Scholarship From the Government For OFW Dependents

One of the goals of the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) why they are willing to sacrifice everything including leaving the comforts of their own home and decide to work abroad is to give their children the best education they could afford to equip their children for their future. The government, through Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is offering its OFW members a program where their immediate family members could get an scholarship. It is through the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) and Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP).

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Applying for OWWA EDSP AND ODSP Scholarship?

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO JOIN?

· Legal dependent of an active OWWA member-OFW

· Legal dependent refers to only 1 child of married or single or only 1 sibling of member-OFW


ARE GRADUATING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ELIGIBLE?

· Graduating Senior High School is qualified to avail the ODSP

· Qualified legal dependent must be single; not more than 21 years old

· For incoming freshmen and not more than 30 years old for those who are enrolled or have been enrolled in college


WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

· Accomplished Application Form

· Two (2) 2” x 2” recent & Identical Photos

· Proof of OWWA Membership

· Proof of Relationship to OWWA-Member/OFW

— Birth Certificate (issued by PSA) of applicant, if child of OFW

— Birth Certificate (issued by PSA) of both applicant & OFW, if brother/sister of OFW

— Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from PSA (if OFW is unmarried)

· Secondary School Record (Form 137) – for incoming freshmen

· Transcript of Records or Certificate of Grades – for those already enrolled in college (2nd – 5th year)

· Health Certificate from authorized government physician

· Certificate of Good Moral Character

· (for EDSP only) Certification that applicant obtained Gross Weighted Average (GWA) of 80% or higher and belongs to the upper 20% of the Senior High School Graduating Class – for incoming freshmen

· (For EDSP only) Parent’s Certification that the applicant has not taken post secondary or undergraduate/ college units and not a recipient of any scholarship grant / has not taken the EDSP Qualifying Examination

· (For EDSP only) Sworn Statement that applicant has no pending application for resident immigrant status from any country & does not dual citizenship

· (For ODSP only) Parent’s Certification that the applicant has not taken any post secondary or under graduate/college units, has not previously availed of OFWDSP and not a Recipient of any other scholarship grant.


DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION

· For EDSP (incoming freshmen) – starts every June of each school year. Deadline for submission of application is every 31 July of each year or as prescribed by the OWWA Planning and Program Development Division (PPDD) and Regional Operation Coordination Services (ROCS) based on the scheduled qualifying examination conducted by the DOST.

· For ODSP incoming freshmen – starts every March of each year. Deadline for submission of application is every last week of May of each year.

· For those already enrolled in college (2nd – 5th year) – starts every first week of August of each school year. Deadline for submission of application is every 15 September of each year (OWWA RWO-NCR schedule only)

Submission of the requirements for the next batch will start on August 1, 2019 for the National Capital Region (NCR).

Interested applicants may get application forms from their nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office, and they can also email their queries at ncr@owwa.gov.ph


OTHER AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS:

· Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) is a short-term scholarship grant on technical-vocational or specialized training (not exceeding one year duration) for overall economic gain to qualified active OWWA members and their dependents. It is in the form of training assistance to a maximum of Php14, 500.00 with OWWA assuming the training cost in vocational/technical courses accredited by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other government institutions.

· Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) – The Program intends to provide job-related training in upgrading the knowledge, skills and develop expertise among Filipino seafarers in accordance with technological advancements and global maritime standards. It is in the form of financial assistance to a maximum of Php7, 500.00 with OWWA assuming the training cost. The applicant may choose his/her preferred training course accredited by TESDA and MARINA.

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 Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship (CMWSP) is a scholarship program extended to deserving migrant workers and/or their immediate descendants who intend to pursue courses in the priority fields in Science and Technology.

· Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP-Educational Component) is designed primarily for survivors of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of death. It is a special benefit package intended to cover continuous education of an eligible dependent, regardless of his/her present education level, until after completion of tertiary education or a technical/vocational course of his/her preference.

More information can be obtained thru OWWA’s website under scholarship and training assistance section.

Interested applicants may get application forms from their nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office, and they can also email their queries at ncr@owwa.gov.ph for details.

