The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA; Filipino: Pangasiwaan sa Kagalingan ng Manggagawa sa Ibayong-dagat)[3] is a national government agency vested with special function of developing and implementing welfare programs and services to the needs of its members OFW and their families.[4]
OWWA is an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines. It protects the interests of Overseas Filipino Workers and their families, providing social security, cultural services and help with employment, remittances and legal matters.[5]:99 It is funded by an obligatory annual contribution from overseas workers and their employers.
History
The agency was founded as the Welfare and Training Fund for Overseas Workers through Letter of Instruction No. 537, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos on May 1, 1977.[6][5] It was renamed into Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) through Executive Order No. 126, signed by President Corazon Aquino on January 30, 1987.[7] Republic Act No. 10801 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on May 10, 2016, further defined the powers of the agency.[8]
Programs and services
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers welfare programs and services to Overseas Foreign Workers (OFW) members and their families. This services include education and training, reintegration, pre-education departure program, repatration and social benefits.[9]
Education and Training
Baccalaureate courses
Education for Development Scholarship Program
OFW - Dependent Scholarship Program
Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program
Short-term courses
Skills for Scholarship Program
Seafarers Upgrading Program
Information Technology Training Program
Updating Management Level Courses
Reintegration
OFW Enterprise and Loan Development Program
Enterprise Development Intervention
Loan Facility
Balik Pilipinas, Balik Hanap-buhay Program
Pre-departure Education Program
Pre-departure Orientation Seminar
Comprehensive Pre-departure Education Program for Household Service Workers
Repatriation
Repatriation Program
Social Benefits
Education and Livelihood Assistance Program
Death and Disability Benefit
Death Benefits
Burial Gratuity
Disability Benefits
Supplemental Assistant Program for OFW
Welfare Assistance Program
Calamity Assistance for OWWA members and their families
Bereavement Assistance for OWWA Members who are not covered by regular death and burial benefits
Disability Assistance for OWWA Members who are sick and not covered under MEDPlus
Relief Assistance for OWWA Members who are displaced or laid off
Organizational structure
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration consists of the following key people:[10]
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