OWWA benefits – If you’re working as an OFW, you should ensure becoming a member of OWWA. This government agency aims to protect the welfare of OFWs by giving the necessary services they need. To become a member, you should pay the USD 25 membership contribution.
The services and benefits offered by OWWA to a registered members include the following:
- Healthcare/medical, disability and death benefits
A member is entitled to dismemberment or disability benefit of PHP 50,000, but for total permanent disability, a member can receive PHP 100,000.00.
If a member died due to natural cause, the death benefit is about PHP 100,000.00 and PHP 200,000.00 if the death is caused by accident. The burial benefit is PHP 20,000.00.
- Education and training benefits
OWWA is requiring all departing migrant workers to attend the Pre-Departure Education Program or PDEP. It covers culture familiarization, language training and stress management.
OFW’s bound for UAE and Canada are required to attend PDOS. Likewise, SESP or Skills for Employment Scholarship program is also given to qualified OFW and beneficiaries. Dependents of OFW’s can also apply for EDSP. Qualified beneficiaries can avail about PHP 60,000.00 per year.
- Seafarers’ Upgrading program
This program can help seafarers to upgrade or update their knowledge and skills. They can avail scholarship grants amounting to PHP 7,500.00.
Other programs include Mariner’s Dugtong-Aral, Cadetship program, Maritime Educational Development Loan Program, OWWA Microsoft Tulay, Tuloy-Aral Project and Tuloy Kolehiyo.
- Workers Assistance and On-site Services
OWWA members are given appropriate assistance such as Locating OFWs whereabouts and repatriation program.
- Social and Family Welfare Assistance
Some of the programs under this service are reintegration program, OWWA-NLDC LDPO project and 24/7 OWWA Operations Center.
If you are interested to register as member of OWWA, all you have to do is to visit the official website of OWWA. The agency ensures that all members can enjoy the benefits. Likewise, they also look after the welfare of the members and gives assurance that all their sacrifices are worth it.
OWWA Contact details
TEXT- (0917) TXT OWWA OR (0917) 898-6992
Trunk line- 8917601-24 local 5516/5517
Fax Number- (+632) 804-06-38
Email- [email protected]
Website- www.owwa.gov.ph