In a continuous effort to support education and training to overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and their dependents, OWWA offers scholarship programs, especially to those who are affected by the impacts of the pandemic for the academic year 2020-2021.

There are two types of scholarships available: Training programs for Filipino Seafarers and scholarships for dependents.

Moreover, Filipino seafarers can choose between Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) or Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (Bridging) Program, while dependent scholarships can choose either the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), and Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP).

Discussed below are the requirements for each scholarship programs:

Pre-Departure Education Program

Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)

A one-day compulsory orientation for OFWs, focusing on modules on the employment contract, country of destination, stages of the OFWs’ life abroad, health and security, financial literacy, travel suggestions, and airport procedures, and government programs and services. This is attended by all employees (all expertise) prior to their deployment overseas.

Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP)

A four or six-day orientation seminar attended by Domestic Workers (DWs), consisting of language training, culture familiarization, and stress management.

Training Programs For Filipino Seafarers

Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)

Job-related training assistance for upgrading courses of up to P7,500.00

*Succeeding availments each after three (3) recorded membership contributions.

Requirements

• Proof of OWWA membership
• Accomplished Application Form
• Seafarer’s Identification & Record Book and/or Passport (legitimate original copy)
• 2”x2” photo (2 copies)

Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (Bridging) Program

A scholarship grant for prospective seafarers with degrees in BS Mechanical Engineering (BSME) and BS Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and want to pursue BSMarine Engineering (BSMarE) course, within the following order of priority:

• OFW-seafarers who’re active members of OWWA
• Immediate dependents/beneficiaries of OFWs, each land-based and sea-based, who’re lively or former members of OWWA
• Next-of-kin of OFWs up to the first degree of consanguinity.

Requirements

• Birth Certificates / Proof of Relation to the OFW
• Transcript of Records
• Declaration of no current and pending application for a scholarship with OWWA and other NGAs/NGOs

Scholarships For Dependents

Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) – a scholarship grant provided to qualified dependents of active OWWA members who intend to pursue a 4-5 year baccalaureate course in any preferred colleges/universities; Monetary assistance of P60,000.00 per school year.

Qualifications for incoming freshmen

1. The member-OFW will need to have an active membership with OWWA on the time of the application;
2. The dependent-applicant should be single and not be more than 21 years old;
3. Should have an average grade of no less than 80% and belongs to the upper 20% of the graduating class;
4. Should go the qualifying examination carried out by DOST and belongs to the top 400 examination passer.

Qualifications for individuals who are already enrolled in 2nd to 5th-year school

• Single;
• No more than 30 years old;
• With a GWA not decrease than B letter grade or 85% equivalent in all academic and non-academic subjects during the last faculty year attended in full load.

Requirements

• Accomplished EDSP Application Form (2 copies)
• 2×2 ID Photos (2 copies)
• Birth Certificates authenticated by PSA
• Certificates of good moral character
• Form 137 for incoming first-year college or Transcript of Records or Certificates of Grades for those who are already enrolled in college
• Certification from the principal that the applicant obtained a general weighted common (GWA) of 80% and that he/she belongs to the top 20% of the graduating class

OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)

Academic help of P 20,000.00 per faculty for 12 months to a certified dependent of a lively OWWA member-OFW whose wage isn’t greater than US$600.00.

Qualifications

• Child of an active OWWA member or sibling of an unmarried OWWA member, who’s single and no more than
• 21 years old for incoming freshmen, and no more than 30 years old for individuals who are already enrolled or have been enrolled in college
• Should go the doorway examination carried out by state school/college in OWWA Regional Welfare
• Workplaces the place he/she intends to enroll
• Should not be a recipient of some other scholarship grants

Requirements

• Accomplished Application Form (2 copies)
• 2×2 ID Photos (2 copies)
• Proof of relationship to OWWA member (e.g PSA or Local Civil Registry (LCR)-authenticated birth certificates and certificates of no marriage if OFW is single)
• Form 137 for incoming first-year college or Transcript of Records or Certificates of Grades for those who are already enrolled in college
• Medical certificates/clearance from any DOH-accredited hospital/center/clinic
• Certificates of good moral character issued by the principal/guidance counselor
• Accomplished original copy of the Scholarship Agreement

To apply, download the application form and fill in the necessary information.

Application period until August 15, 2020, while the examination schedule will take place on October 25, 2020.

For more details contact OWWA at (082) 322 9339 / (082) 221 8593 / 0917 701 1135 / 0917 701 1126. You may also visit them at owwa.gov.ph or Facebook/OWWAofficial for updates.