OWWA Online - Page 31 - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

OWWA Mobile App Download and Registration Guide

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), along with a few other government agencies in the Philippines, has resolved to leverage its resources, build online infrastructures, and transition to online service delivery environment to effectively extend its services to its target audience—the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Also Read: Complete List of OWWA Programs, Benefits, and Services

In its effort to do so, OWWA created a mobile app, on top of the already existing web app, in hopes of streamlining the disbursement of services. The OWWA Mobile App is like a ticket that OWWA hands out to its members as it reaches out to help and protect OFWs and OFW communities despite the challenges of tight budget allocations and limited face-to-face interactions. In this guide, you will learn all about downloading the OWWA Mobile App so you may avail of all the e-services the agency offers, wherever you may be.

Table of Contents

What is the OWWA Mobile App?

The OWWA Mobile App is an OWWA-engineered and OWWA-managed online application meant to offer the OWWA e-services to make it easier for OWWA members to access their existing programs and services anywhere in the world. It is a free service, downloadable either via Google Play Store (for Android phone users) and Apple Store (for iOS users).

Through the OWWA Mobile App, OFWs can receive the service they deserve without having to queue or wait for a long time. They don’t even need to leave the comfort of their homes to enjoy the services that OWWA offers. Plus, they get the latest updates on new policies, announcements, programs, and services that OWWA launches.

Features and Services of the OWWA Mobile App

With the OWWA Mobile App, OWWA conveniently offers its OFW users the following features, services, and other in-app options:

Accessing and updating of the OWWA profile
Checking of the latest employment contract
Verification of the status of OWWA membership
Renewal of OWWA membership
Payment for OWWA membership fee, contributions, and other fees
Access to the OWWA transaction history
Viewing and checking of the OWWA payment history
Check the FAQs and other important OWWA updates, details, and contact information.
View passport page
View the OWWA project details and contact information

By simply being an OWWA member, OFWs can access these features and services from anywhere in the world. Once they become members, using the OWWA Mobile App is but a simple process of downloading and installing the application on your mobile phone.

For OFWs to have access to these features and services without leaving the comfort of their favorite place or their homes or offices, the first step is to ensure that the OFW is an OWWA member. Before that can happen, they need to learn what it takes to be one

Downloading and Installing the OWWA Mobile App

The OWWA Mobile app is a special application designed exclusively for OFWs and would-be OFWS. It is OWWA’s attempt to transition to an online, on-the-go environment, resolving the difficulties which makes it even more difficult for OFWs and would-be OFWs to avail of their services. It is also a free app, so there really is no reason not to download it if you are an OWWA member OFW.

Qualifications

As mentioned earlier, the OWWA Mobile App is not an application designed for everyone. If you wish to use the OWWA Mobile App and to ensure that you are maximizing the potential of the app, it’s best if you, as a user, satisfies at least one or all of the following conditions:

Be a migrant Filipino worker
Must be of legal age
Must be a Filipino citizen, even if they have acquired a permanent resident status at the host country
Must be an OWWA member
Must have a valid visa and work permit
Must have an active employment contract from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
Must be an active or inactive OWWA members who are abroad
Must be an active or inactive OWWA members who are in no capacity to visit the OWWA or POLO-OWWA offices
Must be an OFW who has acquired legal employment from the host country after working without having proper documentation from POEA

Requirements

In case you want or need to know more about the things you need to download, install, and use the OWWA Mobile App, here’s a list of the system and documentary requirements that you’ll need:

System Requirements

Your smartphone must at least satisfy the following system requirements before you can install and use the OWWA Mobile App:

Required Operating System (OS): Android 4.3 and up, iOS 9.0 or later (iPhone and iPod Touch), or macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later (Mac)
Download size (Storage requirements): 12.24 MB (Android) or 17.2 MB (iOS)
Offered by: OWWA MISD
Permissions
- Camera
- Location
- Storage
- Others
  - Full network access
  - Wi-Fi connections
  - Referrer API

