Dependents of OFWs Affected by the Pandemic Can Avail OWWA’s Educational Assistance; Here’s How

For OFWs who have been affected by the pandemic, here are two education assistance programs you can avail of so that your qualified dependents can continue their tertiary education despite the challenges brought by the pandemic. Read below to know more about how to apply for Project EASE and Tabang OFW programs along with the requirements and qualifications.

The pandemic has affected employment on a global scale. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have not been spared by the pandemic’s effects on health and the economy. Some have been displaced, repatriated, and unfortunately, some have been victims of the virus themselves.

Project EASE

What is Project EASE?

Project EASE or the Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies aims to provide educational assistance to qualified college-level dependents of active OWWA member-OFWs whose employment was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It aims to provide educational assistance of Php 10,000.00/year for a maximum of 4 years to qualified dependents.

Who are Qualified to Apply?

• Eligible dependent of active OWWA-member OFW (child of married OFW or sibling of single OFW)
• EASE applicants may also apply for the Tabang OFW

Not covered by Project EASE

• those with existing scholarship grants under ODSP, EDSP, ELAP-Education, and CMWSP
• In-active OWWA members
• undocumented workers

EASE Scholarship Requirements

To apply for EASE, prepare the following documents:

• copy of Valid Passport
• Flight ticket or boarding pass or arrival stamp attached in the Passport evidencing return to the country from February 1, 2020 onwards
• Official Receipt or other proof of OWWA Membership, for validation
• Proof of relationship to the OFW
  • Birth certificate (if child of married OFW);
  • CENOMAR of OFW and birth certificate of OFW and sibling (if active OWWA-member OFW is single)
• Certificate of Grade of the dependent
  • Certificate of grades/proof of grades from the last School Year/Semester attended with passing marks in all subjects from the last School Year/Semester attended. Students may be an incoming freshman or currently enrolled.

How to Apply for EASE

Here are the steps you need to follow when applying for an EASE educational grant:

Step 1

Qualified active OWWA-member OFWs shall file the applications for their designated child-beneficiary at ease.owwa.gov.phand submit all the required documents.

Step 2

The applicant shall receive a serial reference/tracking number via SMS or email. This is where you can monitor the status of your application.

NOTE: Applicants who submitted incomplete or invalid requirements shall be notified via SMS or email of the lacking/invalid requirement/s.

Step 3

If your application is approved, you will be issued a printable scholarship agreement online and will also be notified via phone call or email.

Tabang OFW

What is Tabang OFW Program?

Tabang OFW is a tertiary education/subsidy in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for dependents of repatriated, displaced, or deceased OFWs affected by COVID-19.

The Tabang OFW is a one-time grant of Php 30,000.00 to qualified dependents.

Who are Qualified to Apply?

• Filipino Citizen
• Unmarried child (below 30 years old) of married OFW
• Unmarried child, sibling, niece, or nephew (below 30 years old) of unmarried OFW
• Qualified in the admission & retention requirements of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), CHED-recognized Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) registered with CHED.
• Never been expelled
• Enrolled in college
• Dependent of OFW who is certified by DOLE-OWWA wherein that OFW lost his/her job or died due to COVID-19
• The applicant is not a beneficiary of other government scholarship grant. Beneficiaries of Project EASE can still qualify for TABANG OFW.

Tabang OFW Requirements

• Copy of Valid Passport
• Flight ticket or boarding pass or arrival stamp (February 2020 onwards)
• Proof of relationship to the OFW
  • If OFW is married
    • Birth certificate of child
  • If OFW is single
    • Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of OFW
    • Birth certificate of OFW
    • Birth certificate of sibling
• Filled up assessment form or Admission Test Result
• Proof of displacement
  • POLO/Company Certification
  • Death Certificate (in case the OFW died)
  • Embassy/Consulate Official Transmission
• Affidavit that the applicant is not a beneficiary of other scholarship grants as per DOLE AO 207 series of 2020

How to Apply for Tabang OFW

To apply for the Tabang OFW 30k grant, here are the steps:

Step 1

Fill out the online application form and submit the required documents by going to http://tabangofw-ease.owwa.gov.ph/

Step 2

OWWA Regional Welfare Officers will review your application before endorsement to DOLE Regional Offices.

Step 3

The qualified beneficiary will receive the Php30,000.00 cash assistance through bank transfer or electronic facility two weeks after the approval of your application.

For Inquiries

For inquiries regarding the education programs of OWWA, you may contact OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO-CAR) through the following:

Email address: [email protected]

Mobile hotlines

• 0917-500-1294 (Globe)
• 0999-994-9296 (Smart)
• 0917-320-1091 (Globe)

SOURCE: OWWA- Project EASE, DOLE Tabang OFW