How to Avail Project EASE Scholarship for OFW Dependents
Project EASE (Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies) is a noteworthy educational assistance initiative provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) that specifically supports college-level dependents of active OWWA Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been repatriated or displaced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aims to help these dependents continue their education despite the challenges they may face as a result of the pandemic.
Under Project EASE Scholarship for OFW Dependents approved beneficiaries are granted PHP 10,000 per year for a duration of four years. This financial assistance is provided in cash and is intended to be used for their educational needs. By alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education, Project EASE aims to ensure that the dependents of active OWWA OFW members have the opportunity to complete their college education.
It is important to note that Project EASE is one of the various beneficial projects offered by OWWA to support OFWs and their dependents. The Tabang OFW program, which we have previously discussed in other articles, is another notable initiative provided by OWWA to assist OFWs. By familiarizing themselves with these projects, OFWs and their dependents can explore the opportunities and benefits available to them through OWWA’s programs and services.
Overview
Project EASE (Education Assistance for the Support and Empowerment of OFW Families) is a program aimed at helping the dependents of Filipino workers who have been affected by the pandemic. Many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) typically save a significant portion of their earnings to support their families’ aspirations. However, with the loss of jobs due to the global health crisis, these families face financial difficulties in providing education for their children.
Unlike the Tabang OFW scholarship, which provides a one-time grant, Project EASE offers an annual grant for up to four years. This longer-term support ensures that beneficiaries have sustained assistance throughout their education journey. It’s important to note that both Project EASE and the Tabang OFW scholarship are not loans, meaning recipients do not have to repay the funds.
If you are an OFW who has lost employment or has been repatriated during this critical period, you can still take advantage of the benefits offered by Project EASE. Here’s how:
- Gather the necessary documents: Prepare the required documents to support your application, including identification papers, proof of OFW status or past employment, and documents related to your dependents’ education.
- Check eligibility criteria: Review the eligibility requirements of Project EASE to ensure you meet the necessary qualifications. These may include proof of job loss or repatriation due to the pandemic and having dependents pursuing education.
- Contact Project EASE: Reach out to the designated contact person or office responsible for handling Project EASE applications. Inquire about the application process, required documents, and any specific deadlines.
- Complete the application: Fill out the application form accurately and provide all the necessary information. Make sure to double-check your entries and attach the required documents as specified.
- Submit your application: Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the required documents, submit your application within the specified timeframe. Follow the instructions provided by the Project EASE office for submission methods, such as online submission or in-person delivery.
- Await notification: After submitting your application, await notification from the Project EASE team regarding the status of your application. Be patient during the evaluation process, as it may take some time to review and process all the applications.
- Fulfill any additional requirements: If the Project EASE team requires further information or additional documentation, promptly provide the requested materials to support your application.
- Receive the grant: If your application is successful, you will receive confirmation of your acceptance into Project EASE. The annual grant will be provided to support your dependents’ education for up to four years, offering them a better chance of fulfilling their dreams.
Project EASE aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by affected OFW families and contribute to the educational opportunities of their children. By availing this program, you can ensure that your dependents continue to receive support for their education despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Benefits
Approved applicants are entitled to an annual scholarship grant of PhP 10,000 for four (4) years for one (1) college-level OFW dependent.
Qualifications
Project EASE (Education Assistance for the Support and Empowerment of OFW Families) is a program specifically designed to aid the dependents of Filipino overseas workers who have been impacted by the pandemic. Many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) typically save a significant portion of their earnings to support their families’ aspirations. However, due to the loss of jobs resulting from the global health crisis, these families are now facing financial difficulties in providing education for their children.
Unlike the Tabang OFW scholarship, which offers a one-time grant, Project EASE provides an annual grant that can be renewed for up to four years. This longer-term support ensures that beneficiaries receive sustained assistance throughout their educational journey. It’s important to note that both Project EASE and the Tabang OFW scholarship are not loans, meaning recipients are not required to repay the funds.
If you are an OFW who has lost employment or has been repatriated during this critical period, you can still take advantage of the benefits offered by Project EASE. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
- Gather the necessary documents: Collect all the required documents to support your application. These may include identification papers, proof of OFW status or previous employment, and documents related to your dependents’ education.
- Check eligibility criteria: Review the eligibility requirements of Project EASE to ensure that you meet all the necessary qualifications. These requirements may include proof of job loss or repatriation due to the pandemic, as well as having dependents who are pursuing education.
- Contact Project EASE: Reach out to the designated contact person or office responsible for handling Project EASE applications. Inquire about the application process, required documents, and any specific deadlines that you need to be aware of.
- Complete the application: Fill out the application form accurately and provide all the necessary information. Double-check your entries and make sure to attach the required documents as specified.
- Submit your application: Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the required documents, submit your application within the specified timeframe. Follow the instructions provided by the Project EASE office for submission methods, whether it be online submission or in-person delivery.
- Await notification: After submitting your application, patiently wait for notification from the Project EASE team regarding the status of your application. Keep in mind that the evaluation process may take some time, as they need to review and process all the applications received.