Documentary Requirements

To be able to use the app, you must first become an OWWA member. To register an activate your OWWA membership, you will need the following general membership requirements:

OWWA OFW Information Sheet (also known as OWWA Membership Form)
Photocopy of Passport data page with photo
Valid Employment Pass or Work Permit Card
Employment Contract
Certificate of Employment
US$25.00 Membership Fee (may vary depending on the foreign currency equivalent of the destination country, ranging from Php 1,000.00 to Php 1,500.00)
Polo-verified contract
Valid Visa (validity must be more than 90 days)
OFW must be actively working
Company certification issued within the last thirty (30) days with company stamp signature

How to Download the OWWA Mobile App

Once you have the requirements ready, you may now download and install the OWWA Mobile App.

To do so, simply follow these steps:

Make sure your device meets the system requirements.
If you are an Android user
- Visit the Google Play Store.
- Search for OWWA Mobile App or visit the link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.owwa&hl=en&gl=US.
- Click Install.
- Once installed, open the app and log into your account.
For iOS users
- Visit the Apple Store.
- Search for OWWA App or visit the link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/owwa-app/id1437249504.
- Click Install.
- Once installed, open the app and log into your account.

Using the OWWA Mobile App

Using the OWWA Mobile App requires OFW users to have a registered account. If you have one, you may simply log into your account and start using the app. Otherwise, you need to register for one.

If you need a guide, listed below are the procedures that you can follow:

Existing OWWA Mobile App Account: Logging into Your OWWA Mobile App Account

If you already have a registered account, simply use your nominated username and password to log into the OWWA Mobile App and start enjoying the perks.

Open the OWWA Mobile App.
Select the Login icon on the OWWA Mobile App.
Enter your registered username and password.
Once you do, you will see the main page of the OWWA Mobile App along with four major options: Login, Renew Membership, Hotlines, and Programs and Services.

No OWWA Mobile App Account: Registering for a New OWWA Mobile App Account

If you do not have an account yet, you may follow these steps to register for an account.

Open the OWWA Mobile App.
Tap on the “Don’t have an account? Sign up here” button.
Key in all the required information at the registration form.
Confirm that you have accurately entered all the necessary information into the form, then tap “Register.”
Once done, you’ll receive an email notification confirming that you’ve been registered, along with your login credentials.
Once you received your account’s username and password, return to the OWWA Mobile App and tap the Login button.
Using your login credentials log into your account by following the steps for ‘Logging into your OWWA Mobile App Account.’

Important Reminders when Downloading the OWWA Mobile App

Listed here are some of the most important guidelines and reminders when downloading, installing, and using the OWWA Mobile App.

OFWs who intend to use the OWWA Mobile App will need to have a registered OWWA Mobile App account.
Active or inactive OWWA membership may register for an OWWA Mobile App account
OFW members who are registering for an OWWA Mobile App account will receive a confirmation email once the registration is successful.
OWWA Membership registration, verification, update, and payment can all be done via the OWWA Mobile App.
The OWWA Mobile App offers registered members the ability to participate in OWWA activities, access OWWA services and special programs, and get the latest updates via the OWWA Mobile App.

Video: Everything You Need to Know About OWWA Mobile App for OFWs

The OWWA Mobile App is the agency’s latest effort to improve their service delivery and bring their projects and programs closer to the migrant Filipino workers since it launched.

In this video, learn about the first step in using the OWWA Mobile App—Registering for an OWWA account online on the OWWA Mobile App. Please be guided accordingly:

For more information on the full features of the OWWA Mobile App and the benefits that OFWs can get from using it, then you should find this video helpful:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some of the most common questions and answers (Q&A) about downloading, installing, and using the OWWA Mobile App.

1. What is the OWWA Mobile App?

The OWWA Mobile App is a convenient tool, engineered and managed by OWWA. This mobile application program is the latest OWWA initiative that allows OFW members to access their services and programs worldwide. It also offers the OWWA member OFWs the chance to stay updated on the latest news, programs, and projects by the agency, while offering e-services including checking and updating their OWWA membership, and providing other services and benefits right where they are.

