a Philippine government agency that provides social protection and welfare assistance to Filipino workers abroad. The agency is under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and is tasked with promoting the well-being of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. It does this by providing social protection services, facilitating the resiliency of OFWs and their families, and delivering responsive welfare assistance programs.
Many OFWs working abroad need the assistance of OWWA, especially when they are in distress or have been victimized by illegal recruiters. The agency provides 24/7 hotline services and has a network of land-based and sea-based welfare offices that OFWs can turn to for help and assistance.
Aside from its social protection and welfare programs, OWWA also implements livelihood and skills training programs for OFWs and their families. These programs aim to help OFWs adjust to life back in the Philippines, should they decide to return home for good.
If you’re an OFW or planning to work abroad, it’s important to know what OWWA is and what services it offers. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this Philippine government agency.
Functions of OWWA
One of the main functions of OWWA is to provide social protection services to OFWs. This includes pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS), which aim to prepare OFWs for their work contracts abroad. The PDOS covers topics such as the nature of work, living conditions in the host country, and migrant workers’ rights and responsibilities.
OWWA also provides training programs to enhance the skills of OFWs so they can be more competitive in the global labor market. These programs include technical and vocational courses, language classes, and other capacity-building initiatives.
In addition, OWWA maintains a 24/7 hotline—the Balik-Manggagawa Processing Center—that provides assistance to Filipino workers who are returning home or changing employers. The center provides information on job openings, Balik-Manggagawa requirements, and other relevant government regulations.
What are the Programs of OWWA?
The programs of OWWA are divided into four categories: social protection, resilience building, welfare assistance, and advocacy.
Social protection programs include the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), which aims to prepare OFWs for their work contracts abroad. The PDOS covers topics such as the nature of work, living conditions in the host country, and migrant workers’ rights and responsibilities.
OWWA also provides training programs to enhance the skills of OFWs so they can be more competitive in the global labor market. These programs include technical and vocational courses, language classes, and other capacity-building initiatives.
In addition, OWWA maintains a 24/7 hotline—the Balik-Manggagawa Processing Center—that provides assistance to Filipino workers who are returning home or changing employers. The center provides information on job openings, Balik-Manggagawa requirements, and other relevant government regulations.
What are OWWA Social Benefits?
The social benefits provided by OWWA include financial assistance, insurance coverage, and death and disability benefits. Financial assistance is available for OFWs who are in distress or have been displaced due to natural disasters or conflict situations. OFWs can also avail of loans for business start-ups or capital investments. OWWA provides insurance coverage for OFWs against death, disability, and repatriation. The agency also offers death and disability benefits to the families of OFWs who die or become disabled while working abroad.
What is the OWWA Membership?
All land-based and sea-based OFWs are required to pay the OWWA membership fee, which is equivalent to US$25. The membership fee is valid for two years and can be paid at any OWWA office or authorized collecting agent. OFWs who have paid the membership fee are entitled to avail of the social protection, training, and financial assistance programs of the agency.
What are OWWA Education Benefits?
OWWA has a number of scholarship and education assistance projects intended to help children and dependents of OFWs have access to quality education. One of these is the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), which provides full scholarships to qualified dependents of OFWs. The EDSP covers tuition and other school fees, as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses.
What are OWWA Livelihood Benefits?
Aside from the livelihood and welfare assistance projects, OWWA also features a number of programs and services that OFWs can avail of to start or improve their businesses. These entrepreneurial programs aim to help OFWs become productive and self-sufficient members of society. The agency also provides loans and financial assistance to OFWs who wish to start their own businesses.
What is the OWWA Mobile App?
The OWWA Mobile App is a one-stop shop for all OFW-related information and services. The app features a directory of OWWA offices and authorized collecting agents, as well as a list of the agency’s programs and services. It also has a Balik-Manggagawa Processing Center that provides assistance to OFWs who are returning home or changing employers. The app is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play.
Video: What does OWWA do?
Here is a video clip which features an overview of OWWA’s programs and services. For those who are still unaware of the benefits you can get for becoming a member, may this clip help you in finding out more information about OWWA.
Summary
OWWA is helpful insurance coverage for all OFWs. It offers only a minimal fee every 2 years and you can get a hold of their many services. You can use the OWWA Mobile App to easily find information and get help when needed. With all its benefits, it is no wonder that OWWA is essential for every OFW working abroad.
In conclusion, OWWA is a great help to all OFWs. For a minimal fee, you can avail of its many services which include insurance coverage, financial assistance, and training programs. You can also use the OWWA Mobile App to easily find information and get help when needed. With all its benefits, it is no wonder that OWWA is essential for every OFW working abroad.