Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were affected when the COVID-19 pandemic struck worldwide, which resulted in deaths, repatriation, and loss of jobs. Fortunately, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) launched the Tabang OFW Program to provide financial assistance to the dependents of OFWs at the college level. This OWWA scholarship program is for the dependents of OFWs who lost their jobs, were repatriated, or passed away due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is one-time financial assistance amounting to P30,000 granted to qualified beneficiaries to continue their college studies.
Launched in 2020, the Tabang OFW Program is OWWAs response to the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UNIFAST). In addition, the program was made possible through the collaboration of OWWA, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The Philippine government allocated a P1 Billion budget for this program, benefiting over 30,000 college students. That’s why if you’re an OFW who has lost your job, repatriated, or a dependent of an OFW who died from Covid-19, keep reading to learn how to apply for OWWA Tabang OFW Program.
What is Tabang OFW Program
The Tabang OFW Program is a Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) that aims to help dependents of OFWs who are studying college. It provides one-time financial assistance worth P30,000 to dependents of OFWs who have lost their jobs, repatriated, or died due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The program was launched in 2020 during the 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte, directing DOLE and CHED to assist those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Benefits
Under the Tabang OFW Program, qualified beneficiaries will receive one-time financial assistance worth P30,000. This assistance is accessible to only one (1) college-level dependent OFWs who have lost their job, repatriated, or died due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, note that this program is a scholarship grant from OWWA and not a loan, which means qualified beneficiaries don’t have to pay back the financial assistance. So the dependents of OFWs can surely benefit from the Tabang OFW Program.
Qualifications
Before we proceed with the application procedures, here are the qualifications that applicants of the Tabang OFW Program should meet:
Qualifications for OFWs
- For Married OFWs- the child dependent must be single/unmarried and not over 30 years old
- For Single OFWs- the dependent must be single/unmarried and not over 30 years old, such as a child (if single parent), sibling, niece, or nephew.
Qualifications for OFW Dependents
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Must meet the current admission test and retention criteria of local universities and colleges (LUCs) accredited by CHED, private higher education institutions (HEIs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs)
- Have not exceeded the overall residency policy of the University
- Have not been expelled/kicked out of the University
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate, post-secondary program at a university or college approved by CHED
- Must be OFWs dependent who have lost their jobs, repatriated, or died due to the Covid-19 pandemic (certified by DOLE)
- Must not be a recipient of any OWWA or government-funded scholarship programs
Requirements
If you wish to apply for Tabang OFW Program, you must obtain the following OWWA and UNIFAST requirements:
OWWA Requirements
- Travel documents, such as passport
- Proof of arrival (if a returnee)
- Proof of Displacement, any of the following:
- Company Certification
- POLO Letter
- Affidavit
- Death certificate or equivalent document (for deceased OFWs)
- Official transmission from the Embassy or Consulate
- Dependents’ proof of relationship to OFW:
- PSA birth certificate of the dependent
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) if the OFW is single/unmarried
- Affidavit stating the OFW dependent is not a recipient of any OWWA or other government-funded scholarship or grant
UNIFAST Requirements
Secure the following document to prove that the dependent of OFW has currently enrolled in any course at a university or college:
- Receipt of enrolment:
- Certificate of Enrolment (COE)
- Certificate of Registration (COR)
- Enrolment Assessment Form (EAF)
- Enrolment Education (Computerized Format):
- Admission Test Score
- Evaluation Form
How to Apply for Tabang OFW Program by OWWA
For qualified beneficiaries, you may follow the steps below to apply for OWWA Tabang OFW Program:
- Visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) that covers your permanent address to get a copy of the Tabang OFW Program Application Form. Also, you can download the application form online thru this link: https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/.
- Fill out the application form and attach your documentary requirements.
- Next, submit your requirements thru the OWWA representative. Alternatively, you can submit your documentary requirements online or via a courier service (JRS, j&T, or LBC).
- Wait for OWWA or DOLE to notify you that you’ve secured a slot for the Tabang OFW Program.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a message via email or SMS containing the details on how you can claim financial assistance.