2. How to download the OWWA Mobile App?

Downloading the OWWA Mobile App is a simple process using your smartphone and visiting either the Google Play Store or the Apple Store, searching for OWWA app, and clicking install.

3. Is the OWWA Mobile App free?

Yes. The OWWA Mobile App is a free-to-download, free-to-use application that can be installed and used across all mobile devices.

4. Is downloading the OWWA App required to be an OWWA member?

No. Downloading the OWWA App is not a requirement to become an OWWA member. You do not need to download the OWWA Mobile App to register as an OWWA member. It’s not a requirement, but it’s pretty convenient for OWWA member OFW to have the app installed. After all, having the mobile app makes it easier for OWWA members to transact with OWWA and keep track of the latest OWWA news, updates, and programs.

5. What are the benefits of downloading the OWWA Mobile App?

Downloading the OWWA Mobile App allows OFW members to conveniently access all OWWA e-services that would have been otherwise inconvenient to do without it. Some of the in-app features of the OWWA Mobile App include allowing the OFWs to check, renew, update, view, and pay for their membership, stay updated on the OWWA activities, and find the contact information of all OWWA offices nationwide.

6. What should I do if I’m having issues registering for an account in the OWWA Mobile app?

For problems regarding account registration via the OWWA Mobile App, simply double-check if you might have some missing information in the registration form or if you have poor Internet connectivity. Usually, there should be a pop-up window showing an alert notification on the screen, followed by an email containing your registration approval and login credentials which you can use to log into the app.

7. Are the OWWA Mobile App and OWWA Uwian Na App the same?

No. Both the OWWA Mobile app and the Uwian Na App are OWWA-engineered and managed applications, but they were created for different purposes. The OWWA Mobile App is an all-around application designed to help the OFWs access the different OWWA programs, services, and updates easily. On the other hand, the OWWA Uwian Na App was created to assist migrant Filipino workers when they need to go back home to the Philippines in times of crisis.

8. Can I check my OWWA membership status even if I don’t have a smartphone?

Yes. Even if you do not have a smartphone, you may check on your OWWA membership and review and update your OWWA membership status by visiting the OWWA website via this web app link: https://owwa.gov.ph/. OWWA members may also visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare or Satellite offices (RWO/SWO) if they are in the Philippines or visit the designated POLO-OWWA office if they’re abroad.

9. How much is the OWWA membership fee?

The OWWA membership fee costs US$25.00 for every two-year membership. The fee may vary from Php 1,000 to Php 1,500, depending on the currency exchange rates at the country where they’re at. After the OWWA mobile app registration, OFWs can simply ask their family to deposit the payment in selected payment centers.

10. Is the US$25-OWWA membership fee a one-time fee?

No. The OWWA membership fee is valid for two (2) years, and this fee is fixed across all countries regardless of the contract period, employer, job site, or agency. If you have downloaded and installed the OWWA Mobile App, you will receive a notification when your renewal period comes.

Summary

The OWWA Mobile App is an OWWA-managed application meant to offer OFWs convenient access to all the services, programs, and benefits that their OWWA membership entails. The creation of the app is the agency’s latest effort to provide more accessible services and programs and make their service delivery more efficient, doing away with the need to call, email, or even visit any OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWO), Philippine Consulate, Embassy, or POLO-OWWA Offices in the Philippines. Instead, you can simply go and use your smartphone to do so using the OWWA Mobile App.

The OWWA Mobile App is also an initiative to make services and programs more accessible to more Filipinos. With the information and process guide regarding downloading and installing of the OWWA Mobile App, OFW users can use and navigate the app more easily, allowing them to transact anywhere and maximize their time using the OWWA app for their convenience in this unpredictable, fast-paced digital age.

With the OWWA Mobile App, OFWs do not have to suffer through crazy long lines common among government offices, allowing the OFWs to enjoy easier transactions.

