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OFW RISE Program: How to Apply

If you’re an Overseas Filipino Worker who has permanently returned to the Philippines or has been repatriated, you should consider applying for the OFW RISE Program. It aims to help OFWs acquire entrepreneurial skills through a training program. This will equip you with the knowledge and skills on how to run a business in the Philippines. The program also includes a step-by-step strategy for building a livelihood for OFWs who are aspiring to become successful businessmen.

Whether you’ve been affected by the recent health crisis or any employer-related problem that led to your repatriation, it’s important to upgrade your business abilities to achieve economic recovery and reintegration. The goal is to train OFW returnees regardless of their gender in strategic locations including quarantine facilities, terminals, or at the airport upon arrival. Familiarize yourself with the application process and explore great opportunities for starting your own business.

Table of Contents

What is the OFW RISE Program?

The OFW Reintegration through Skills and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Program is a free training program initiated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Coca-Cola Philippines, and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade Training Center. This public-private joint project is implemented through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs.

With this free online training program, interested applicants can access information, resources, and opportunities in livelihood. You can learn how to become a businessman, make money, and grow your business in the long run. No need to pay anything to enroll in the training program as long as you meet the qualifications and requirements.

Requirements

For returning or repatriated OFWs who are interested in applying for the OFW RISE Program, there are a few requirements to meet in order to be eligible for the free training. Generally, the program is designed for repatriated or returning OFWs due to the pandemic. It’s open for all eligible OFWs whether they are sea-based or land-based.

Keep in mind that the assistance is provided for eligible OFWs within the duration of their employment contracts abroad. Don’t hesitate to contact the relevant offices in order to get the latest information regarding the OFW RISE application requirements as well as the process that you will need to complete.

Benefits and Features

The OFW RISE Program offers a lot of benefits to eligible OFWs returning to the Philippines for good. Here are the things you will learn when you undergo the free training program:

DiskarTIPS
Livelihood Assistance Program Application
Business Coaching
Business Training

With private and government organizations that worked collaboratively for this project, there are excellent features of the OFW RISE Program that you should know. OWWA provides information and locations for the processing of preparation, activity schedules, and participant targeting. The TESDA, on the other hand, hosts OFW RISE online and issues electronic certificates for participants who have completed the training. There are required outputs and modules that OFWs need to complete based on the specifications of TESDA.

PTTC implements Negosyo Centers to help OFWs start their business through business coaching and growth assistance. DOLE advocates entrepreneurship through training and orientation programs to encourage returning OFWs to become successful business owners in the Philippines. They aim for fruitful reintegration in order to build a long-term livelihood for them and their families.

In partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, OFW RISE also includes webinars for business trainers and program facilitators. This private company funds the printing and distribution of handbooks to OFW returnees. It also works with microfinance institutions in order to help participants obtain credit so they can execute their business plans.

How to Apply for the OFW RISE Program

The entrepreneurship course can be completed in four hours via edutainment format. Participants can access the course using their smartphones or mobile devices once they return home or in quarantine facilities. Check out these steps when applying for the OFW RISE Program:

Step 1: Go to your Facebook account and copy or type this URL in the browser: https://cokeurl.com/ofwrise.

Step 2: Click on the 42-second video and watch it until the end.

Step 3: After watching the explainer video, tap “Join the Program”.

Step 4: Read and accept the privacy terms by clicking on the I Agree button.

Step 5: Complete the required details in the OFW RISE Program application form.

Step 6: Wait until your application is confirmed or approved.

The OFW Rise Program application form can be downloaded online by going to this link: https://cokeurl.com/ofwrise. Some of the key information that you must provide in the online application include your complete name, residential home address in the Philippines, mobile number, email address, birth year, age, and education details.

Some important reminders when applying for the OFW RISE Program include receiving a tracking number through email or SMS to track the application status and claiming the kit from the OWWA Reintegration Officer at the Regional Welfare Offices or the OWWA House Parent located at the hotel. The assistance will be provided within the OFW’s contract duration, check the official Facebook page of OFW RISE to get more information.

