How to Get OWWA Loan for OFWs and Seafarers

OWWA Loan for OFWs and Seafarers or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, offers two loans specifically designed to assist Filipinos in starting their own profitable businesses without being burdened by high-interest rates. These loans are the HEROES Loan Program and the EDLP Loan Program.

The HEROES Loan Program aims to provide financial assistance to returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been repatriated from their jobs due to a crisis. This program offers affordable loans with low-interest rates, enabling OFWs to establish their own businesses and become self-reliant.

The EDLP (Enterprise Development and Loan Program) Loan Program, on the other hand, is open to active OWWA members who wish to start their own businesses or expand their existing enterprises. This program provides access to loans with reasonable interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

By offering these loans, OWWA is extending its support to OFWs and seafarers, even those who have faced job displacement or repatriation. The goal is to assist them in achieving their entrepreneurial dreams and provide them with opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in the Philippines.

In addition to these loan programs, OWWA also provides various programs and services to support the families of OFWs in the Philippines. These initiatives aim to offer assistance to OFW-families as soon as the OFWs decide to stop working abroad. The specific programs and services may include livelihood training, education and scholarship programs for children of OFWs, and other forms of support to help ensure the welfare and well-being of the families left behind by the OFWs.

Overview

The HEROES Loan and EDLP Loan are two loan programs offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) owned by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). These loan programs aim to assist OFWs in starting their own businesses and generating income for their families in the Philippines.

The HEROES Loan, which stands for Helping the Economy Recover thru OFW Enterprise Start-ups Loan, is a part of the P3 Fund under the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is designed to provide financial assistance to MSMEs owned by OFWs. The loan helps in the recovery of the economy by supporting the establishment and growth of businesses.

The EDLP Loan, formerly known as the OFW Reintegration Program (ORP), is now called the Enterprise Development and Loan Program. It aims to enable OFWs to earn profits from their chosen business or industry. The loan helps OFWs transition from being overseas workers to entrepreneurs, giving them the opportunity to generate income and eventually stay with their loved ones in the Philippines.

To apply for these OWWA loans, there are certain requirements that OFWs must prepare, which include:

1. Two valid IDs (photocopy): These can be government-issued IDs such as TIN (Tax Identification Number), Passport, PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) ID, or any ID with a photo and signature.
2. Supporting documents of OWWA contribution: This can be an OWWA information sheet, passport with POEA-LAC (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration – Labor Assistance Center) stamp, E-card, or a POEA-attested employment certificate.
3. Proof of billing address: Documents such as utility bills or any official document that shows the OFW’s residential address.
4. Barangay Certification as proof of residency (photocopy): A certificate from the barangay (local community) verifying the OFW’s residency.
5. Income Tax Return for at least three years: Documents showing the OFW’s income tax returns for the past three years.
6. Mayor’s permit: This is required if the business will be located within a specific municipality or city.
7. Collateral or security documents: These are documents that provide security for the loan, such as property titles or other assets.
8. Statement of Assets and Liabilities: A document that lists the OFW’s assets (properties, investments, etc.) and liabilities (debts, loans, etc.).
9. Birth Certificate: Required for single loan applicants.
10. Certificate of Marriage: Required for married loan applicants.
11. Sketch of the place of residence: A simple drawing or diagram showing the location of the OFW’s residence.

These loan programs aim to address the lack of investment options and help OFWs secure a brighter future for themselves and their families. By providing financial support and encouraging entrepreneurship, these programs seek to empower OFWs to create sustainable businesses and achieve financial stability.

HEROES Loan

The SB Corporation who is assigned to manage this program said that they have allotted PHP 100 Million for this program, which can help a lot of repatriated OFWs who lost their jobs because of this pandemic.

Who are eligible for this loan?

Repatriated OFWs are the people eligible to apply for HEROES Loan program.

How much you can borrow?

• Minimum of PHP 10,000
• Maximum of PHP 100,000

Arrangement: OFWs can borrow money without interest or even collateral. The HEROES loan program also gives 12-month grace period which is inclusive of all of their repayment terms.

• For loans under the 24-months repayment term, there will be a 6% service fee.
• For loans under the 36-months repayment term, there will be an 8% service fee.

Requirements

• Scanned copy of your passport
• Certificate of PTTC Training as proof of completion
• Business Model Canvas (This is exclusive for loans amounting above PHP 50,000)
• Video Presentation

How to apply for HEROES Loan?

Step 1: Go to http://bit.ly/HEROESRegistrationForm to register for a PTTC or Philippine Trade and Training Center.

Step 2: Complete the one-day online training. No funds will be collected since it’s totally free.

Step 3: After completing the said training, this is the perfect time to complete all the requirements for your application. For a loan application, you need the follow:

• Passport copy (Scanned)
• Video presentation (Don’t worry because you will be given instruction during the training on how you will prepare the said presentation.)

Step 4: Go to your browser and search https://brs.sbgfc.org.ph/heroes to proceed with your application.

OWWA EDLP Loan

The Enterprise Development & Loan Program (EDLP), formerly known as the OFW Integration Program, is a loan program specifically designed for qualified overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). It is important to note that the EDLP is not directly funded by the government or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Instead, the funds for the program are disbursed by Landbank, a government-owned financial institution.

