By Justin Paul D. Marbella
OWWA RWOI
In its aim to enhance its delivery of services to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office I (OWWA RWOI) met with guidance counselors and career coaches of various secondary schools in Region I for a consultation on scholarship program implementation.
The orientation and consultation meeting in the implementation of OWWA scholarships for OFW dependents was held May 20, 2016 in San Fernando City, La Union.
The meeting was also aimed at giving light to issues and concerns brought by the implementation of the K-12 Program in the country’s educational system, which institutionalizes pre-school (kinder) and senior high school education to all learners in the country. Some of the OWWA’s scholarship program, namely the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), have been affected by the K12 Program.
Around 41 guidance counselors have joined in the meeting. Six of them come from Ilocos Norte, four from Ilocos Sur, nine from La Union, and 22 from Pangasinan. Officers from the Department of Education Division of La Union also came in.
During the meeting, the participants were oriented with the OWWA programs and services of OWWA. With a focus on the education and training benefits, the guidance counselors were given with an overview on the guidelines and policies of the scholarship programs. Statistical data on the availment of the scholarships in the region have also been presented.
At present, the OWWA scholarship programs for OFW dependents who are incoming college students are the EDSP, which grants P60,000 per school year to OFW dependents who pass the qualifying exam; ODSP, which grants P20,000 per school year to dependents of OFW whose salary is not more than US$400, and who also pass the pre-screening selection process.
The OWWA also provides educational assistance to a dependent of a deceased OFW-member, through the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP). Meanwhile, the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) grants P14,500 training assistance to OFW or dependents who wish to enroll in any technical-vocational course. The Microsoft Tulay Information Technology Program also provides OFW-members, active or inactive, and their dependents training on basic computer applications. Sea-based OFWs who wish to upgrade their skills through formal training may also enjoy training assistance at P7,500 through the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP).
The results of the meeting have been documented for reference and consideration in the implementation of the scholarship programs in the regional level. The participants’ inputs and suggestions will also be incorporated in the 2016 Region 1 OFW Manifesto, which will be presented on June 7, 2016, in celebration of the 2016 Migrant Workers’ Day.
“Your insights are instrumental in the achievement of our goal to continually enhance and upgrade our services,” Rhoda Nilda Placida R. Lee, education and training unit head, enthused. “May this meeting also forge stronger ties among us all, so that together, we become advocates of educational and professional development, not only of OFW dependents, but all Filipino learners,” Gerardo C. Rimorin, OIC PSD, remarked.