To Avail TABANGOFW Scholarship for Dependents
The Tabang OFW Program is a special educational assistance project initiated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) specifically designed for college students who are dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This program aims to provide support to OFW families who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including cases where the OFW has lost their jobs, passed away, or been repatriated.
Under this program, the dependent of the OFW will receive a cash scholarship aid amounting to Php 30,000. To avail of the Tabang OFW Program, you have two options: you can either apply through their official website or visit the OWWA Regional Office nearest to you. balik manggagawais important to follow the application guidelines provided below for a successful application.
It’s worth noting that there is another scholarship project offered by OWWA called the Project EASE scholarship, which is also intended for individuals affected by the pandemic. When you apply for the to Avail Tabang OFW Scholarship for Dependents, you will automatically be considered for the Project EASE scholarship as well. The approval of your application will be evaluated based on your eligibility for both scholarships.
For further information and assistance, please refer to the official OWWA website or contact your nearest OWWA Regional Office.
Overview
The Tabang OFW project, initiated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), aims to support the dependents of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are pursuing college education. This project is a response to the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UNIFAST).
Many Filipinos choose to work abroad with the hope of providing a better future for their families. However, not all overseas employment experiences are positive, and there are instances when OFWs are forced to return home due to maltreatment, unfair working conditions, or job loss caused by their employers’ business downturn.
In such situations, government agencies like OWWA play a vital role in safeguarding the welfare of millions of OFWs and their dependents. The Tabang OFW project serves as a means to assist the college education of the children of OWWA OFW members. It was launched in 2020, initially offering a one-time grant of PHP 30,000 to the college-level children of OFWs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whether an OFW has been repatriated, dismissed from their job, or even deceased, it is important to know that assistance is available through the Tabang OFW project. It strives to help OFWs’ children attain higher education and secure a better future.
Benefits
Qualified applicants are eligible to receive a one-time grant of PHP 30,000 to cover their educational expenses. It is important to note that this grant is provided as a scholarship and not as a loan. Therefore, recipients do not need to be concerned about repayment. This initiative is part of the projects undertaken by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) aimed at supporting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents
Qualifications
To be deemed eligible for the Tabang OFW project, the dependent must:
admission and retention in state universities and colleges (SUCs), CHED-accredited local universities and colleges (LUCs), and private higher education institutions (HEIs), you must meet the following criteria:
- Meet the admission and retention requirements set by the respective institutions, including not exceeding the maximum residency requirements.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or post-secondary program offered by a state university or college, a CHED-accredited local university or college, or a private higher education institute listed in the CHED registry. Additionally, you should not have been expelled from any of these institutions.
- Be a dependent of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who has been dismissed from employment, repatriated, or passed away due to COVID-19.
- Not be a recipient of another scholarship grant funded by the government.
Please note that these qualifications are presented in a concise manner and may vary slightly depending on the specific guidelines and policies of the institutions and scholarship programs you are applying to. It is always recommended to consult the official documentation and reach out to the concerned authorities for accurate and up-to-date information.
Requirements
To apply for Tabang OFW, you must submit the following documents upon application, as required by OWWA and UNIFAST:
OWWA Requirements:
- Passport, including any other travel documents
- Proof of arrival
- Proof of displacement, such as a letter from the company, POLO office, or affidavit
- Death certificates or similar documents, for deceased OFWs
- Proof of dependent’s relationship to OFW (i.e., dependent’s birth certificate)
The most effective method to apply for this program is by using the online application form. Simply complete the form with your personal details and any other required information, and then await a notification regarding the status of your application.
To begin the application process, please visit https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/ and fill out the application form provided. Remember to attach any necessary documentary requirements before submitting your application. Afterward, you will need to wait for a message from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) confirming your slot in the program.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive a notification via text message or email. It is advisable, especially during the ongoing pandemic, to follow the online procedure and minimize physical contact with others. Applying online is also more convenient as you can complete the application from the comfort of your own home.
