OWWA ODSP Scholarship Program – How to Apply
In the Philippines, when economic resources are scarce, many Filipino parents choose to work abroad to finance their children’s education. This is a common practice among Filipino parents who believe that education is the greatest inheritance they can provide for their children. Consequently, various organizations such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) prioritize education for dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) when designing programs that support and safeguard the well-being of OFWs.
One of these programs is the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), which falls under the category of Scholarships for Dependents offered by OWWA. As the name suggests, the ODSP is specifically designed for the dependents of OFWs. It doesn’t matter whether the dependent is a child, sibling, niece, or nephew; the objective remains the same. The ODSP aims to assist OWWA member OFWs in sending their family members to school, ensuring their future through quality tertiary education with the support of their OWWA ODSP Scholarship Program – How to Apply membership. This article provides comprehensive information about the ODSP, so continue reading to learn more.
What is OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)?
The OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) is a scholarship program designed to support qualified dependents of active Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). This program provides financial assistance to OFW dependents who are pursuing their tertiary education.
Under the ODSP, eligible OFW dependents who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a four- or five-year baccalaureate degree program at a state university or college (SUC) can benefit from the scholarship privileges.
This program is particularly beneficial for OFWs who may not earn a significant income but still need to support their families’ educational expenses. By availing the ODSP, these dependents can pursue their tertiary education, opening up better opportunities for future employment. One advantage of this scholarship is that it does not need to be repaid, alleviating any future financial burden.
Overall, the ODSP serves as a valuable resource for OFW families, assisting them in achieving their educational goals and ensuring a brighter future for both the dependents and their families.
Benefits of the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP)
Under the ODSP scholarship program, eligible dependents or single children, siblings, nieces, or nephews of an active OWWA member OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) with a monthly salary not exceeding $600.00 can receive financial assistance of up to Php 20,000.00 per academic year. This assistance is intended to cover their tuition fees for a four-year or five-year degree program or any associate course in a state college or university (SUC).
Qualifications
Under the ODSP scholarship program, eligible dependents or single children, siblings, nieces, or nephews of an active OWWA member OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) with a monthly salary not exceeding $600.00 can receive financial assistance of up to Php 20,000.00 per academic year. This assistance is intended to cover their tuition fees for a four-year or five-year degree program or any associate course in a state college or university (SUC).
For the OWWA member OFW:
- Must have a monthly salary of $ 600.00 or lower
- Must be an active OWWA member OFW at the time of application
For the eligible beneficiary:
- Must be a child of an active OWWA member OFW or a sibling of a single yet active OWWA member who is:
- Incoming Freshmen (1st year college)
- Single
- Grade 11 graduate (Incoming Grade 12 / currently enrolled as Grade 12)
- Not more than 21 years old
- With a passing grade
- For those who are already enrolled in 2nd year to 5th year in college
- Single
- Not more than 30 years old
- With a passing grade
- Must have graduated from high school
- Must be physically, mentally, and morally fit
- Must have successfully passed the entrance exam of the state university or college (SUC) they plan to enroll at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office where he or she intends to enroll
- Must not have taken any post-secondary or undergraduate units prior to the application
- Must not be a recipient of any government-funded scholarship program or grant
- Must not be a recipient of any OWWA-funded scholarship program or grant
Requirements
If you have a keen interest in accessing the advantages and privileges offered by the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), you can begin by ensuring that you have obtained and prepared the necessary documentary requirements
- Accomplished ODSP Scholarship Application Form: You can obtain this form from the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or download it online.
- OFW Membership record: This record can be accessed online at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) website or obtained from the OWWA RWO.
- Two (2) valid government-issued or company-issued photo IDs of the applicant: Provide two identification documents that are issued by the government or your employer and contain your photo.
- At least one (1) valid ID of the OWWA member OFW or their Authorized Representative: You need to provide a valid identification document of either the OWWA member OFW or their authorized representative.
- Proof of OWWA Membership: You can submit either or both of the following documents as proof of OWWA membership: a. Official Receipt (OR) of OWWA Contribution: Provide a copy of the official receipt showing payment of your OWWA contribution.b. OFW Verification Sheet: This document serves as verification of your OFW status and OWWA membership.
- Photocopy of OFW contract: Submit a photocopy of your OFW contract that verifies your employment, including the information that your contract salary does not exceed $600.00 per month.
- Proof of relationship to the OWWA member: Submit one of the following documents issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or the Local Civil Registrar (LCR), depending on the relationship:a. OFW Birth Certificate: If the eligible dependent is a sibling. b. OFW CENOMAR: If the OFW is single.c. Dependent’s Birth Certificate: If the dependent availing the scholarship is a child of the OFW.
- Dependent’s Form 137 or High school Report Card: Provide a certified true copy of the Form 137 or High school Report Card indicating a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 80% without failing grades for incoming freshmen.
- Certified true copy of Form 138 or Transcript of Records (TOR): Submit a certified true copy of the Form 138 or Transcript of Records indicating a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 80% without failing grades if you are already enrolled in college.