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Questions And Answers About HDMF Law (Pag-IBIG Fund) For OFWs

The Home Development Mutual Fund also known as the Pag-IBIG Fund is one of the many programs of the Philippine government to provide its citizens the capability of purchasing their own house and lot.  Republic Act 9679's Declaration of Policy states:  "It is the policy of the State to establish, develop, promote, and integrate a nationwide sound and viable tax-exempt mutual provident savings system suitable to the needs of the employed and other earning groups, and to motivate them to better plan and provide for their housing."
Today, many Filipinos, including overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and their families benefit from this program. They can get a housing loan and savings through the new Pag-IBIG program which earns a dividend after a specified period of time.
This article will help you know more about the Pag-IBIG Fund for OFWs and how it works.

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What is Republic Act 9679 or Home Development Mutual Fund (known as Pag-IBIG Fund) Law of 2009?

RA 9679 is the law aimed at strengthening the ability of Pag-IBIG to achieve the following objectives:
• Improve the livelihood of Filipinos by providing adequate housing;
• Provide a national savings system;
• Mobilize funds for the housing program

How is RA 9679 different from previous laws of Pag-IBIG?

First, RA 9679 sets out universal coverage. That is, the membership range is expanded, with the following:
• employees and workers of SSS and GSIS
• Overseas Filipino Workers, including Clerks / Seafarers
• The uniformed staff of the Philippine Armed Forces, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Philippine National Police

Secondly, Pag-IBIG's tax exempt returns where the agency can save three billion a year. Now, this amount can be allocated for housing and for a high dividend for members.
Thirdly, the Board of Trustees of the Pag-IBIG has the power to raise the monthly contribution of the member. This means greater savings for members and higher loan entitlements. There may also be a higher proportion of the members to be given because of this. Since 1986, Pag-IBIG has never raised the contribution rate, while several other government agencies have raised their contributions.

Currently, a member contribution rate of Pag-IBIG is 2% based on a monthly income of P5,000. The members' contribution rate will stay at P100 even if he earns P5,000 or P50,000.

By raising the contribution rate, monthly contributions will be higher, while for members belonging to the lower income bracket, their contribution remains at P100.

When was the law effective?
RA 9679 was effective on August 27, 2009.

When did the law begin to be implemented?
The law was implemented in January 2010.

Are all OFWs covered by the mandatory coverage of RA9679?

Yes. According to RA 9679 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, PAG-IBIG must register all OFWs, whether land-based or sea-based (seafarer or working within the ship).

A seafarer is enrolled as a member after signing a contract with his agency or manning agency that stands as an employer, as well as a foreign owner of the ship. As an employer, the agency will contribute an appropriate proportion of two percent contribution, based on the monthly marine income.

Meanwhile, land-based OFWs must be registered before they leave the Philippines or before returning to work. Those who are currently abroad may also register at any Pag-IBIG Posts.

Why are OFWs included with mandatory membership coverage?
All Filipino workers, whether in the Philippines or abroad, should have an equal opportunity to all the benefits of the Pag-IBIG program. The membership of OFWs has been mandated to give them the opportunity to save and reach their dream of owning a home.
How to register OFWs under mandatory coverage?

OFWs can register with the following:
• Pag-IBIG desks located at the Embassy or Philippine Consulate outside the country
• Pag-IBIG Fund International Operations Group, 6th Floor, Justine Bldg., Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
• Any branch or office of Pag-IBIG in the Philippines
• Pag-IBIG satellite office of the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA)
• Preferred banks and remittance agencies recognized by Pag-IBIG such as PNB, Metrobank, and iRemit Global Remittances Inc.

How is the registration process for former Pag-IBIG members under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP)?

The OFW can visit the Pag-IBIG Information Desk located at the Embassy or Philippine Consulate to fill out the Member's Data Form (MDF-FPF0909) or Membership Registration Form (MRF-FPF095). If he is in the Philippines, he can go to the nearest office.

It is also necessary to update their record, especially if there are changes to their personal information.MDF and MRF  can be downloaded at the Pag-IBIG website. 