Video: TESDA Free Online Course for OFW – OFW RISE PROGRAM ng TESDA Online Program

In this video, you will find everything you need to know about the OFW RISE Program. You will learn how to get this free online course and become an entrepreneur with a successful business in the Philippines as a repatriated OFW.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNylw9_TcFw

Summary

There are so many repatriated OFWs in the Philippines who need assistance from the government in terms of livelihood. Therefore, the OFW RISE Program is an excellent way to help them start their own business and build a stable source of income as they return home for good. If you’re an OFW returnee who has been affected by the health crisis, you can apply for the training program and get all the support you need to carry out your business plan.

owwa balik pinay filipina livelihood for ofws

OWWA Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay Program for Filipina OFWs

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are often victims of violence and mistreatment, especially household service workers Filipina women. Some OFWs don’t receive their salary or don’t finish their contracts due to other reasons, causing them to return to the Philippines. To help them reintegrate into the country, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers women OFWs the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program, providing livelihood assistance for self-employment.

Like the Balik Pinas Program, the Balik Pinay Program provides financial assistance for the livelihood projects of OFWs returning to the Philippines. The only difference is the Balik Pinay Program focuses on helping displaced and distressed women OFWs, enabling them to launch their businesses and continue generating income.

To learn more about this livelihood assistance, read on as we share what OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program is and its requirements and application procedure.

Table of Contents

What is OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program?

The Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program is one of the reintegration pathways of OWWA, an employment and training project. It aims to boost the employment and economic opportunities of displaced and distressed Filipina women who have been abused or mistreated abroad and are returning to the Philippines. This program prioritizes household service workers who failed abroad, providing them livelihood assistance worth P10,000 to keep them productive as they return to the country.

In 2011, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched and implemented the program, providing women OFWs with the essential livelihood skills to reduce socio-economic vulnerability and enhance their well-being. The National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) manages this program and consists of starter kits. In 2013, Filipina OFWs sheltered by Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Centers (MWOFRC) of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) were in the program.

Objectives

Since the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program is a reintegration project from OWWA, it assists women OFWs to be multi-skilled. This program offers training services from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It also aims to help women OFWs launch livelihood projects thru self-employment packages, including start-up kits, business counseling, training, and assistance services. Lastly, it increases job opportunities by equipping displaced women OFWs with vital skills.

Priority Hanapbuhay Projects

DOLE-OWWA prioritizes livelihood projects related to health and wellness and other home-based occupations. So if you wish to apply for this program, here are the following livelihood projects you should consider:

Beauty Care

Cosmetology

Dress Making

Foot Spa

Hair Cutting

Home Spa

Manicure and Pedicure

Massage

Reflexology

Repairs and Maintenance

Food Processing

Handicrafts

Production of skin and healthcare products

Benefits

The Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program-eligible beneficiaries will receive a livelihood grant worth P10,000, which consists of the following:

Training Cost- P2,500

Starter Kit Cost- P7,500

The training may include a demo kit, supplies, materials, and honoraria. On the other hand, the livelihood starter kit consists of raw materials, tools, jigs, equipment, and start-up capital.

Qualifications

To avail of the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program, you should meet any of the following qualifications:

Returning women OFWs

Displaced women OFWs due to conflicts and hostilities in their host country

Women OFWs who are victims of illegal recruitmentand trafficking

Other displaced/distressed women household service workers

Distressed women OFWs from POLO’s Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Centers (MWOFRC)

Requirements

For eligible beneficiaries of the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program, here are the following documentary requirements you should prepare for the application:

Copy of valid passport (showing data page)

Arrival Stamp (showing date of last arrival in the Philippines)

Duly-accomplished form from the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO)

Proposed Business Plan

Procedure to Apply in OWWA Balik Pinay! Program

If you wish to apply for the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program, you may follow the general procedures below:

Via POLO Office

POLO shelters displaced/distressed women OFWs to prepare for reintegration.

The applicant and POLO will obtain the documentary requirements and undergo training based on the selected livelihood project.

Also, the applicant will receive training assistance from POLO on the Basics of Entrepreneurship and Business Planning.

After finishing the training, the applicant will receive a certificate.

Next, POLO will assign the available livelihood course to the applicant.

POLO will then endorse the applicant to NRCO to receive livelihood training.

NRCO will process the funding for the livelihood starter kit.