- Certificate of non-enlistment to any post-secondary or undergraduate units: Provide a certificate confirming that you have not enrolled in any post-secondary or undergraduate units prior to applying for the ODSP.
- Sworn statement attesting to the non-receipt or non-application of any scholarship grant: Submit a sworn statement from the applicant declaring that they have not received or applied for any government- or privately-funded scholarship grant.
- Sworn statement proving the non-pending application for resident immigrant status: Submit a sworn statement from the applicant stating that they do not have any pending application for resident immigrant status in any country and that they are not dual citizens of any other country.
- Signed certificate issued by school authorities: Provide a signed certificate issued by the school authorities verifying that the applicant belongs to the top 20% of their high school graduating class with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 80% or better in their most recent report card.
- Other Special Requirements (waived due to the pandemic): The Certificate of Good Moral and Medical Certificate are waived due to the pandemic. However, these requirements may be necessary under normal circumstances.
Please note that it is essential to have all the required documents ready before starting the ODSP application process, as OWWA only processes applications with complete requirements.
How to Process OWWA OFW Dependent Scholarship (ODSP) Program
Here’s the complete step-by-step procedural application guidelines for those who are interested in the benefits and privileges of the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP):
- Download the form online:
- Visit the official website of the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration).
- Look for the ODSP application form and download it from the website.
- Once downloaded, print out the form.
- Visit the nearest OWWA Regional Office:
- Determine the OWWA Regional Office closest to your location.
- Personally go to the selected OWWA Regional Office.
After obtaining the application form, follow these steps to submit your ODSP application:
- Complete the form:
- Fill in the required information on the application form.
- Attach all the necessary documentary requirements mentioned earlier.
- Submit the application form and requirements:
Submit the filled-out ODSP application form and attached documents through either of the following methods:
- Email: Send the scanned copies of the application form and requirements to the provided email address.
- In-person submission: Follow the steps mentioned below.
If you choose in-person submission:
Schedule an appointment with the OWWA Regional Welfare Office:
Visit the OWWA website (appointment.owwa.gov.ph) or use the OWWA Mobile App to secure an appointment.
On the scheduled appointment day:
- Go to the selected OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
- Obtain a queuing number and wait for your turn at the ODSP application window (approximately 30 seconds).
- Present the OWWA member OFW’s ID, along with the application form and other documentary requirements, at the Membership Verification Desk.
- Wait for the focal on Education and Training to check the OWWA membership and evaluate the submitted requirements (duration varies based on the completeness of the documents, typically around 10 minutes).
- Receive the initial results regarding the approval or rejection of your ODSP application. If you submitted your application online, you may receive a call notifying you of the outcome.
If your ODSP application gets approved:
- You will receive the Notice of Award within 3 to 5 working days.
- The Notice of Award will contain the schedule and venue information for the Scholarship Orientation.
Attend the Scholarship Orientation:
- Attend the Scholarship Orientation, which usually lasts between 1 to 2 hours.
- Once completed, you will need to have the Scholarship Agreement notarized, which takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Please note that the provided steps are a general outline, and it’s advisable to refer to the official OWWA website or contact the OWWA directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the ODSP application process.
Important Reminders
Here are some reminders and important things you need to know about the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) before you get too interested in the benefits and privileges of this OWWA scholarship program:
The application period for the ODSP (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Scholarship Program) begins every June of each academic year. The deadline for submitting applications is typically scheduled in the first week of August, although it may vary based on the instructions given by the Responsible Outgoing College Students (ROCS) in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the qualifying exam.
To be eligible for the ODSP, applicants must be in their final year of high school. Additionally, all ODSP applicants must belong to the top 20% of their high school graduating class at the time of application.
It’s important to note that OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) will not accept or process applications with incomplete documentary requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all necessary documents are provided.
All applications undergo review and verification, particularly concerning the submitted documentary requirements. The approval of applications at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) only signifies that the applicants are qualified to take the national competitive exam conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Only the top 200 passers of the DOST exam will qualify for the actual ODSP scholarships. Once awarded the scholarship, recipients are required to maintain passing marks in all required subjects to retain the scholarship. Failing marks are not allowed.
Successful passers of the DOST exam may avail themselves of the monetary privileges of the grant through vouchers, which can only be claimed during the specified period. It’s important to remember that the scholarship is non-transferable and can only be used by the recipient.
Andrea, OWWA ODSP Availee Talks About How Being an ODSP Availee Changed Her Life
For around 15 years, Andrea’s father has been working as a security officer in Kuwait. Despite his job abroad, their family in the Philippines struggles to meet their basic needs and faces difficulties in sending all their children to school.
Fortunately, through the support of the OWWA’s OFW Dependent Scholarship Program, Andrea became a scholar, relieving a significant burden from her father’s shoulders. She has successfully completed her studies and earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management Technology from Aklan State University. Now, she is actively assisting her father in supporting the family.
Andrea’s achievement demonstrates the positive impact of educational opportunities provided by organizations like OWWA. It not only empowers individuals like Andrea to pursue their dreams but also contributes to uplifting their families from financial challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers related to the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) in case you care enough to know:
1. Is the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) scholarship available to incoming 2nd-year students or are there other OWWA scholarship options for them?