While the mobile app is not a requirement for an OFW to be an OWWA member, downloading the OWWA Mobile App remains an advantageous move for OFW members as it helps with community and nation-building activities. It also helps the agency get first-hand feedback on improving its programs and policies for migrant Filipino workers, their families, and dependents, while making it more convenient for the OFWs to enjoy the perks of being an OWWA member.

Contact Information

For more questions, inquiries, or concerns related to the OWWA Mobile App, here’s the complete contact information of the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) main office:

Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA)

Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila

Tel. No.: 8891-7601 to 24

OWWA hotline number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International)

OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph, commandcenter@dole.gov.ph

OWWA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial

OWWA Website: https://owwa.gov.ph/

OFWs may opt to visit the OWWA Regional Offices or POLO-OWWA Offices instead, or they may send their concerns and inquiries via their dedicated customer service hotline, OWWA Cares.

OWWA Cares

OWWA Cares Hotline: 1348 (for Metro Manila), (02) 1348 for outside Metro Manila, 0632-1348 for those overseas / international calls

What is a Malasakit Center?

In February 2018, when the first-ever Malasakit Center was opened, the Philippine government established a one-stop service center for the Malasakit Program, leveling the healthcare playing field for the less fortunate. Through the Malasakit Centers, they lumped together all the government agencies in one place, enabling the poor and marginalized to seek help for their medical fees from various government agencies without having to move around so much.

Also Read: Complete List of OWWA Programs, Benefits, and Services

To date, the government has already established 151 Malasakit Centers nationwide. These centers have but one purpose: To ensure that the poor and marginalized patients nationwide can get basic medical help and services without worrying about expenses, in the most efficient way possible and without having to go through complex medical support processes. To learn more about what the Malasakit Centers are all about and how they can help, keep reading this guide.

What is a Malasakit Center

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for medical and financial assistance established by the government to bring help and services closer to the poor and marginalized. It was first initiated by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President following a presidential mandate. The centers were established to carry out the Malasakit Program in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Visayas Presidential Assistant’s Office. Through the centers, those who need help can enjoy zero balance billing, simplified medical support processes and fast delivery of medical services without having to worry about going from one government agency to another.

With the Malasakit Centers serving as service counters for various agencies in government-operated healthcare facilities and hospitals, the financially-incapacitated patients can save time and money (for transportation costs) when seeking for assessments and referrals for patient assistance and navigations.

Malasakit Center Mandate and Functions

The creation of the Malasakit Centers was prompted by the Malasakit Centers Act—a state policy purported to protect and promote the Filipinos’ right to health while instilling health consciousness among them. It is in an effort to support the state towards this goal that the centers were established to:

Adopt a multi-sectoral approach to address health issues;

Affirm linkages between health and social services consistent with Republic Act No. 11223, universally known as the “Universal Health Care (UHC) Act”;

Speed up the delivery of people-oriented health services;

Ensure the accessibility of financial assistance for hospital and medical expenses; and

Provide free health care services to indigents and financially incapacitated patient.

Benefits

The Malasakit Centers established in DOH-managed hospitals were established to serve:

As one-stop shop for all medical and financial assistance from various government agencies;

To provide patient navigation and referrals support to the health care provider networks;

To provide information regarding membership, coverage and benefit packages in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIC) or PhilHealth;

To document, process, and use data from patient experience in making a standard for institutional changes in the hospital;

To support capacity-building and provide performance evaluation to ensure good client interaction;

To provide critical information on healthy behaviors;

To offer medical assistance by providing transportation and accommodations for those who are financially unable to afford treatment.

To reduce, if not eliminate, out-of-pocket expenditures of indigent and financially incapacitated patients including non-medical expenses like transportation costs;

To conduct health promotion activities in the hospital; and

To offer a special service lane for the exclusive use and benefit of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The establishment of various Malasakit Centers nationwide makes it easier for the government to offer a number of benefits that are:

Non-Partisan

Malasakit Centers are meant for everyone, regardless of endorsements from elected officials or party charter representatives.

Convenient

This does away with the need to go through numerous offices and repeat your story multiple times for one purpose.