Simultaneously, NRCO will endorse the applicant to OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or DOLE Regional Offices.

Then, the concerned office will deliver the livelihood starter kit to the beneficiary’s permanent home address.

Distressed women OFWs and household service workers (HSWs) sheltered by POLO get priority to access the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program. Thus, apply for livelihood assistance before returning to the Philippines.

Via OWWA, DOLE, or NRCO Office

For distressed/displaced women OFWs already in the Philippines, follow the steps below:

Prepare the complete documentary requirements.

Head to the OWWA, DOLE, or NRCO office near your chosen business location. Also, contact the concerned offices before visiting if an appointment is necessary.

Wait to be assisted or queue for your return.

Next, submit your documentary requirements for evaluation.

Then, wait for a call confirming if you qualify for the program.

Remember, the application won’t be complete within a day since the concerned agencies will conduct internal processing to inspect the applicants. So you have to wait a few days to receive a call regarding the result of your application for the livelihood grant.

Reminders for OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program

Before applying for the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program, please take note of the following reminder:

The Balik Pinay Program is livelihood assistance for distressed/displaced women OFWs reintegrating into the country.

Displaced/distressed women OFWs sheltered by POLO are also eligible for this program.

Under this program, the agencies prioritize displaced women OFWs who are victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking, affected by the hostilities and conflicts in their host country, and other household services workers.

The livelihood grant in this program is in the form of training and starter kits.

This OWWA program is a livelihood grant and not a loan. Thus, eligible beneficiaries of the program don’t have to pay back the P10,000 livelihood assistance.

The training and starter kits given to the beneficiaries depend on their chosen livelihood project.

Interested applicants may contact POLO, OWWA, DOLE, or NRCO offices for assistance and inquiries.

Video: Livelihood Development Assistance Program & Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay

For more information on OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program, please watch the video below:

As discussed in the video, NRCO encourages OFWs to start their business as a reintegration program, helping them prosper when they return to the Philippines. NRCO provides skills and entrepreneurial training to OFWs returning to the country. It aims to hone their acquired skills abroad or learn new skills to prepare them to launch their businesses. Moreover, NRCO provides starter kits to eligible OFWs to kick-start the chosen livelihood project.

DOLE-NRCO will assist OFWs who were unsuccessful abroad can partake in skills training, such as pastry and bread making and massage therapy under the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program. The agency will also provide starter kits and small business capital, helping the beneficiaries launch their business. Thus, the training and starter kits will benefit women OFWs who are unfortunate abroad or planning to return to the Philippines for good with their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program?

The OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program is for women OFWs reintegrating into the Philippines. This program is for Filipina workers who wish to return to the country for good and start their livelihood projects. Meanwhile, Filipina OFWs are a priority if they are victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking, affected by conflicts and hostilities in their host country, and other displaced/distressed women household service workers. Also, Filipina OFWs sheltered by POLO may apply for this program.

How much is the financial assistance for OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program?

Eligible beneficiaries of the OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program will receive a P10,000 livelihood grant, which consists of training and starter kits to launch their chosen business.

Summary

Through the OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program, Filipina OFWs can prepare for their return to the Philippines, allowing them to still earn by starting their businesses. This program can also increase the chances of women OFWs finding better job opportunities as they return to the country by providing them with necessary skills training. Eligible beneficiaries of the program will also receive starter kits and small business capital to kick-start their livelihood project.

To access the livelihood grant under the Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program, displaced and distressed women OFWs who plan to return to the Philippines may contact POLO, OWWA, DOLE, or NRCO. This program can help you generate an income as you start your life if returning to the Philippines to be with your family. So whether launching a business or finding job opportunities, the OWWA Balik Pinay Balik Hanapbuhay Program can help with your needs.