To be eligible for the EDLP, all qualified OFWs must provide a certificate from OWWA as proof of their membership in the institution. This requirement applies to all OFWs, regardless of whether they are currently active or inactive members of OWWA. The certificate serves as validation that the OFW is a recognized member of OWWA, which is a prerequisite for accessing the loan program.

By ensuring that OFWs have a valid OWWA membership certificate, the EDLP aims to verify the eligibility of applicants and ensure that the loans are provided to genuine members of the OFW community. The program is intended to support OFWs in establishing and expanding their own businesses, contributing to the development of the Philippine economy.

Who are eligible for EDLP loan?

• All OFWs that are certified by OWWA (active or inactive)
• Those who have completed the Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT)

If the OFW is currently abroad, they should be represented by their spouse if they are married. If the borrower is single, they must be represented by a parent who is not more than 60 years old or by children who are at least 18 years old.

How much you can borrow?

• Minimum of PHP 100,000
• Maximum of PHP 2,000,000

Arrangement: Unlike other OWWA loans, this one taps interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum for the entire duration of the loan. The loan amount will depend on the project needs and the amount of equity participation of the borrower

• For Single Proprietorship borrowers- PHP 100,000 to PHP 2,000,000
• For Group Loans borrowers- PHP 100,000 to PHP 5,000,000

Loan Repayment

• Short (1 year)
• Term (7 years)

Both have a 2-years grace period.

Loan Security/Collateral: Object of Finances

• Mortgage able project
• Assets (Machines or Equipment)
• Other assets of the borrower

Requirements

Here are the following requirements:

1. The purpose of this business plan is to outline the key elements required to establish a revenue-generating project for OFWs and their families. The plan will include the necessary documentation, certifications, and permissions needed to ensure the project’s compliance with regulatory requirements.
2. Project Overview: The project will focus on supporting OFWs in starting and operating businesses that align with their skills, experience, and interests. By providing the necessary resources and guidance, the project aims to enhance the economic well-being of OFWs and their families.
3. Documentation and Certifications: To participate in this project and access the financial support provided, the following documents and certifications are required:

• Registration Certificate from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): This certificate validates the legality and registration of the proposed business.
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Certification: This certification confirms the borrower’s status as an active overseas worker who has completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) program.
• OFW Applicant’s Biodata: A comprehensive biodata that includes personal information, education, skills, work experience, and entrepreneurial aspirations.
• Income Tax Return: If applicable, the income tax returns for the previous three years must be provided to evaluate the financial capacity and history of the applicant.
• Financial Statements: If applicable, the financial statements filed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for the last three years should be submitted to assess the applicant’s financial stability.
• Interim Financial Statement: The most recent interim financial statement, if available, will help determine the current financial position of the applicant.
• Assets and Liabilities Statement: A comprehensive statement outlining the applicant’s assets and liabilities will provide insights into their financial situation.
• Permission from the Mayor: Written permission from the mayor’s office or local government unit is required to operate the business in the specific location.

4. Business Implementation: Once the necessary documentation and certifications are obtained, the project will support OFWs in implementing their business ideas. This will involve providing financial support, mentorship, training, and access to relevant networks and resources. The project aims to facilitate the successful launch and growth of sustainable businesses.
5. Revenue Generation and Sustainability: The primary goal of the project is to generate revenue for OFWs and their families. By fostering entrepreneurship and providing the necessary support, the project aims to create sustainable income streams that can support the OFWs’ financial well-being even after their return to the Philippines.

How to apply for an EDLP Loan?

Step 1: You need an OWWA Registration Verification. This is for OFWs who are still working abroad.

OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), and Landbank in the Philippines. While I can provide you with some general information about these entities, it’s important to note that specific procedures and requirements may vary, so it’s always best to contact the relevant authorities directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you mentioned:

1. Inquire and get information about the EDLP loan through the Embassy of your employment country: You can reach out to the Embassy or Consulate of your employment country to inquire about the EDLP (Enterprise Development and Loan Program) loan. The Embassy should be able to provide you with the necessary details, eligibility criteria, application process, and any other information related to the loan.
2. Confirm your registration as an OWWA member: OWWA is a government agency in the Philippines that supports the welfare and interests of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). It’s likely that the EDLP loan requires you to be a registered OWWA member. The Officer at the Embassy may assist you in confirming your OWWA membership or provide you with guidance on how to register if you are not yet a member.
3. Get referred to an assigned officer of the OWWA office in the Philippines: The Embassy will refer you to an assigned officer at the OWWA office in the Philippines. This officer will be able to guide you further in the loan application process and provide you with any additional requirements or instructions.
4. Obtain a certification from the OWWA office in the Philippines: Once you return to the Philippines, you need to visit the OWWA office as instructed. There, you will need to complete any necessary paperwork and fulfill the requirements for the EDLP loan. After completing the process, you should obtain a certification from the OWWA office.
5. Present the certification to Landbank: Landbank is a government-owned financial institution in the Philippines. After obtaining the certification from the OWWA office, you would then present this certification to Landbank as part of the EDLP loan application process. Landbank will provide further guidance on the loan application, including the required documents, repayment terms, and other relevant information.

Step 2: Training for Business Development. 

As an eligible overseas Filipino worker (OFW), it is necessary for you to participate in the Enterprise Development Training (EDT) conducted by OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), and Landbank. One of the prerequisites for this training is the submission of the EDT certificate of attendance to Landbank.

Step 3: Preparation of a business plan and other requirements