For millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), leaving home to work abroad is a sacrifice made to secure a better future for their families. However, working in a foreign land comes with its own set of challenges and risks. This is where the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) steps in.
If you are an aspiring OFW, a current migrant worker, or a family member of one, know that OWWA can offer you many benefits . It acts as your safety net, ensuring that while you work hard abroad, your welfare and your family’s well-being are protected back home.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the agency, from its core mission to the specific benefits active members can enjoy.
What is OWWA?
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, commonly known as OWWA, is the lead government agency in the Philippines tasked with protecting and promoting the welfare and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents.
Originally created in 1977 as the Welfare Fund for Overseas Workers, it has evolved into a comprehensive welfare institution. Today, it is an attached agency of the newly formed Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
OWWA functions as a membership institution. This means that to access its full range of services, benefits, and programs, an OFW must be a registered, active member. The funds used to support these programs come directly from the contributions of its members and their employers, effectively making it a trust fund pooled for the exclusive benefit of OFWs.
Vision
OWWA envisions itself as the premier government agency for the protection and promotion of the welfare and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers and their families.
Mission
Its mission is to develop and implement responsive social protection programs and services for its members and their families. It aims to ensure that OFWs are supported during every stage of their migration journey—from pre-departure and employment abroad to their eventual reintegration into Philippine society.
Organization Officers
OWWA is governed by a Board of Trustees and managed by a Secretariat. The key leadership positions that steer the agency include:
- Board of Trustees:
- Chairperson (Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers)
- Vice-Chairperson (OWWA Administrator)
- Members (Representing Labor, Management, Land-based OFWs, Sea-based OFWs, and Government agencies like DFA, DOF, DBM, and DOLE)
- Secretariat:
- Administrator
- Deputy Administrator for Administration and Fund Management
- Deputy Administrator for Operations
Main Headquarters Location
The central operations of the agency are managed from its main office in Pasay City.
Address:
F.B. Harrison Street, corner 7th Street,
Pasay City, Philippines
List of OWWA Regional Welfare Offices in Philippines
To ensure services are accessible to OFW families across the archipelago, OWWA maintains Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs) in every administrative region. You can visit these offices to apply for scholarships, file welfare cases, or claim benefits.
- National Capital Region (NCR): Malate, Manila
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Baguio City
- Region I (Ilocos Region): San Fernando City, La Union
- Region II (Cagayan Valley): Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
- Region III (Central Luzon): City of San Fernando, Pampanga
- Region IV-A (CALABARZON): Calamba City, Laguna
- Region IV-B (MIMAROPA): Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
- Region V (Bicol Region): Legazpi City, Albay
- Region VI (Western Visayas): Iloilo City
- Region VII (Central Visayas): Cebu City
- Region VIII (Eastern Visayas): Tacloban City
- Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula): Pagadian City
- Region X (Northern Mindanao): Cagayan de Oro City
- Region XI (Davao Region): Davao City
- Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN): Koronadal City
- Caraga Region: Butuan City
- BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao): Cotabato City
List of OWWA Offices Abroad
For OFWs currently working overseas, OWWA is present in various countries through Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), formerly known as Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs). These offices are usually housed within the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
Middle East:
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar)
- United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
- Qatar (Doha)
- Kuwait
- Bahrain (Manama)
- Oman (Muscat)
- Jordan (Amman)
- Lebanon (Beirut)
- Israel (Tel Aviv)
Asia-Pacific:
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
- Brunei
- Japan (Tokyo, Osaka)
- South Korea (Seoul)
- Taiwan (Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung)
- Macau
Europe and the Americas:
- Italy (Rome, Milan)
- United Kingdom (London)
- Greece (Athens)
- Spain (Madrid)
- Germany (Berlin)
- United States (Washington D.C., Los Angeles)
- Canada (Vancouver, Toronto)
List of OWWA Benefits for Active Members
Being an active member of OWWA unlocks a suite of benefits designed to protect you socially, financially, and professionally. These benefits extend to your immediate family members as well.
1. Social Benefits
- Disability and Dismemberment Benefit: Cash assistance for members who suffer from work-related injuries or accidents resulting in partial or total disability.
- Death Benefit: Financial assistance provided to the beneficiaries of a deceased member (P100,000 for natural death; P200,000 for accidental death).
- Burial Benefit: An additional P20,000 to assist with funeral costs.
2. Education and Training Programs
- Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP): A scholarship for qualified dependents of active OWWA members attending a 4-year or 5-year baccalaureate course.
- OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP): Educational assistance for dependents of OFWs receiving a monthly salary of not more than US$600.
- Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP): Technical-vocational training assistance for OFWs or their dependents.
- Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP): Job-related training for sea-based members to upgrade their skills and maritime ranks.
3. Repatriation Assistance Program
In times of distress, war, or political unrest, OWWA facilitates the safe return of OFWs to the Philippines. This includes airport assistance, temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home, and transport to their home provinces.
4. Reintegration Program
- Enterprise Development and Loan Program (EDLP): A partnership with government banks to provide loans for OFWs who want to start a business in the Philippines.
- Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program: A livelihood support package meant to provide immediate relief to returning member-OFWs (distressed or displaced) amounting to P20,000.
How to Become a Member of OWWA
Membership in OWWA is mandatory for OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) processing, but voluntary membership is also available for those whose membership has expired or who were not processed by the POEA/DMW.
Membership Validity:
Membership is valid for two (2) years, regardless of the contract duration, change of employer, job site, or recruitment agency.
Ways to Renew or Register:
- Upon Enrollment/Processing: When you process your employment documents at the DMW (formerly POEA), the OWWA fee is usually assessed and paid there.
- On-Site Membership: Visit the MWO/POLO at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country.
- OWWA Mobile App: This is the most convenient method. You can download the OWWA Mobile App, register your profile, and pay the membership fee (USD 25 or its local currency equivalent) via accredited payment partners (banks, e-wallets, or payment centers).
OWWA Ecard
The OWWA E-Card is an identification card issued to active members. It serves as a proof of active membership and facilitates easier access to OWWA programs and services.
Key Features:
- Physical ID: It is a standard plastic ID card that you can keep in your wallet.
- Government-Recognized: It is recognized as a valid government ID in the Philippines.
- Access to Services: It can be presented at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office or Philippine Embassy abroad to avail of services.
- Not a Smart Card: Unlike digital banking cards, it does not contain a microchip or a QR code. It is primarily for identification purposes.
To get one, active members must apply online via the official OWWA website or the OWWA Mobile App and set an appointment for pickup at their designated regional office.
FAQs about OWWA
1. Is OWWA membership mandatory?
Yes, for OFWs processing their documents with the DMW (formerly POEA), payment of the OWWA contribution is mandatory. However, for OFWs already abroad without an active membership, registration is voluntary but highly recommended to access benefits.
2. How much is the OWWA membership fee?
The contribution is US$25.00 or its equivalent in the local currency of the host country.
3. What happens if my membership expires?
If your membership expires, you are considered an “inactive” member. While you can still access some reintegration services, you will not be eligible for social benefits like scholarships, medical assistance, or cash grants until you renew your membership.
4. Can I renew my membership even if I am currently in the Philippines?
Yes. You can renew your membership through the OWWA Mobile App or by visiting the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office, provided you have a valid employment contract or proof of ongoing employment abroad.
5. Are the benefits transferable?
Most social benefits (like death and burial) are for the member or their beneficiaries. However, education and training benefits (scholarships) are specifically designed to be transferred to or utilized by qualified dependents (children or siblings of the OFW).