Contact Details

OWWA Central Office
Address: OWWA Center Building, F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
Hotline: 1348
NCR Hotline: 09666250016
Reintegration Unit: 8834-0719
Website: https://owwa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial
Email: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph

Department of Labor and Employment – National Capital Region
Address: DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate 1004 Manila, Philippines
24/7 Hotline: 1349
Website: https://www.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ncrdole/
Email: ncr@dole.gov.ph

National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO)
Address: Ground Floor, BFO Development Center, Victoria cor. Solana Sts., Intramuros, Manila, Manila, Philippines
Hotline: 285262392
Website: https://dmw.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NRCOCentral
Email: nrco@dmw.gov.ph

Apply for OWWA Death Burial Benefits

One of the most challenging events in one’s life is the death of a loved one, especially those working or living abroad as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). From sending their body back to the Philippines to arranging funerals, death is undeniably a heavy blow for anyone. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provide its OFW members with Death and Burial Benefits that their surviving next of kin can claim, providing them with proper burial while coping with grief and loss.

Also Read: What are the OWWA Social Benefits?

These benefits include cash assistance to the bereaved family, so they can decently send off their deceased loved one. But these benefits are only available to the families of active OWWA members. If you lose a family member who’s an OFW with active OWWA membership at their death, keep reading this article to learn more about OWWA Death and Burial Benefits. This article also contains the qualifications, requirements, and application procedures to claim the benefits.

Table of Contents

What are the OWWA Death and Burial Benefits?

The OWWA Death and Burial Benefits are cash assistance granted to the surviving families of deceased OFWs. This program is only for the bereaved families of active OWWA members who suddenly died with active employment contracts. Since death is inevitable, this program aims to assist the surviving family members of deceased OFWs closure by providing them with cash assistance for the funeral of their loved ones. This way, they can cope with grief and loss, knowing their deceased loved one is at peace.

Furthermore, this program has two sections, the Death Benefit and Burial Gratuity. The Death Benefit serves insurance for surviving families of deceased OFWs who died as active OWWA members. Under this benefit, the eligible beneficiaries will receive cash assistance depending if the deceased OFW member died due to accidental or natural causes. Meanwhile, the Burial Gratuity is funeral assistance granted to deceased OFWs beneficiaries, assisting them in providing a decent burial.

Benefits

With the OWWA Death and Burial Benefits, the surviving family members of deceased OFW OWWA members will receive the following cash assistance:

Death Benefit

For natural causes of death- P100,000

For accidental causes of death- P200,000

Burial Gratuity

Eligible beneficiaries of deceased OFWs will receive a P20,000 funeral grant for a rider to help them provide their loved ones with a proper burial.

Qualifications

If you’re an eligible beneficiary of a deceased OFW, here are the following qualifications to avail of the OWWA Death and Burial Benefits:

For Deceased OFWs

Land-based or sea-based OFWs with active OWWA membership and employment contract at the time of their death

OFW members who died of natural cause

OFW members who died of accidental cause

For Eligible Beneficiaries of Deceased OFWs

Legal spouse

Children (legitimate, illegitimate, legitimated, and legally adopted)

Single/unmarried, unemployed, and not exceeding the age of majority

Single/unmarried children of legal age who are incapable or incapacitated to support themselves due to a physical or mental disorder

Parents of OFW members who rely on their support

Sibling

Single/unmarried, unemployed, and not exceeding the age of majority

Single/unmarried siblings exceeding the age of majority who are incapable or incapacitated to support themselves due to a physical or mental disorder

Requirements

Here are the following documentary requirements eligible beneficiaries should secure to apply and claim the OWWA Death and Burial Benefits:

For OFWs who died while working overseas

Airway Bill

Foreign Death Certificate

Consular Mortuary Certificate or No Objection Certificate

For Eligible Beneficiaries of Deceased OFWs (Claimant)

Duly accomplished OWWA Death Claim Application Form

Original Death Certificate issued by the local civil registrar or verified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)

Accident/Police Report for death due to accident

Affidavit of Undertaking executed by the claimant

Burial Permit

Official receipt of funeral expenses

Two (2) Valid IDs

One (1) 1×1 ID picture of the claimant

Certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) of OFW issued by PSA

Any of the following proof of relationship to OFW certified by PSA or local civil registrar (LCR):
- For spouse claimant- Marriage Certificate
- For parent (mother/father) claimant- Birth Certificate of OFW
- For child claimant- Birth Certificate of the Child and Death Certificate of the deceased OFW/parent

Any proof of OWWA Membership:
- OFW Membership Record (MR)
- Copy of Passport of the OFW member
- Seaman’s Identification Record Book (SIRB) of the OFW member