Yes, the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) is available to both incoming college students (First Year College) and those who are enrolled college students (Second Year to Fifth Year). The program aims to provide educational assistance to the dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by covering their tuition fees and other educational expenses. Eligible students can apply for the scholarship to support their college education regardless of their year level.
2. How do I apply for the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP) if I live far away?
If you reside far away from the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), you still have the opportunity to apply for their services. You can begin by downloading the application form and fulfilling all the necessary requirements. Once you have completed the required documents, you have two options for submission. The first option is to submit the documents online via email. You can scan or take clear photos of the completed forms and other necessary papers, and then send them as attachments to the designated email address provided by the OWWA Regional Office.
The second option is to send the complete documentary requirements through a courier service. You can find the nearest courier service to your location and securely package the documents. Ensure that you include all the required paperwork as specified by the OWWA Regional Office. Address the package to the nearest OWWA Regional Office for processing. By utilizing either of these methods, you can submit your application and fulfill the necessary requirements even if you live far away from the OWWA Regional Welfare Office. Please note that it’s always a good idea to check the official OWWA website or contact their office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding application procedures and requirements.
3. How much Financial Assistance can the beneficiaries get when they avail of the OWWA ODSP Scholarship Program?
The ODSP scholarship provides an annual financial aid of Php 20,000.00 per academic year to eligible beneficiaries of active OWWA member OFWs. This monetary assistance is specifically intended to cover the tuition fees and support these individuals in completing their college education.
4. Is my 22-year-old child qualified for the ODSP scholarship program?
If your child is 22 years old or older and is starting their first year of college, they will not be eligible for the ODSP Scholarship benefits. This program is only open to incoming freshmen who are 21 years old or younger. However, if your child is already in their second to fifth year of college and is over 21 years old when they apply, they can still be considered eligible as long as they are under 30 years old. I hope this clarifies the eligibility criteria for the ODSP Scholarship program. Let me know if you have any further questions.
5. Can my younger sibling participate in the ODSP program and avail of the scholarship privileges?
If you are a single and active OWWA member OFW and you have a sibling who is an incoming freshman under the age of 21, he or she is eligible to apply for the ODSP scholarship privileges.
6. Does the ODSP cover only incoming freshmen?
No, the ODSP program is not exclusive to incoming freshmen. In fact, OWWA accepts applications for college or university students who are already enrolled in their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th year, provided that they are within the age limit of no older than 30 years for enrolled college students who are not incoming freshmen.
7. My spouse and I are both active OWWA members OFWs. Does this mean we can apply for two children under the ODSP Program?
No. According to the terms and conditions of the program, married Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can only apply for and receive the privileges of the ODSP Program for one (1) child. This rule applies even if the other spouse is also an active member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and an OFW. However, there are alternative options available if you wish to support your other child. OWWA offers scholarship programs such as the Education for Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) or Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), which your second child can apply for and benefit from.
8. Can I apply for the ODSP Program directly at the OWWA Office?
Yes, it is possible to obtain an application form and apply directly at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). However, due to the ongoing health crisis, OWWA, along with other government offices, recommends conducting all transactions online, including the submission of your ODSP application. Alternatively, you may choose to send the application through a courier service.
9. I am an OWWA ODSP scholar. Can I possibly share the ODSP grant with my siblings?
No, unfortunately, the ODSP scholarship grant cannot be transferred to another person. The monetary assistance provided through the ODSP grant is given in the form of vouchers, and the tuition fee is directly paid to the university or college. Only any extra funds beyond the tuition fee are given directly to the recipient, which makes it difficult to share with someone else.
10. I have other questions regarding the ODSP Program. To whom should I address them?
If you have any further concerns, inquiries, or questions regarding the ODSP grant, you can contact OWWA directly. There are several ways to reach out to them, including online through the OWWA website, by phone, via email, or by visiting any nearby OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
Here is the complete contact information for OWWA:
Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila Telephone Number: 8891-7601 to 24 OWWA Hotline Number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International) OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph OWWA Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial OWWA Website: https://owwa.gov.ph/
Additionally, you can visit the OWWA scholars’ Facebook Page for more information about all the available OWWA services and benefits for student dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at https://www.facebook.com/ProudOWWAscholars/.
Summary
Since its inception, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has been dedicated to fulfilling its mission of providing genuine service to protect and support millions of Filipino workers abroad. One of the ways in which they accomplish this is through the implementation of various programs, including scholarship programs like the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), which aims to assist OFWs and their families in pursuing a better life through quality education.
If you haven’t already noticed,OWWA ODSP Scholarship Program – How to Apply offers a substantial number of scholarship programs. This is because, like the rest of the country, the Philippine government places its hope for a better and brighter future in the hands of the next generation. Moreover, many OFWs leave the country in order to give their children a better chance in the job market, making it logical to provide educational subsidies for the dependents of OFWs.
If you require additional information to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by OWWA, you can reach out to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office or visit the OWWA website to access available programs and services online.
