The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides livelihood assistance not just to individual OFWs, but groups of OFWs who are planning to establish or expand their businesses. This is done through the “Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs” or Tulong PUSO Program.
Basically, the Tulong PUSO Program is a one-time livelihood financial grant designed to support OFW groups that are recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), or the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Qualified groups may receive up to PHP 1 million in financial assistance for starting or expanding their businesses.
Benefits
The Tulong PUSO Program may apply to different types of livelihood projects: startups, business expansion, or restoration. Depending on the number of OFW members and the type of livelihood project involved, it offers a minimum of PHP 150,000 up to a maximum of PHP 1,000,000 as financial grant.
Eligibility
OFW groups that are recognized by the SEC, CDA, or DOLE may be eligible for the program. At least 80 percent of the group and/or their families must be active members of OWWA.
Requirements
When applying for the Tulong PUSO Program, OFW groups need to prepare the following documents:
- Accomplished Application Form;
- Copy of registration certificate issued by SEC, CDA, or DOLE;
- OFW Group Profile and Members’ Profile indicating that 80 percent are OWWA members and/or their families;
- Audited Financial Statements certified by the Group/Association Treasurer and Auditor, when applicable;
- Certification signed by OFW Group President stating the names of duly authorized representatives (maximum of three) who will deal with the concerned OWWA Regional Office throughout the entire program phases;
- Affidavit of Undertaking by OFW Group on how to manage and grow the business; and
- Business Proposal and Feasibility Study with proof of equity of at least 20 percent, comprising of available and/or existing capital assets, bank accounts/statements, and other similar proof.
Application Process
Meanwhile, here is an overview of the program’s application process:
- The OFW Group accomplishes the Application Form and submits all the required documents to the Reintegration Unit Staff – Tulong PUSO Focal Person at the nearest OWWA Regional Office.
- The OFW Group attends the Pre-Orientation and Pre-Social Preparation through a face-to-face or online seminar.
- The OWWA Regional Office reviews and evaluates the application. If necessary, the OFW Group provides additional information or clarification regarding their Business Plan/Proposal.
- The OWWA Regional Review Committee (RRC) and Regional Office Director deliberate on whether to approve or disapprove the group’s proposal.
- If the proposal is approved, the OFW Group may claim their financial assistance from OWWA. The grant is released in three tranches.
NOTE: The processing time for the program is around 36 working days, starting from the submission of application up to the release of financial assistance. However, the period may vary on a case to case basis.
For more information about the Tulong PUSO Program, interested applicants are urged to visit the OWWA official website.
Once an OFW Group’s application is approved, members are expected to responsibly manage and sustain their business or livelihood project.
Notably, the Tulong PUSO Program is just one of OWWA’s initiatives, as it seeks to help OFWs and their families in different ways. The Education and Livelihood Assistant Program (ELAP) is also part of the agency’s efforts. Check out this guide to learn more about the ELAP program.