For OFWs and their families in Region 13, getting the support they need during medical emergencies, natural calamities, or economic crises is made possible through the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) in Butuan City.
The regional office serves the five provinces that make up Region 13 or Caraga Region: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands. According to the 2024 census, the total population of the region is more than 2.8 million people.
OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) 13
Like other regional offices across the country, OWWA RWO 13 offers programs and services for OFWs and their families. These include education and training such as college scholarships and short-term courses. It also supports overseas Filipinos in distress by providing repatriation assistance, along with reintegration assistance. All of these services are facilitated by the office through its Education and Training Unit, Reintegration Unit, Welfare Case Unit, and other divisions.
Situated at the Nimfa Tiu Building II in Butuan City, OWWA RWO 13 is open from Mondays to Fridays, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Address: Nimfa Tiu Building II, Jose Rosales Ave, Butuan City, 8600 Agusan del Norte
Telephone: (085) 815-1894 / (085) 817-3504
Email: caraga@owwa.gov.ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owwa.caraga/
Location Map:
Image Credit: Owwa Caraga / Facebook
Local Outreach and Mobile Caravans
Unlike other regional offices, OWWA RWO 13 does not operate permanent satellite or field offices in Caraga. However, it actively coordinates with local government units (LGUs) through their municipal or provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Likewise, it also regularly conducts mobile “info-caravans” in different parts of the region, processing memberships, e-cards, and providing various programs and services.
Image Credit: Owwa Caraga / Facebook
OWWA RWO 13 Helps OFWs and Families in Trento, Agusan del Sur
On 19 August 2026, OWWA RWO 13 granted checks amounting to PHP 75,000 to OFWs and their families in Trento, Agusan del Sur. The financial assistance was given as part of the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) Program and the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP).
Notably, BPBH is a livelihood support package that aims to provide immediate assistance to distressed or displaced OFWs. Under this program, beneficiaries may receive up to PHP 20,000 as star-up capital or additional support for their livelihood projects.
Meanwhile, ELAP is a program that provides educational and livelihood support for dependents of deceased OFWs, including convicted OFWs who are facing the death penalty in another country. The children or siblings of OFWs shall receive educational assistance, while the surviving spouse will receive livelihood training and assistance.
Thanks to OWWA RWO 13, OFWs and their families in Caraga Region can expect to receive help and support, especially when they need it the most. As for its educational and training programs, OWWA works closely with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which provides a wide range of technical and vocational training to Filipinos. Check out this article to learn more about this agency.