Fast

By having a one-stop shop, important medical services, medication, and support are accessed faster, preventing health problems from worsening.

Free

Malasakit Centers are government-run so patients are not supposed to be charged with fees for utilizing its services. There are also no additional fees or balance billing charged to patients, ensuring equal access to quality medical care, regardless of economic status.

No Cash Assistance

While Malasakit Centers are meant to offer help with hospital and medical fees, they do not offer cash assistance. Instead, they issue guarantee letters which are accepted in DOH-managed hospitals.

Requirements Apply

All programs held at the Malasakit Center are run by certain agencies, and each has its own specific guidelines.

Qualifications

The services of the Malasakit Centers nationwide are reserved for:

Poor patients who have been consulted or admitted to Partner Hospitals

Indigent patients who have been consulted or admitted to Partner Hospitals.

Requirements

In order to avail of services offered by the Malasakit Centers, the patients must first be registered in the hospital registry. They will also need to bring the following documentary requirements:

Hospital bills assessment

Medical Abstract

Duly accomplished Malasakit Unified Form

Procedures

To avail the Malasakit Center services, these are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: In-patients should go to the Billing Section of the hospital.

Step 2: Request for an assessment of their billing along with a medical abstract.

Step 3: Once you have obtained these documents, take them both to the Malasakit Center.

Step 4: To request for medical assistance, out the Malasakit Unified Form.

Step 5: Submit the form and the requirements and have a social worker assist you with the analysis and coverage.

Step 6: Head to the Philhealth desk of the Malasakit Center so you can become a Philhealth member, if you’re not one already.

Step 7: If your initial Philhealth coverage is not enough, the Malasakit Center will direct you to either PCSO or DOH in order to get additional funding from the Presidential Social Fund (PSF).

Step 8: The help will come in the form of a guarantee letter—a document that covers your hospital expenses instead of cash.

Step 9: Once you receive the guarantee letter, simply present it to the hospital’s billing department, and they will deduct it from your bill.

Important Reminders

For those who are availing the benefits that the Malasakit Centers are offering, here are a few things they need to remember:

The Malasakit Centers are a one-stop service centers furnished with desks manned by personnel from various government agencies including:
- the Department of Health (DOH);
- the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO);
- the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC); and
- the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

They offer support in paying for hospital fees and other medical expenses.

The support comes in the form of guarantee letters.

There is no cash assistance offered in the Malasakit Centers.

The Malasakit Centers, regardless of location, implements a standard system of availment of assistance.

To dat

Video: What is a Malasakit Center

Learn about what a Malasakit Center is, as well as the programs and services it offers to the Filipino people by watching this video posted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA):

https://fb.watch/iSv6iS_jz8/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the Malasakit Center for?

According to Section 4 of the Malasakit Center Act, otherwise known as “Establishment of Malasakit Centers,” the “Malasakit Center” is established in all government hospitals to act as a one-stop shop for all indigent and financially incapacitated patients who need medical and financial assistance.

2. How do I avail of the Malasakit Center services?

If you are an in-patient, you will need to go to the Billing Section of the hospital and ask for an assessment of your billing and for a medical abstract. Then, you can head over to the Malasakit Center. In the center, you will be asked to fill up the Malasakit Unified Form to request medical assistance and submit the requirements, before you will be issued a guarantee letter which you can use.

3. Is the Malasakit Center free of charge?

Yes. The Malasakit Centers are non-partisan, convenient, free of charge, and accessible. It also implements a standard system for the assistance it offers. The Malasakit Centers also feature a special lane for the exclusive use of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

4. Is there a Malasakit Center in private hospitals?

The Malasakit Center Act also encourages the establishment of Malasakit Centers in private hospitals and healthcare facilities. As of writing, it is unclear whether there is already one, but the law clearly states that PhilHealth and the DOH are expected to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with private hospitals to set up a Malasakit Center that will cater to indigent and poor patients of the private hospital.

5. What is the Malasakit Program financial assistance?

The Malasakit Program financial assistance refers to the assistance offered to patients who approach the Malasakit Center. This includes the funding offered by the center amounting to up to Php 50,000.00 lifted off of the Presidential Social Fund (PSF), as well as those given by the other government agencies after conducting their own assessments.