Tabang OFW Application through OWWA Regional Office
You may also inquire about this program through the OWWA Regional Welfare Office in your province. Here are the steps:
- Visit your local OWWA Regional office to obtain a copy of the application form. It is advisable to set up an appointment before your visit to ensure efficient processing.
- Fill out the application form with the required information and attach all the necessary documentary requirements.
- Submit your completed application for screening. The OWWA Office will review and endorse screened applications to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which will then create the master list of beneficiaries for approval by CHED-UNIFAST.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a text or email notification containing instructions on how to claim your grant.
- However, due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country, it is recommended that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or their dependents apply online for easier transactions. If you already have an existing OWWA appointment scheduled, you may inquire about the online application process.
- Once approved, the grant can be received in two ways: a. It may be directly sent to the applicant or the OFW through a bank transfer. b. Alternatively, it can be claimed at authorized money remittance centers.
Please note that this information is based on the latest available data up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes to the application process since then. It is advisable to consult the official OWWA website or contact your local OWWA Regional office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Tabang OFW Application Form
You can easily access the application form online and register your details in the dedicated portal here – https://ease.owwa.gov.ph/.
How to Track the Status of the Tabang OFW Application
You may also opt to track your application upon submission through the following steps:
- Access the Tabang OFW Tracker through the link: https://tabangtracker.owwa.gov.ph/
- Fill in the beneficiary’s name and email then click “Search”. The name and email must match the one entered in the application form.
How to Claim Tabang OFW Application
Tabang OFW Infographics
Check out this infographic which features the Tabang OFW project and everything you need to know about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about the Tabang OFW program for OFW dependents:
1. Who are the beneficiaries of Tabang OFW?
The Tabang OFW project is designed to provide assistance to college-level children of OWWA OFW members who have been terminated from their jobs, repatriated, or deceased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Who can be considered “dependents” of OFWs?
A dependent of an OFW can be either:
A child who is single and not older than 30 years, in the case of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who is married; or A child, sibling, or godchild (nephew or niece) who is single and not older than 30 years, in the case of an OFW who is married.
3. What are the benefits of the Tabang OFW project?
A one-time monetary assistance of PHP 30,000 is granted to qualified applicants.
4. Can I apply for more than one child?
No, you can only apply for one college-level dependent for this project. Married OFW applicants may choose to select one of their children as a beneficiary of the program. Alternatively, they can opt to apply for their sibling or godchild, provided that all the individuals are under 30 years of age
5. Once I apply for the project, am I guaranteed the grant?
No, applying for the project does not guarantee you the grant, as all applications are screened prior to approval.
6. If approved, when will I receive my grant?
Applicants who have been approved will have the option to receive their grant through either a bank transfer or electronic payment. Alternatively, they can claim the grant at authorized remittance centers within a period of two (2) weeks after their application has been approved.
7. Until when can I apply for Tabang OFW?
The project only runs until all funds have been used, so there is no definite date as to when you can apply.
8. If I did not qualify, are there any other OWWA grants I can apply for?
The Tabang OFW project provides assistance to dependents whose overseas Filipino worker (OFW) relative has passed away, been repatriated, affected by COVID-19, or dismissed due to similar reasons. If you are an employed OFW, you have the option to apply for other scholarship programs available for your dependents, including the Educational Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP), Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), and others.
Summary
With the significant uncertainty surrounding overseas employment, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) require additional support, particularly for their families who rely on them. This situation can be equally distressing for both parties. However, with the implementation of OWWA’s Tabang OFW Scholarship for Dependents project, we can find solace in the knowledge that our future is secure.
For OFWs, it is crucial to renew and maintain an active OWWA membership to fully utilize and maximize the benefits of this program for your loved ones.
Contact Details
For more information and further inquiries on Tabang OFW and other OWWA projects, visit the OWWA official website at www.owwa.gov.ph or their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/owwaofficial.
