The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, or OWWA for short, is a government agency that works with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and is in charge with the well-being of both the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and also their dependents.
In relation to that responsibility, OWWA runs several education and training programs that bring numerous benefits.
Here are some of them:
Pre-Departure Education Program (PDEP)
Mandatory for all departing OFWs, this orientation falls under several categories:
- Country Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
This comprehensive 1-day OFW orientation covers a lot of important points such as details about employment contracts, information about the destination country, health and safety, airport tips, as well as available government programs and services.
- Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP)
This training runs for 3 to 6 days. This one tackles about language training, familiarization of culture, management of stress, and a whole lot more.
Scholarships, Training and Incentive Programs
- Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)
Seafarers hoping to enroll at a short-term upgrading course can expect to receive Php 7,500 for training assistance purposes.
- Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
Qualified dependents, on the other hand, who want to study 4 or 5-year courses will benefit from this scholarship program which grants up to Php 60,000 per school year.
- OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFWDSP)
This, on the other hand, is for students taking up an associate’s degree or a baccalaureate whose OFW parents are earning not more than $400.00. Qualified individuals will receive Php 20,000 per school year.
- Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)
Dependents of deceased OFWs may also receive Php 5,000 for elementary, Php 8,000 for high school, Php 10,000 for college students per school year. A surviving spouse, however, may receive up to Php 15,000 for livelihood assistance.
Short-Term Training Programs for OFWs and Dependents
- Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)
Short-term training program students can expect as much as Php 14,500 per course as they work on a vocational or technical course in any TESDA-accredited school.
- Information Technology Program
This I.T. training program provides training for those interested to learn basic computer skills in terms of using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and others. Internet usage skills are also taught to participants.
For more information about these OWWA education programs, OWWA can be contacted at 02 891 7601 (local) or +632 891 7601 (international). You may also browse their website at http://www.owwa.gov.ph or send them an email over at [email protected].