6. Is Malasakit the same as PhilHealth?

No. The Malasakit Program involves setting up a service center that serves as a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients can efficiently access financial medical assistance from various agencies including PhilHealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

7. Who is the owner of Malasakit Center?

The Malasakit Center is government owned and managed. It was borne out of the program initiated by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, led by former Senator Bong Go following a directive of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

8. How much does Malasakit Center cover?

The amount covered by assistance from the Malasakit Center may vary, but a patient may receive up to Php 50,000.00 from the Presidential Social Fund (PSF). On top of this, the patient nay also receive assistance from other government agencies based on their assessments.

9. What does Malasakit mean?

In Tagalog, the term “malasakit” translates to compassion—a value that manifests itself in situations that require one to help others, either in the face of a disaster or in the form of being hospitable during special occasions. It is a concept that is rooted in Filipino culture and values.

In the medical context, Malasakit refers to empathy and compassion in the delivery of healthcare services, with the goal of improving health access for all. This makes the Malasakit Center a key component of the government’s efforts to enhance the way they address the high levels of poverty, inequality, and poor healthcare systems and outcomes within Philippine society.

10. How is the selection of Partner Hospitals done?

The Malasakit Center is usually housed in Partner Hospitals which means the selection for such hospitals require certain conditions including having the capacity to serve a certain number of patients and the manpower and facilities to provide quality medical care. These standards are set in the Malasakit Center Act’s Implementing Rules and Regulations. The actual selection is carried out by the Inter-Agency Steering Committee also created under this act.

Summary

The Malasakit Center refers to a government facility established to offer a one-stop shop service to poor and marginalized Filipino citizens in an effort to help them receive medical assistance by providing transportation and accommodations for those who are financially unable to afford treatment. The center also offer guarantee letters to help them pay their medical and hospital bills.

It was designed to work with partner hospitals, doctors, and other health professionals to provide coordinated care for indigent and poor Filipino patients. The centers were established to support the Philippine government’s efforts to improve health outcomes, reduce poverty and inequality, and provide better access to quality healthcare for all by simplifying the process of getting the additional funding support for hospitalization. Through the database system of patient’s information, the Malasakit Centers also creates standardized bases for efficient healthcare support as needed by the Filipino patients.

Contact Information

For inquiries or concerns regarding the services offered by the Malasakit Centers, you may reach out to:

Office of Senator Bong Go

Office of the Special Assistant to the President
Office Address: Senate of the Philippines, Room 507, 5th Floor, GSIS Building, Jose Diokno Blvd., Financial Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila, 1300
Telephone Numbers: 8552-6601 loc. 5580 (main number) and 5316 (admin), 8286-7045 loc. 5318 (receiving)
Email address: senbgconcerns@gmail.com

owwa tulong puso program livelihood for ofws

OWWA Tulong PUSO Livelihood Program

For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who wish to launch their business, another project to take advantage of is the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong-PUSO Program). This program will also benefit OFWs who plan to expand their business or those who wish to restore lost or bankrupted enterprises. Unlike other livelihood financial grants, the OWWA Tulong PUSO Program offers a large sum of money to OFWs, amounting to P150,000 up to P1,000,000 maximum.

The program was launched due to the Covid-19 pandemic and made possible thru the collaboration of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) by allocating P300,000,000 to fund livelihood projects of OFW groups or organizations. To learn more about this financial assistance, read on as we share what OWWA Tulong PUSO Program is and its benefits. We will also discuss the qualifications, requirements, and application procedures.

Table of Contents

What is OWWA Tulong PUSO Program?

The Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs or Tulong PUSO Program, is a one-time financial grant from DOLE-OWWA. It aims to help distressed OFWs due to the pandemic, encouraging them to form groups or organizations and stay in the Philippines for good to launch their businesses. This program is for OFW groups that are duly-acknowledge by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Under the Tulong PUSO Program, qualified OFW groups will receive one-time financial assistance to fund their proposed business plan, whether for start-up, expansion, or restoration. Also, note that this program is not a loan for OFWs. But a financial grant for qualified OFW groups, providing cash assistance worth P150,000 to P1,000,000. However, the amount of financial aid will vary depending on the number of OFWs in a group or organization and their business requirements.

DOLE-OWWA will also provide essential training to prepare OFW groups with entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, ensuring the success of their chosen business. In addition, it can be in the form of tools, jigs, equipment, raw materials, and support services that intend to help with business start-ups, expansion, or restoration. The OWWA capital fund and allocated fund worth P515,000,000 are the sources of the financial grant for Tulong PUSO Program eligible beneficiaries.

Benefits and Conditions for Livelihood Grant

Through the Tulong PUSO Program, qualified OFW groups/organizations will receive a financial grant to support the following business activities:

Livelihood Start-Up

OFW groups/organizations can avail of the Tulong PUSO Program to support the formation and start of business undertakings.

Livelihood Expansion

The Tulong PUSO Program financial grant will also fund OFW groups/organizations that plan to enhance existing business undertakings or expand into a feasible and stable enterprise.

Livelihood Restoration

OFW groups/organizations can use the Tulong PUSO Program financial grant to restore damaged, lost, or bankrupted business enterprises.

Meanwhile, OFW groups/organizations should meet any of the following conditions to receive the Tulong PUSO Program financial grant:

Micro-sized OFW groups- with 5 to 10 members may receive a maximum grant of P150,000.

Small-sized OFW groups- with 11 to 15 members may receive a maximum grant of P250,000.

Medium-sized OFW groups- with 16 to 30 members may receive a maximum grant of P500,000.

Large-sized OFW groups- with 31 or more members may receive a maximum grant of P1,000,000.

Qualified OFW groups will also receive the cash grant in the following tranches:

For Start-Up and Restoration

1st Tranche- 20% of the cash grant

2nd Tranche- 50% of the cash grant (after submitting the documents for business registration)

3rd Tranche- 30% of the cash grant (after submitting the documentation and physical set-up of business)

For Business Expansion

1st Tranche- 40% of the cash grant

2nd Tranche- 60% of the cash grant (after submitting documentation and proof of business actual set-up)

DOLE-OWWA will send the livelihood financial grant under the name of the OFW group or on its behalf thru authorized persons with an affidavit, Special Power of Attorney, board resolution, or other equivalent documents. Apart from the livelihood grant, OWWA may allow an additional source of funds for the business project.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong-PUSO Program), the applicants should meet the following qualifications:

OFW groups/organizations with five (5) or more members duly acknowledged by CDA, DOLE, and SEC

Distressed OFWs staying in the Philippines for good

OFW groups consist of at least 80% OWWA members (active or inactive) and/or their families. Then, the remaining 20% can be irregular/undocumented OFWs and/or their families.

Also, the group/organization members should be knowledgeable about the proposed business plan. On the other hand, previous beneficiaries of the Tulong PUSO Program are no longer qualified for financial assistance since it’s a one-time cash grant.

Preferred Livelihood Project for Tulong PUSO Program

With the Tulong PUSO Program, OFW groups can launch businesses in varying sectors, from agriculture and trade to manufacturing and tourism. Here are some livelihood projects to consider for your proposed business plan but not limited to:

DTI priority products (including cacao, coco coir, coffee, food processing, wearable and home styles)

Environment-friendly or green products (like herbal food and drugs production, organic fertilizer, and other agriculture-based products)

Franchise (like food, wellness, medical, health, and sanitary related business)

Industries considered vital employment generators (such as agribusiness, information technology, health and wellness, wholesale and retail trade, tourism, etc.)