- Then, claim the financial grant at the designated Money Exchange Center (Kwarta Padala thru MLhuillier or Palawan Express).
Take note that you can apply for Tabang OFW Program online thru this link: https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/. If the link is not working, you may contact OWWA thru their official website and Facebook page for more details. You can also visit OWWA RWO to apply for the program.
Also Read: OWWA Project EASE – Educational Assistance by Scholarship in Emergencies
Download Tabang OFW Application Form
As stated, qualified beneficiaries of the Tabang OFW Program may apply thru this link: https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/. The link contains an application form you should fill out online if you don’t prefer visiting the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). Below is a screenshot of the Tabang OFW Application Form online:
Tabang OFW Online Tracker
If you choose to apply for Tabang OFW Program thru the online portal, you can also track the status of your application thru this link: https://tabangtracker.owwa.gov.ph/. The photo below is a screenshot of the Tabang OFW Online Tracker, where you can enter your Full Name and Email to track the progress of your application:
Reminders for OWWA Tabang OFW Program
Please take note of the following reminders regarding the OWWA Tabang OFW Program:
- OWWA Regional Welfare Officers (RWOs) will evaluate the applications of OFWs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic before getting an endorsement from DOLE Regional Offices (ROs).
- The DOLE ROs will send the list of qualified beneficiaries to DOLE Central Office.
- DOLE will gather the list to send the certified master list of qualified beneficiaries for the Tabang OFW program to CHED-UNIFAST.
- The financial and management service of DOLE will arrange the documents to send funds to DOLE ROs thru Cash Advance.
- DOLE ROs will also arrange documents, including Disbursement Vouchers (DVs) and Budget Utilization Request and Status (BURS), to grant financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries.
- Then, the funds are transferred directly to the OFW or designated beneficiary account thru electronic payment or bank transfer within two (2) weeks of the application approval.
- Only one (1) dependent per single or married OFWs can apply for the Tabang OFW Program until the allocated funds are available.
- For those who wish to apply for the Tabang OFW Program, you may contact OWWA thru their official Facebook page for more details.
Video: OWWA TABANG OFW PROGRAM GUIDE
To learn more about OWWA Tabang OFW Program, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, the Tabang OFW Program is for OFWs affected by Covid-19 who have dependents still studying college. OFWs and their applicants can apply for the program online or at OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). Moreover, the OFW dependent should not be a recipient of any OWWA or government-funded scholarship to be eligible for the program. To make it more convenient for OFWs and their dependents, the requirements for the Tabang OFW Program are also uploadable via the online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tabang OFW Program in OWWA?
The Tabang OFW Program is a one-time financial assistance that aims to assist qualified dependents of OFWs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The financial grant for beneficiaries intends to support college-level dependents of OFWs.
How to apply for OWWA Tabang OFW Program?
OFWs and their dependents can apply for Tabang OFW Program if they meet the qualifications and submit the complete requirements. Qualified beneficiaries can apply online or at OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), which covers their permanent address.
Who qualifies for OWWA Tabang OFW Program?
The Tabang OFW Program of OWWA is for OFWs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic with college-level dependents. The dependent qualifies for the program if the OFW lost a job, repatriated, or died due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, one (1) child of married OFWs not over 30 years old qualifies for the program. If the OFW is single/unmarried, the child, sibling, niece, or nephew can apply for the program. However, the assurance to access the grant depends on the allocated funds. If the funds are still available, the dependent of OFW may secure a slot in the program.
How much is Tabang OFW Program assistance?
The financial assistance given to qualified beneficiaries is P30,000. It’s a one-time financial assistance they can use to supplement their college studies.
Summary
Considering the number of people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, OFWs have uncertain employment overseas. With that said, OFWs and their families will surely benefit from the OWWA Tabang OFW Program, providing them with financial assistance for their college-level dependents to continue their education. This program offers a one-time financial grant to supplement qualified beneficiary’s education while reducing the financial burdens of OFWs.
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/
Email: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph