Step-by-Step Guide: Availing OWWA MDA – Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program
Embarking on a maritime career and exploring the world through the seas may seem like a distant dream for many. However, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers a program called Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA), designed to support college graduates who aspire to become seafarers. This program provides a pathway for individuals who didn’t major in maritime studies or related fields, such as mechanical engineering (BS ME) or electrical engineering (BS EE), to pursue a career in maritime engineering (BS MarE). By enrolling in specialized courses in OWWA-accredited institutions or training centers, participants can obtain a bachelor’s degree and pass the licensure examination, ultimately becoming marine officers. Furthermore, this program offers financial assistance in the form of a grant and a monthly allowance to qualified beneficiaries.”Step-by-Step Guide: Availing OWWA MDA – Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program”
Overview of the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) Program: The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program serves as a bridging program for bachelor’s degree holders in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering who desire to enter the field of maritime engineering. This program facilitates the transition and equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to become marine officers.
Enrollment in Specialized Courses: Upon joining the MDA program, participants gain the opportunity to enroll in specialized courses offered by OWWA-accredited educational institutions or training centers. These courses are designed to supplement their existing bachelor’s degree and provide the specific knowledge required for a career in maritime engineering.
Obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree and Licensure Examination: Through the MDA program, participants are supported in completing their bachelor’s degree in maritime engineering. This comprehensive education prepares them for the challenges and responsibilities they will face as marine officers. Following the successful completion of their degree, participants must pass the licensure examination to officially become qualified marine officers.
Financial Support: The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program also provides financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries. These individuals are entitled to a grant of up to PhP 38,120, which can be used to cover various educational expenses. Additionally, beneficiaries receive a monthly allowance of PhP 15,000 for a duration of three months to help support them during their studies.
Seizing the Opportunity: If you or someone you know aspires to pursue a career as a full-time marine officer, the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program is an excellent opportunity to make that dream a reality. By following the outlined process and taking advantage of this scholarship program, individuals can maximize their chances of success in the maritime industry.
Conclusion: The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides a valuable pathway for college graduates to embark on a maritime career. By enrolling in specialized courses, completing a bachelor’s degree in maritime engineering, and passing the licensure examination, participants can become qualified marine officers. The program’s financial assistance further supports beneficiaries throughout their educational journey. For those with a passion for the seas, the MDA program offers an opportunity to turn their dreams into reality and explore the world through a fulfilling career in the maritime industry.
Overview
Here’s the information about the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) scholarship program:
The Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) scholarship program is specifically designed for college graduates who aspire to pursue a career in maritime studies. This program is offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and aims to support individuals majoring in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering who wish to work in the shipping industry.
The MDA scholarship covers the expenses associated with your college education. OWWA allocates a maximum amount of PhP 38,120 per beneficiary. This amount includes the training fees that will be paid to an accredited school or center where you can undergo courses necessary to become a licensed mariner.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a strong interest in the maritime field, the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral scholarship can be a valuable opportunity to pursue your career goals and receive financial assistance for your education.
Please note that the information provided here is based on the details available up until September 2021. It’s recommended to verify the latest information regarding the MDA scholarship by contacting the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or visiting their official website.
Benefits
Qualified beneficiaries of the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program are eligible for monetary assistance of up to PhP 38,120. They are also entitled to receive a stipend of PhP 15,000 for a duration of three months.
These financial benefits are provided as additional support to the main advantage of the program, which is the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Maritime Engineering. By participating in the program, beneficiaries move one step closer to fulfilling their goal of obtaining this degree.
Qualifications
To qualify for the program, an applicant must be:
A Filipino citizen
- An individual who is an active member of OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) and has already submitted an application for OWWA membership, or is a qualified dependent of an active OWWA member.
- A qualified dependent of a married or single parent who is an OWWA member is defined as a single child who is not older than 30 years of age.
- Qualified dependents of single OWWA members include a single child, sibling, nephew, or niece who is not older than 30 years of age.
- Please note that paraphrasing aims to restate the information in a different way while maintaining its original meaning.
