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.
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.
- Register the OFW group/organization to CDA, DOLE, and SEC.
- 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.