Online selling and delivery service

Products or services with viability and marketability (including food processing and other consumer goods)

Supports generation of local employment (including aquaculture, bamboo propagation, farming, livestock, and manufacturing)

Usage of local/indigenous resources/materials (such as handicraft, specialty, and souvenir items)

Requirements

OFW groups/organization who wants to apply for Tulong PUSO Program should secure the following documentary requirements:

Duly-accomplished Tulong PUSO Application Form

Copy of registration certificate issued by CDA, DOLE, or SE

OFW group profile and members profile, specifying that at least 80% of their group are OWWA members and/or their families

Audited Financial Statements certified by the Association/Group Treasurer and Auditor, if applicable

Certification signed by the President of the OFW group, specifying the names of duly authorized representatives who will transact with the concerned RWO during the entire phase of the program (up to three phases)

Affidavit or Undertaking by the OFW Group How to Manage and Grow the Business

Business Proposal and Feasibility Study with proof of equity of at least 20% comprising of available and/or existing capital assets, bank accounts/statements, and other similar proof

How to Apply for Tulong PUSO Livelihood Project by OWWA

Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Tulong PUSO Program livelihood grant:

Establish an OFW group/organization with five (5) members minimum, which consists of at least 80% OWWA members.

Apply for the program thru the OWWA Online Appointment System.

After setting an appointment, visit the concerned OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO).

Submit the complete documentary requirements.

Next, the OFW group/organization members will attend the Pre-Orientation and Pre-Social Preparation via webinar.

OWWA RWO will evaluate and check the documents to ensure the eligibility of the OFW group/organization and the feasibility of their proposed business plan.

After the business plan assessment, OWWA will perform site inspections and verify if the OFW group/organization has at least five (5) members.

The regional committee will review and assess if the proposal passed the criteria for the livelihood grant.

OWWA RWO will release the livelihood grant.

Then, the concerned OWWA RWO will regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of the livelihood project to ensure its success.

Tulong PUSO Application Form

You can download the Tulong PUSO Application Form thru this link: https://tulongpuso.owwa.gov.ph/. Also, you can fill out and submit your application online. Here’s a screenshot of the Tulong PUSO Application Form:

Reminders for OWWA Tulong PUSO Program

Before applying for OWWA Tulong PUSO Program, OFW groups should take note of the following reminders:

The livelihood grant is for OFW groups with at least five (5) members, of which 80% of them are OWWA members and/or their families.

The Tulong PUSO Program is only a one-time cash grant given to eligible OFW groups within one (1) month of the approval of the application.

The cash grant is given to eligible beneficiaries in partial payments or up to 3 tranches, ensuring the utilization to support the proposed business plan.

This program is not a loan but financial assistance granted to distressed OFWs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and staying in the Philippines for good to start their businesses.

Video: HINDI UTANG KUNDI LIBRENG OFW LIVELIHOOD PROJECT | OWWA TULONG PUSO PROGRAM

For more details on OWWA Tulong PUSO Program, please watch the video below:

As discussed in the video, DOLE-OWWA launched the Tulong PUSO Program to help OFWs affected by Covid-19 who want to start their business. The program offers a free livelihood grant, which means OFWs no longer have to pay for the financial assistance they will receive. Additionally, the program offers up to a P1,000,000 cash grant to OFW groups depending on the number of members and proposed business plan requirements. Thus, the Tulong PUSO Program enables OFW groups to launch, expand, or restore their business without worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for OWWA Tulong PUSO Program?

The OWWA Tulong PUSO Program is for OFW groups with a minimum of 5 members, composed of at least 80% OWWA members and/or their families. Also, applicants should meet other qualifications and conditions to avail of this program.

How to claim cash assistance for OWWA Tulong PUSO Program?

To claim the cash grant, OFW groups should apply for the Tulong PUSO Program to OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). Submit the requirements and attend the webinar. If approved, the authorized representative of the OFW group can claim the cash grant from OWWA.

Summary

The Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong-PUSO Program) is undeniably one of the most beneficial programs from OWWA, which can help OFWs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to reintegrate back into the country by starting their own business.

Whether launching a new business, expanding, or restoring a bankrupted enterprise, the Tulong PUSO Program can fund these business activities, given they meet the qualifications and conditions to be eligible for the cash grant.