- Fulfill any additional requirements: If the Project EASE team requires further information or additional documentation, promptly provide the requested materials to support your application.
- Receive the grant: If your application is successful, you will receive confirmation of your acceptance into Project EASE. The annual grant will be provided to support your dependents’ education for up to four years, giving them a better chance to fulfill their dreams.
Project EASE aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by affected OFW families and contribute to the educational opportunities of their children. By taking advantage of this program, you can ensure that your dependents continue to receive support for their education despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Requirements
Applicants must be able to present the following documents for screening and approval:
- Completed application form
- Passport of the OFW member
- Proof of arrival, such as a boarding pass or arrival stamp
- Proof of dismissal/repatriation
- An official receipt or any proof of active OWWA membership
- Proof of dependent’s relationship to the OFW, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate
Copy of dependent’s grades from the previous/last semester enrolled in.”
How to Process Project EASE Program
In light of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, Project EASE applications are to be filed online in order to prevent congestion in OWWA offices.
- Access the application form at: https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/.
- Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
- Gather all the required documentary requirements specified by OWWA.
- Double-check all the information you entered in the application form to ensure accuracy.
- Attach the scanned copies or digital files of the documentary requirements to your application.
- Submit your application via email to the OWWA Regional Office corresponding to your location. The email address should be provided on the OWWA website.
- If you have a stable internet connection, send the application and requirements as email attachments.
- If your internet connectivity is not reliable, save and print your application form and all the documentary requirements. Send them to your local OWWA office via courier service.
- After submission, you will receive a reference or tracking number via text message or email. This number can be used to track the status of your application.
- OWWA will notify you through text message, email, or phone call regarding the approval of your application.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a downloadable Scholarship Agreement via email.
- Sign and notarize the Scholarship Agreement as instructed.
- Return the signed and notarized Scholarship Agreement to your local OWWA office through courier service.
- OWWA will notify you via text message or email about the process to claim your grant.
Please note that it’s important to provide accurate and complete information throughout the application process. Stay in touch with OWWA through the contact information they provide for any inquiries or further assistance.
Project EASE Application Form Online
You can easily access the OWWA EASE application form online and register your details in the dedicated portal here – https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/.
How to Track the Status of Project EASE Application
“If you wish to check the progress of your EASE application, you have the option to track it online using the website https://easetracker.owwa.gov.ph/.
All you need to do is enter your name and email in the provided form, then click on the “Search” button. By doing so, you will be able to view the current status of your application.
You can refer to the accompanying image for a visual representation of the EASE status inquiry form.”
As per the latest update, the applications for Project EASE will undergo screening together with those from Tabang OFW. Therefore, the same application form will be used. This is done to enable the OWWA and relevant agencies overseeing both projects to evaluate whether you meet the qualifications for either one or both projects.
Project EASE Scholarship for OFW Dependents
Presented is tutorial featuring a Filipino individual discussing the OWWA Project EASE. , he provides an explanation of the Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies (EASE) and its intended beneficiaries. This will help you gain an understanding of the scholarship project
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers about the Project EASE program for OFW dependents:
1. Who is qualified to apply for Project EASE?
College-level children of married or single parent active OWWA OFW members who are under 30 years of age, as well as college-level children, siblings, or nephews/nieces of single active OWWA OFW members who are also under 30 years old, are eligible to apply for Project EASE.
2. How much is the scholarship grant?
Approved applicants are entitled to an annual grant of PhP 10,000 for four (4) years.
3. If we are both OFWs, can we have separate applications?
No, married OFWs are only entitled to one (1) slot for Project EASE, even if they are both active OWWA members.
4. Can a dependent be a beneficiary of Project EASE and another grant?
No, if the dependent is already receiving another OWWA scholarship, such as the Education for Development Scholarship (EDSP), OFW Dependent Scholarship (ODSP), or Education for Livelihood Assistance (ELAP), he or she will not be eligible for Project EASE
Once I apply for the grant, will it be guaranteed?
Please note that applying for the grant does not guarantee you a slot. All applications will undergo screening and assessment by the OWWA Regional Office, in collaboration with representative partner agencies
6. How will I receive the grant?
Approved applicants must have an active bank account in their name and include it in their application. The grant will be sent directly to this bank account. If the applicant does not have a personal bank account, the grant will be sent to the bank account of their OFW contact or relative.
Summary
Project EASE, similar to the Tabang OFW and other OWWA scholarship grants, is designed to serve as a stepping stone for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents to bring them closer to their aspirations. It stands as a testament to the fact that the tireless efforts of Filipinos abroad will always yield positive outcomes with the support of OWWA.
Applying for OWWA scholarships such as to Avail Project EASE Scholarship for OFW Dependents is highly advantageous due to the multitude of benefits they provide. If you have been impacted by the pandemic and have children or dependents pursuing higher education, it is highly recommended to make the most of the opportunities offered through the OWWA EASE project.