If a Marriage or Birth Certificate is not available:

Affidavit of Undertaking executed by the claimant

Accident/Police Report for death due to accident

Affidavits from two (2) unconnected individuals explaining the information on the marriage or birth of the claimant and their relationship to the deceased

Certificate of Marriage or Baptism issued by the Parish Office/Priest

Certificate authenticated by the local civil registrar (LCR), explaining the truth that the birth or marriage has no record in the civil registry

How to Apply OWWA Burial Benefits

To apply for the OWWA Death and Burial Benefits, follow the guide below:

Book an appointment at the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or the one that covers the OFWs’ permanent address. You may use the online appointment scheduler via the OWWA Mobile App or at this link: https://appointment.owwa.gov.ph/.

Head to the OWWA RWO on the day of your chosen appointment date and time.

Grab a queuing number and wait in line.

Present the ID or information of the OFW to the Membership Verification Desk.

Depending on the OWWA membership status, secure the requirements checklists and application form. Then, fill out the application form.

Next, submit your documentary requirements and the duly-accomplished application form for evaluation.

If approved, present the claim stub to get the financial assistance thru cash or check pay-out.

Also, when claiming the cash assistance, ensure to bring any 2 of the following, both original and valid copies:

Driver’s license

Office/company ID

Original NBI clearance

Passport

Senior Citizenship ID

Reminders for OWWA Death and Burial Benefits

Before applying for OWWA Death and Burial Benefits, please take note of the following reminders:

Eligible beneficiaries of OFWs can only claim this assistance if the OWWA member has an active employment contract at their death.

For approved applicants, track the application status using the reference number sent via email or SMS.

If the requirements are invalid or incomplete, the applicant will receive a notification via email or SMS.

Applicants with incomplete documents will not be processed.

The eligible beneficiaries of this program should have an active bank account number under their name to claim the cash assistance. If not, open a savings account with the name of a relative or child.

Once approved, the cash assistance is transferred within two (2) weeks to the applicant’s account number or the OFWs designated beneficiary thru an electronic payment facility or bank transfer.

The Philippine Statistics Office (PSA) or local civil registrar (LCR) should authenticate the required documents.

For more information on this program, contact OWWA on their official Facebook page, email, or hotline.

Video: OFW death benefits for OWWA members

To learn more about OWWA Death and Burial Benefits, please watch the video below:

As discussed in the video, OFWs can receive varying benefits from OWWA if they suddenly meet their demise while working abroad. One of these programs is OWWA Death and Burial Benefits, where eligible beneficiaries of deceased OFW OWWA members will receive cash assistance. But the deceased OFWs should have an active OWWA membership status to receive cash assistance, regardless of the cause of their death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for OWWA Death and Burial Benefits?

The cash assistance provided under the OWWA Death and Burial Benefits is for the bereaved family members of OFWs with active OWWA membership status and employment contract at their death. Furthermore, the applicant should be the next of kin of deceased OFWs who meet the qualifications, such as their legal spouse, children, parents, or siblings.

How to claim Death and Burial Benefits from OWWA?

To claim cash assistance, the applicants should check if they meet the qualifications. Next, complete the documentary requirements for application. Afterward, book an appointment at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), which covers the permanent address of the deceased OFW. During the appointment date, fill out the application form and submit the requirements for evaluation. Then, wait for a call or email regarding your application status. Also, ensure you have a valid account number to receive the cash assistance once approved.

How much is the financial assistance for OWWA Death and Burial Benefits?

The financial assistance for OWWA Death and Burial Benefits has two sections. First is the Death Benefit, where the eligible beneficiary of the deceased OFW OWWA members will receive cash assistance worth P100,000 for natural causes of death and P20,000 for accidental deaths. Apart from the Death Benefit, eligible beneficiaries will receive a Burial Gratuity worth P20,000 to provide a decent send-off to the deceased OFW member.

Summary

No matter how much you prepare, when death comes knocking at the door, it is devastating for the bereaved families. Nonetheless, providing a decent burial to our loved ones can give closure to grieving families. With the OWWA Death and Burial Benefits, the families of OFW members who met their sudden demise will receive cash assistance.

Thus, OFWs should always keep their OWWA membership active to have insurance for themselves and their families.