Requirements
Qualified applicants are required to attain the following documents to proceed with their application:
- Duly filled up Application Form
- Proof of OWWA membership (i.e: official receipt)
- 2 copies of recent and identical 2×2 ID photo
“Any of the following documents can be used to certify your most recent residency:
- NBI clearance with the code 00000
- Recent Internet, electrical, or water bill
- Recent bank statement or statement of account for your credit card
Either of the following documents can be used to certify your relationship to an OWWA OFW member:
- Birth certificate of the applicant, if the applicant is a child of a married or single parent OWWA OFW member
- Birth certificate of the applicant and CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage), if the applicant is a sibling, nephew, or niece of a single OWWA OFW member
You will also need to provide the following documents:
- Transcript of Records from the college or university you are currently enrolled in, for either BS Mechanical Engineering (BS ME) or BS Electrical Engineering (BS EE)
- Original Passport, Seafarer’s ID, or Record Book
- A sworn statement certifying that you are not currently receiving any government-funded scholarship grants and that you have no pending scholarship applications.”
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
How to Process OWWA Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Scholarship
Once your documentary requirements have been completed, you may proceed with the application process:
To apply, follow these steps:
- Visit your assigned OWWA Regional or Satellite Office to obtain an application form.
- Complete all necessary information on the form and attach all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application to the OWWA office.
- Await contact from an authorized OWWA representative who will verify your application.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a Scholarship Agreement Form via email. Print the form, sign it, have it notarized, and return the signed copy to the OWWA Regional Office for confirmation.
Please note that this translation has been done based on the provided information. If there are specific terms or abbreviations that need clarification, please let me know.
General Guidelines
“Please ensure that you have all the necessary documents before submitting your application, as only applications with complete documentary requirements will be processed.
Once accepted, applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NOA), which must be submitted to the OWWA-approved training center where they plan to enroll for a marine engineering degree. The NOA will be valid for 45 days from the date of acceptance, so it’s important to present it upon enrollment.
OWWA will announce the eligible beneficiaries for the program, and the financial grant will be sent directly through a bank transfer. Therefore, it is required that you have a bank account under your name in order to receive the grant if you are accepted.
Please note that the financial grant may not cover the entire tuition fee for your chosen school or training center. Any additional costs will be the responsibility of the applicant.”
I hope this paraphrase is clear and helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please go over these FAQs so you can get a better idea what to expect from this OWWA MDA scholarship for seafarers.
1. Is the program exclusive for engineering graduates?
“The program is tailored for individuals who have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering and have the intention of building a career in Marine Engineering. The program involves completing a bachelor’s degree and successfully passing the licensure examination.”
2. Can we apply for more than one dependent if we are both OWWA members?
No, if you are a married OFW OWWA member, even if your spouse is also a member, you are only entitled to one (1) qualified dependent for this program.
3. How much is the grant for MDA? How often will it be given?
“Qualified beneficiaries will receive a single scholarship grant, which can amount to a maximum of PhP 38,120. In addition, they will also receive a monthly stipend of PhP 15,000 for a duration of 3 months. The specific amount of the one-time grant will be determined on a case-by-case basis, following a thorough review and assessment conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and relevant agencies.”
4. Can I still apply if the tuition in my intended school exceeds the grant?
Yes, you can still apply. However, additional costs from the school shall be shouldered by the applicant, should they qualify for the program.
5. Am I required to be an OWWA member upon accepting the grant?
No, beneficiaries who complete the degree are not required to be OWWA members, although it is highly encouraged, especially if you intend to work overseas.
Summary
The OWWA Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program truly lives up to its name by connecting individuals to their dreams and fostering the Filipino service worldwide. To all those who aspire to become mariners, it is crucial to seize this opportunity and move closer to expanding your horizons with the OWWA MDA.
If you want to learn more about the MDA and other programs offered by OWWA, you can visit their website at www.owwa.gov.ph or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial. Additionally, you can stay updated on the latest projects and programs by downloading the OWWA Mobile App.”Step-by-Step Guide: Availing OWWA MDA – Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program”
Make sure to take advantage of these resources and embark on a journey towards achieving your goals in the maritime industry.