If an old member would register as an OFW, what would happen to his / her contribution?
Pag-IBIG combines all his contributions, previous and current. Portable or remain in the name of the member,  Even if he/she transferred from one company to another, his/her account will remain in his name. Pag-IBIG ensures that the members' savings are safe.

What are the benefits of a Pag-IBIG member ?

A. The Benefits of Savings
• No tax will be imposed on members' savings
• Earned dividend annual contribution to member savings
• The savings remain in the name of the member even if he moves to another company, loses work, or becomes self-employed
• The government guarantees the savings, to pay and refund the member's contribution should anything happened to Pag-IBIG.

B. Short-Term Loans (Multi Purpose and Calamity Loans) Loans
for an emergency needs like tuition, minor home repair, business capital and so on.

The following is an example of how much you can borrow under the Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL) Program.

C. Housing Loan (Housing Loan)

The housing loan can be used for any of the following:
• land purchase;
• buying a home;
• building or housekeeping;
• home improvement or repair;
• when refinancing a loan from a bank acceptable to the Pag-IBIG Fund; and
• combination of the abovementioned conditions.
How much is the contribution rate?

*Please refer to the chart above

Monthly income of five thousand pesos (P5,000)  is used for computation of contributions. It means that the highest premium of the member and his employer is at P100. However, a member can increase his or her monthly rate for a higher saving. If a member has no employer, he/she can pay for the employer counterpart.

Should a foreign employer also provide a contribution?
A foreign employer is not required to provide any part of the contribution unless he/she wishes to.

Can the member give more contribution?
Yes. The member is encouraged to contribute more than what has been set forth by law. It is better for a member to save more money because he/she will be able to earn more after 20 years or until his / her membership matures, including tax-free dividends and guaranteed by the government.

Where can a contribution be paid?
Payments may be made to Representatives of Pag-IBIG based on Embassy or Philippine Consulate. You can also pay any accredited banks or remittance partners. Just visit the Pag-IBIG website for a complete list of accredited collecting banks and remittance partners.

If a member starts contributing before leaving the Philippines, can he continue his contribution abroad?

Yes, if the member already has the Pag-IBIG MID or membership ID number, they can use it to pay their contributions. If not, you must register with Pag-IBIG to provide Registration Tracking No. (RTN) or MID number, whichever is available.

Does the Pag-IBIG ID still need to register or pay? What if I did not have an ID to register?
Currently, Pag-IBIG has not yet issued an ID. In the meantime, the RTN member will first register after registering. This is the number he will use whenever he/she pay a contribution or applies for a benefit. The member will be given a MID number to be used when paying their contribution.

When can a registered member claim their savings under Pag-IBIG I?
The member may claim his / her total accumulated value (TAV) after 20 years and after completion of 240 monthly contributions.  TAV can be also collected before 20 years in any of the following circumstances:
• 15-year optional withdrawal (member must have 180 monthly unpaid premium and he / she has no debt. Membership must continue after deduction.)
• reaching the age of 60;
• mandatory retirement at age 65
• total disability/insanity;
• leaving work due to illness or illness;
• permanently removing the Philippines; and
• death.

What will the member get when his / her membership is over?
He will get his total allowance consisting of his monthly premium, the equivalent contribution of his employer (if any), and his earned income.

If the member dies, what will happen to his savings?
His beneficiaries will receive all his savings minus the remaining cost of their obligations to Pag-IBIG. His beneficiaries will also receive an additional death benefit.
Why is the duration of  OFW membership being extended?
Under universal coverage, Pag-IBIG membership rules, whether local or overseas employees, are the same. Therefore, the membership term of all OFWs is 20 years. Unlike previously they can choose between 5, 10 or 15 years of membership term as a voluntary member.

What is the Modified Pag-IBIG II Program?
The MP2 program is a voluntary program that offers higher dividends in a shorter period.

Under the program, a member will fall at least P500 per month for five years. The higher the grant will be given under the program compared to the dividend of the regular membership program or Pag-IBIG I.

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